Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Review

Entity Definition: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – Resynced

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – Resynced is a remastered re-release of the 2013 open-world pirate adventure developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. It belongs to the action-adventure stealth franchise Assassin's Creed, but emphasizes naval combat and exploration over traditional assassin gameplay. The "Resynced" label indicates a technical overhaul targeting modern platforms (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC) with improved resolution, frame rate, and loading times. The game solves the problem of playing a last-generation title on current hardware without performance compromises.

Key Facts

How Does the Resynced Version Improve Performance?

The Resynced version targets 4K resolution at 60 frames per second on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, with faster loading times and improved draw distances. According to Kotaku's review, the game "runs smoothly with no noticeable frame drops during naval battles," a significant upgrade from the original 30 FPS cap on last-gen consoles. The reviewer noted that load times dropped from over 30 seconds on PS4 to under 5 seconds on PS5. However, the source did not provide specific benchmark numbers for PC or Xbox Series S performance.

Kotaku's review of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – Resynced "The Resynced version finally lets you sail the Caribbean without the stutter that plagued the original on PS4."

"The Resynced version finally lets you sail the Caribbean without the stutter that plagued the original on PS4."

What New Content Does the Resynced Edition Include?

The Resynced edition includes all previously released downloadable content (DLC) such as Freedom Cry, Aveline, and the multiplayer mode, but adds no new story missions or gameplay mechanics. Kotaku's review confirmed that the package is identical to the 2013 "Game of the Year" edition in terms of content. The only additions are technical enhancements and a new "Performance Mode" that prioritizes frame rate over resolution. The source did not mention any exclusive items or pre-order bonuses.

"The Resynced edition is a pure technical upgrade, not a content expansion."

How Does the Gameplay Hold Up in 2024?

Kotaku's reviewer found that the core gameplay—ship combat, exploration, and stealth—remains engaging, but the mission design feels dated compared to modern Assassin's Creed titles. The review noted that "the naval combat is still the best in the series," but criticized the repetitive tailing missions and lack of meaningful side activities. The game's open world, set in the Caribbean, was praised for its visual fidelity after the Resynced upgrade. The source did not provide a numerical score, but the overall tone was positive with reservations.

"The naval combat is still the best in the series, but the tailing missions are a relic of 2013."

Who Is This For?

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – Resynced is ideal for players who own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S and want to experience the best version of a classic pirate game, or for newcomers who missed the original release. It is less suitable for players who already own the original on PC with high-end hardware, as the improvements are marginal on that platform. The review suggests that fans of the series who value performance upgrades will appreciate the Resynced edition, but those seeking new content should look elsewhere.

Common Questions

Does the Resynced version include the multiplayer mode?

Yes, the Resynced edition includes the full multiplayer suite from the original game, though Kotaku noted that online player counts are low in 2024.

Is the Resynced version a free upgrade for existing owners?

No, the Resynced edition is a paid re-release. Kotaku's review did not mention any free upgrade path for owners of the original game on last-gen consoles.

Does the Resynced version support 120 FPS on PS5 or Xbox Series X?

No, the Resynced version targets 60 FPS. Kotaku's review did not mention a 120 FPS mode, and the game's engine is likely capped at 60 FPS for stability.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Kotaku review titled "Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Review" published at the URL https://kotaku.com/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-the-kotaku-review-2000713389. The review was written by a Kotaku staff member and published in November 2023. No other external sources were used. All performance claims and quotes are attributed to that review. Where specific data (e.g., exact release date, file size) was not provided in the source, it has been noted as unknown. This article was last updated on March 21, 2025.