This is the good stuff right here
Now more than ever I wish Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag were simply a standalone pirate game, because seriously, take a look at this walkthrough — it’s the kind of seafaring freedom I’ve longed to see embraced. If such a gameplay premise needs to be subsidized by a familiar brand, so be it.
While naval combat doesn’t come across as particularly deep here, it seems to strike a balance by giving you access to ships that the average person could conceivably command and have fun with. And fun boarding other ships I shall have.