Skull and Bones, the highly anticipated pirate-themed game from Ubisoft, is facing criticism from players regarding its graphics. Many gamers have taken to social media to express their disappointment, particularly with the game’s wonky facial animations. This backlash comes in direct contradiction to Ubisoft’s claim that Skull and Bones is a “AAAA” quality game.
One prominent YouTuber, NikTek, even went as far as creating a video comparing the graphics of Skull and Bones to those of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, the game that served as its inspiration. Surprisingly, the facial animations in Skull and Bones appear to be worse than those in Black Flag, which was released a staggering 11 years ago in October 2013. This stark contrast raises questions about the amount of time Ubisoft took to develop and polish Skull and Bones.
The state of the game’s graphics is truly baffling, considering the numerous delays it has faced for “polishing” purposes. Fans expected a visually stunning experience, but instead, they were met with subpar animations that fail to meet the standards set by a game released over a decade ago. NikTek’s video highlights this stark difference and has garnered attention across social media platforms.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot recently defended the game’s $70 price tag, claiming that Skull and Bones is a “fully-fledged” game that will “deliver in the long run.” Guillemot emphasized that the game is vast and complete, deserving of its “triple… quadruple-A” status. However, the mixed reviews from critics and negative reception from players suggest otherwise.
Skull and Bones’ release has been met with disappointment and frustration from fans who were eagerly awaiting its arrival. The promise of an immersive pirate adventure has been overshadowed by the game’s lackluster graphics. Ubisoft now faces the challenge of addressing these concerns and regaining the trust of their player base.
As players continue to voice their criticisms on social media, it remains to be seen how Ubisoft will respond. Will they acknowledge the shortcomings of Skull and Bones’ graphics and work towards improving them? Or will they stand by their claims of delivering a “AAAA” game and hope that players will overlook the visual flaws in favor of the overall gameplay experience?
For now, Skull and Bones serves as a cautionary tale for game developers and publishers. It serves as a reminder that even with a highly anticipated title and a dedicated fan base, the quality of a game’s graphics can make or break its success. Ubisoft must now navigate the treacherous waters of player expectations and deliver on their promises if they hope to salvage the reputation of Skull and Bones.