Assassin’s Creed tackles piracy

We liked Assassin’s Creed III. We really did. But there was something missing. Let’s call him Ezio. Because that is his name.

The main character for three Assassin’s Creed games, Ezio was a charming, compelling protagonist. His replacement Ratonhnhakéton – but let’s call him Connor, his anglicised name, because it’s easier to say – was too worthy, and dreary in comparison.

Step forward Edward Kenway (pictured): a reckless privateer-turned-pirate and Connor’s grandfather. Set in 1715, the just-announced Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag takes place as much on the sea as it does on land. Edward isn’t initially an assassin, but he’s dragged into the conflict over the course of the game. As you’d expect he would be.

Skilled with multiple weapons, his main methods of attack are dual swords and pistols. But he’s also an expert at moving stealthily – an element that was present in the early Assassin’s Creed games, but has become less prominent as they became more action-focused.

But Jean Guesdon, creative director on the project, has promised that the missions and environments will allow for stealthy play, rather than being drawn into a mass brawl.

Assassin’s Creed IV will be unlike any of its precursors. An open-world naval game, step on board Edward’s ship, the Jackdaw, and you can scan the horizon and see other ships begging to be looted (you are a pirate, after all).

What’s more, it’ll be the first game also available on next-generation consoles. Given how little we still know about them, there’s bound to be a few more surprises in the coming months.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag will be released in autumn