The Assassins Creed franchise has grown tremendously since the series’ humble beginnings in 2007. While some could argue that each game feels like more of the same, there is always plenty of new material to enjoy. With an original story, new naval warfare mechanics, and underwater adventuring, there should be something new for everyone in Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag. 

Assassins Creed IV takes players to the Caribbean during the golden age of pirates through the use of the Animus and former series protagonist Desmond’s memories. While roaming around the seas you control Edward Kenway, grandfather to Assassins Creed III’s Connor. Kenway fled from England to the new world where he could begin a new life of piracy. Along his journey, Edward will encounter and team up with famous pirates from history, like Charles Vane, Anne Bonny, Calico Jack, and the infamous Blackbeard. Like most plots however, Edward will face some adversity. This comes in the form of Woodes Rogers, an Englishman out to stop all pirates in the name of the king. 

With piracy being such a large theme in the game, the naval warfare from Assassins Creed III is back. Battles on the seas in Assassins Creed can occur between a variety of ships, whether you fight small, speedy vessels or large frigates depend on the scenario. Your ship, the Jackdaw, is fully upgradable. Choosing between more powerful shots, faster sails, or a stronger hull will help you and your crew become kings of the sea. While sailing, new environmental dangers, like tornados can now appear and create problems for you on your journey. 

While sailing on the ocean, players can now dive deep down in the waters to search after sunken treasure. Ships and other wonder await you all over the ocean floor; however, danger also lurks, as sharks can hunt you down and attack while you are diving. You are not the only one who can hunt others down however, as you can set out to hunt beasts on the land or sea. As with naval warfare, you can upgrade your ship and weapons used in hunting down the various creatures. 

What is back from previous Assassins Creed games is the large amounts of stealth and combat gameplay. There will be plenty of assassinations to complete, and plenty of weapons to choose from to slay your enemies. New guns will be introduced that expand upon the selection introduced in Assassins Creed III. A new free aim system for your guns adds some additional depth to your targeting abilities as well. 

Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag brings traditional series elements and merges them with new gameplay to create an immersive pirate-like adventure. The game is set to release tomorrow, October 29, 2013. Our review of the game should be up around that time, and until then, you should probably change your Facebook language to Pirate to start learning the lingo.