Details are just in on the free companion app that Ubisoft has created to go hand in hand with Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag acting as a new way for you to get deeper under the skin of a pirates life on the open waves of the Caribbean. The news doesn’t end there though for the French gaming giant as they’ve also been green lit to bundle up the game with the PlayStation 4 on its release later this month (November 2013).
The companion app is now available to download from Google Play for all tablets connecting to the app provider and from the Apple App Store for your iPad. It’s a free download, so all you’ll need to get started is the game itself and away you go with a connection through Ubisoft’s UPlay system. The app can be used with any version of the game, whether you buy it on the Nintendo Wii U, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox ONE or Windows PC.
The AC 4 app works a little bit like an alternative to the extra capabilities you might have already experienced while playing Assassin’s Creed 3 with the Wii U game pad controller touch screen. Essentially, it gives you a second screen giving you access to your inventory of items, weapons and maps without needing to pause or stop playing the game, so you can flick through the menus while you’re playing.
It’s definitely a cool feature to bring the benefits of the dual screen play to the other consoles, but it’s not quite as cool as having the controls and screen all on one device, which is what you get when playing the game on the Nintendo Wii U. However, there are some extra features that come bundled within the app that are pretty impressive ad-ons to the second screen capability. These include:
- Interactive World Map – This is much more sophisticated that the in-game map is as it lets you see your mission objectives in real-time, so you don’t need to go hunting for them when you’re not sure what you’re meant to be doing. It also features the ability to set waypoints, zoom in and out, and search for locations using the touch screen functionality. It’s apparently also been designed to make it possible for your to get a buddy to play along with you, so while you’re dealing out the pain or sneaking past some guards they can be busy checking the Interactive World Map for directions or your next objective.
- Kenway’s Fleet – This means you will be able to interact with the main game 24/7, no matter where you are, to use your fleet to send them on missions, capture new routes and collect cargo and the all important pieces of eight. You’ll also be able to help your friends out and secure their routes for them in Uplay to get rewards.
- Progress Tracker – With all your game data accessible through the companion app, including main mission progress, crafting completion, and your current game status, you won’t necessarily have to always fire up the game to check how you’re doing or plan what you intent to do next.
- Treasure Maps – As well as the Interactive World Map, you’ll also be able to access treasure maps that you find in the game. This is intended to make it easier for you to navigate to your bounty filled destination easily with the second screen while playing.
- Initiates Wall – This is pretty much the Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag equivalent to Facebook, where you can see messages you’ve been sent, notifications from your Uplay friends and find community challenges to take part in.
- Animus Database – Finally, you’ll also be able to check out your Animus Database entries that you unlock while playing the game on your tablet, so you can swat up on everything to do with the game and the era that it’s set on from anywhere.
If all of that isn’t enough, Ubisoft has also confirmed that it will be releasing an Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag PS4 bundled console, which will be available when the Sony next gen hits the shops on the 29th November 2013. The RRP will be around the £385 mark, making it around £35 more than just buying the consoles on its own. Taking into account the fact that games will be £50 it’s not a bad way to save a few quid.
