Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag was originally released on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and the Wii U. Now the game is available on the Playstation 4, and the “Companion App” is downloadable on iOS and Android tablets.
The Playstation 4 console launches in less than a day, and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is now available as a launch title for the next generation console. On the Playstation 4, players can utilize Remote Play to stream the game from their Playstation 4 to their Playstation Vita via WiFi, allowing their television to be used for other purposes. Additionally, for a limited time, purchasing Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag for the Playstation 3 either as a physical disc or a digital download allows for a discounted download of the game from the Playstation 4 digital store. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag releases on the Xbox One and on PC on November 22, 2013.
Additionally, Ubisoft released the game’s “Companion App,” a second screen experience. The app features a series of tools to compliment the console gameplay both in conjunction with console playing and away from the console. The world map makes the entire map viewable on the second screen as opposed to the in-game mini-map onscreen during gameplay. From the app, players can set waypoints for treasure chests, view and analyze treasure maps they find, and see enemies throughout the entire map for combat strategizing. Additionally, Kenway’s Fleet is available for fleet management including assigning ships to trading missions and engaging in the turn-based naval battles. Other uses includes accessing the animus database and reviewing your mission progress. You can view a walkthrough of the app here.
Accessibility Angle:
Second screen technology remains relatively new and not heavily integrated into video game systems. With the next console generation continuing its arrival in the next day, such technology may become more widespread.
Kenway’s Fleet is an ongoing evolution of the Assassin’s Creed trading system, which utilizes menu navigating and strategizing rather than twitch reaction gameplay. Such gameplay should port well to mobile devices, allowing all gamers more access to the game. Due to the newness of the technology and without hands on experience, it remains unknown whether or not a second screen open in conjunction with console gameplay is a more or less accessible experience.
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