A new trailer for Assassin's Creed 4 has been released, and it promises the "true golden age of pirates." While there isn't too much gameplay footage, the preview does a great job of establishing the period and mood of the new setting.
Assassin's Creed 4 takes place before the events of the third game. It follows Edward Kenway, grandfather of the third installment's Connor, and a British pirate and assassin. The modern half of the story follows Abstergo Industries as they investigate genetic memories from Desmond that have been uploaded to the "cloud."
The game's Caribbean setting will feature three cities: Havana, Kingston, and Nassau, as well as islands, jungles, forts, and smaller settlements to explore. The developers have stated that the game will strike a 60/40 balance between land and naval exploration, and will utilize a more open world design overall.
The game will also retain the hunting system from Assassin's Creed 3, with players able to hunt on land and harpoon at sea. Naval combat will of course be a major focus as well, with players now able to attack, board, and capture ships encountered on the ocean. A new underwater component of these combat and exploration segments will also come into play.
The developers have also revealed that an improved version of the recruit system from Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood will be a big part of the game. Lastly, multiplayer will return, although it will not feature naval combat.
According to the game's official description:
"The year is 1715. In the Caribbean, desperate sailors with ideals of true freedom assemble to establish the Republic of Pirates. But far from idyllic, their life is brutal, filled with betrayal and debauchery. Here at last are their true stories."
Assassin's Creed 4 will be released on the PC, PlayStation 3, Wii U, and Xbox 360 on October 29, with a PlayStation 4 release to follow.
Check out the trailer below.