Swarthy swashbuckler Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag takes to the high seas this October packing in not one, but two different pirate protagonists. Announced back in June, PlayStation gamers are set to receive exclusive access to handheld heroine Aveline when the game drops anchor on October 29th.
The franchise’s first and only female lead, Aveline appears here by virtue of the series’ in-game Animus tech. Transported centuries into the character’s future, the Assassin’s Creed 3: Liberation star will appear in three all-new adventures as penned by Liberation lead writer Jill Murray.
Speaking to Ubisoft's official blog, AC4 scriptwriter Darby McDevitt explained:
“It’s a ways forward so Aveline is a bit older. It’s not directly related to the end of her story. If Assassin’s Creed IV is like a novel, Aveline’s missions are like a short story.”
Taking roughly one hour to traverse, the additional content will buffer the series’ extensive lore by exploring the genesis behind sinister Templar-run Corporation Abstergo. As McDevitt explained during the game’s San Diego Comic-Con showing this month, Abstergo employees “are working on retrieving different genetic memories from all kinds of different people,” utilizing an Animus upgrade that allows users to remove subjects from their own experiences and timelines.
In other Assassin’s Creed 4-related news, Ubisoft is treating franchise-loving landlubbers to a blast of all-new multiplayer screenshots. The pictures include a number of costumes, characters and weapon sets, as well as a sneak peek at the game’s matchmaking menu setup. Scroll below to feast your eyes on this latest loot, and be sure to check out our hands-on impressions of the game's new multiplayer mode.
[gallery columns="2" link="file" ids="196628,196627,196626,196625,196623,196624,196622,196620,196621,196619"]
Retailer exclusive pre-order incentives include:
USA
The Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag US Limited Edition
Amazon.com
- ‘Mystery Island’ Treasure Hunt (exclusive side-mission)
- Stede Bonnet’s Ship
- Stede Bonnet’s Outfit
Wallmart.com
- ‘Sacrifice Island’ Treasure Hunt (exclusive side-mission)
- Captain Drake’s dual-wield swords and pistols
- Drake’s Outfit
- Multiplayer enhancement items, including Drake title and relics.
Gamestop.com
- ‘Black Island’ Treasure Hunt (exclusive side-mission)
- 'The Black Ship’ Vessel
- Captain Morgan’s dual pistols
- Multiplayer enhancement items, including Morgan title and relics.
UK
Amazon.co.uk
- ‘Trove of Mystery’ Treasure Hunt (exclusive side-mission)
- Golden dual-wield swords
- Treasure Hunter Outfit, Ship’s Wheel Skin and relic
- Exclusive Access to ‘The Watch’ (a European ‘VIP’ hub designed for ACIV. Includes ‘Watch’-only incentives, information and networking.
Game.co.uk (as the more expensive ‘Game Edition’)
- [Same as Wallmart]
- Plus: ‘Captain Kenway’s Legacy’ pack — featuring additional items.
Tesco.com
- ‘Castaway’s Prize’ Treasure Map Pack (featuring Andreas Island, Cage Island & Florida locations)
- ‘Crooked Island’ Treasure Hunt (exclusive side-mission)
- PDF format ACIV World Map
Canada
ebGames.ca
- [Same as Gamestop]
- Plus: Todd McFarlane-designed ACIV poster
Bestbuy.ca
- ‘Lost Treasures’ Treasure Hunt (exclusive side-mission)
- Multiplayer enhancement items, including additional title, relics & ship’s wheel skin
____
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag will set sail for the current-gen coast on October 29th (USA) & November 1st (UK) for Xbox 360, PS3 & Wii U consoles. PC, PS4 & Xbox One editions of the game are confirmed but without fixed release dates. The Aveline character and associated missions are a PlayStation brand exclusive.
You can follow Sam on Twitter @GamingGoo.