Ubisoft's recently released remake of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, titled Black Flag Resynced, has introduced a cash shop and weekly challenges, elements that were not present in the original 13-year-old game. This addition has drawn criticism from players and critics who feel these features detract from the experience of a full-priced remake.
The game, largely faithful to its predecessor, includes new islands, ship officers, and an extended story that reportedly integrate seamlessly. However, the inclusion of a microtransaction store, described as "obnoxious" and featuring items like outfits and faux battle passes, has been a point of contention. The store is prominently displayed on the main menu, with additional advertisements appearing when the game is paused.
Players have noted that accessing the in-game store requires fewer button presses than saving progress, highlighting its intrusive nature. The store offers a variety of cosmetic items, including "immersion-breaking" outfits, and resource packs that reveal treasure map locations. While some argue these additions do not directly impact gameplay for those who choose not to purchase them, the presence of a cash shop within a single-player, full-priced remake is seen as a significant departure from the original's design.
Furthermore, the remake incorporates "Animus Projects" inspired by Assassin's Creed Shadows, featuring reward tracks that function similarly to battle passes. Progress is made by completing weekly challenges. While some rewards, such as Connor's robes, can be obtained through an in-game exchange using keys earned from these challenges, the absence of originally included outfits for Altair and Ezio suggests they may appear in the store later.
Critics argue that these systems undermine potential improvements to the remake, particularly regarding new cosmetic options. The new skins developed by Ubisoft are exclusively available for purchase, while original outfits have been moved from merchants to chests scattered throughout the map. This design choice is seen as a missed opportunity to reward players for exploring the expanded world.
The introduction of weekly challenges, reminiscent of live-service multiplayer games, has also been met with disappointment. The sentiment expressed is that players would prefer to earn cosmetic rewards through in-game exploration and discovery, rather than by completing repetitive, "mindless challenges."
In essence, while Black Flag Resynced offers a visually updated and expanded version of a beloved title, the integration of microtransactions and live-service mechanics has led to accusations that Ubisoft prioritizes monetization over player experience, a move that critics feel is more faithful to the company's recent business practices than to the spirit of the original game.