REVIEW: Skull and Bones - Xbox

By Jon Donnis

"Skull and Bones," developed by Ubisoft Singapore and published by Ubisoft, takes players on a swashbuckling adventure through the seas of East Africa and Southeast Asia, during the Golden Age of Piracy. Its premise is captivating, setting the stage for a world brimming with naval warfare, treasure hunts, and ship-to-ship battles. However, while the game excels in some areas, it struggles to define its own identity, especially given its origins as a spin-off of the beloved Assassin’s Creed series.

Visually, "Skull and Bones" is nothing short of stunning. The immense budget is evident, as the game’s environment is meticulously crafted, with beautifully rendered oceanic vistas, islands, and the bustling pirate-infested settlements. The ships, an essential part of the game, are intricately detailed, and there’s an authentic sense of scale and grandeur as you sail across the Indian Ocean. From the rippling sails catching the wind to the thunderous boom of cannons, the atmosphere is immersive and polished, with very few technical hiccups or bugs. This high level of production value helps draw you into the world of piracy right from the start.

Gameplay-wise, "Skull and Bones" will undoubtedly appeal to fans of naval combat from previous Ubisoft titles, most notably "Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag." There’s a familiar sense of enjoyment in controlling a pirate ship, outfitted with various weapons like broadside cannons and mortars, as you take on enemy vessels or plunder settlements. The combat itself offers tactical depth, with wind positioning and strategic manoeuvres adding layers to the skirmishes. The ship variety also enhances the experience, with different types of vessels, from nimble sloops to heavier frigates, offering players different ways to approach combat and exploration.

The multiplayer mode, Loot Hunt, injects some much-needed excitement into the game, allowing players to compete in treasure hunts. This aspect of the game feels rewarding, with cooperative play and competitive engagements creating memorable experiences. The crow’s nest lookout feature and spyglasses are nice touches, adding a classic pirate flavour to the proceedings. There’s a definite thrill in plundering forts and settlements, and the economy simulator beneath the surface ensures you’re constantly motivated to improve your ship and amass greater riches.

However, while the naval combat and multiplayer aspects are solid, the game suffers from a lack of depth elsewhere. The narrative feels lacking, with little in the way of a compelling story to drive the player forward. The first few hours are particularly slow, which might put off players expecting immediate action. This pacing issue is compounded by the absence of a more dynamic, character-driven experience that some players might have anticipated, especially those familiar with Assassin’s Creed. The inability to engage in hand-to-hand combat or freely explore on land is a missed opportunity, limiting the overall sense of freedom that a pirate-themed game should evoke. But then if you want that, you buy an Assassin's Creed game, so perhaps a little harsh by me.

Ultimately, the game’s connection to Assassin’s Creed works against it in some ways. Fans of that franchise may come in expecting a similar experience, only to find themselves limited to the confines of their ship. The game’s biggest hurdle is separating itself from those expectations. Once you do, however, you can appreciate "Skull and Bones" for what it is: a well-crafted naval combat game with a focus on ship battles and multiplayer treasure hunting.

Skull and Bones offers a fun and engaging experience for those who enjoy tactical naval warfare, but its shortcomings in story and the slower pace may deter some players. It’s certainly worth a play if you’re into pirate adventures and enjoy a more methodical, sea-bound approach to action. While it doesn’t quite live up to the standards set by some of Ubisoft’s other titles, it remains a solid addition to the genre, even if it doesn’t redefine it. A fair score would be 7 out of 10.

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