Skull and Bones Review: A Pirate Game That Misses the Mark

In the vast sea of pirate-themed video games, Skull and Bones, developed by Ubisoft Singapore, aimed to stand out as an AAA title. After several delays, the game was finally released, promising an immersive experience in the Golden Age of Piracy. As an avid fan of pirate games, I was excited to dive into Skull and Bones and explore its open-world naval combat. However, after spending considerable time with the game, I can’t help but feel a sense of disappointment. In this comprehensive review, I will delve into the various aspects of Skull and Bones, including its gameplay, story, visuals, audio, and overall value for money.

Skull and Bones presents players with the opportunity to become the next great pirate kingpin in the Indian Ocean. The premise sounds promising, but unfortunately, the execution falls short. The story revolves around interacting with non-playable characters (NPCs) and completing contracts to progress. However, the characters lack depth and fail to captivate the player’s interest. Their dialogue feels uninspired and one-dimensional, making it difficult to become invested in the overall narrative. Compared to other pirate games, such as Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, Skull and Bones fails to deliver a compelling story.

The gameplay in Skull and Bones is a mix of highs and lows. The combat, undoubtedly the game’s strongest aspect, is reminiscent of vehicular combat games like World of Tanks. Engaging in naval battles, shooting cannons, reloading, ramming enemy ships, and boarding them provide moments of excitement and satisfaction. Loot gained from defeating enemy ships adds a rewarding element to the gameplay.

However, outside of combat, Skull and Bones falls flat. Navigating the open seas feels slow and tedious, with large empty areas that offer little in terms of engagement. Gathering resources for contracts becomes more of a chore than an enjoyable task. Strange design choices, like ships taking poison damage and needing stamina to increase speed, detract from the immersion and make little sense within the game’s lore.

While Skull and Bones boasts impressive visuals, they fall short of the AAAA standard proclaimed by Ubisoft’s CEO. The environments, ships, and character models are detailed and visually pleasing. However, running the game at 1080p, the visuals didn’t leave me in awe. I have seen 4K footage of the game that showcases its true potential, but for the average player, the graphics may not live up to the hype.

The sound effects in Skull and Bones contribute to the overall immersion of the game. The clashing of swords, the firing of cannons, and the sounds of the sea create a realistic and engaging audio experience. However, the voice acting falls short, sounding unnatural and forced. The lackluster performances of the voice actors detract from the overall quality of the game’s audio.

Skull and Bones may appeal to players who enjoy naval combat and the pirate theme. However, the lack of content outside of ship-based activities makes the game feel one-dimensional. Players looking for a comprehensive pirate experience may be disappointed by the limited gameplay options. While the combat is enjoyable, it can’t compensate for the overall lack of depth and variety in Skull and Bones.

Pros

1. Multiplayer Fun: Cooperative naval combat can be enjoyable with friends, allowing for strategic coordination and diverse roles.
2. Customization: Skull and Bones offers extensive ship and character customization options, allowing players to personalize their pirate experience.
3. Tactical Combat: The combat mechanics in Skull and Bones are unique and satisfying, providing a sense of strategic depth.

Cons

1. Walking Simulator Outside The Ship: The on-foot sections of the game lack engaging activities and suffer from uninteresting NPCs.
2. Underwhelming Cast of NPCs: The characters in Skull and Bones fail to leave a lasting impression, with one-dimensional personalities and lackluster dialogue.
3. Lots of Loading Screens: Transitioning between areas in the game often involves frequent loading screens, which can disrupt the overall flow and pace.

Is Skull and Bones Worth It? The answer to this question largely depends on the player’s preferences. If you enjoy vehicular combat games and are primarily interested in naval battles, Skull and Bones may be worth considering. The combat mechanics provide enjoyable moments, especially when playing with friends. However, if you’re seeking a comprehensive pirate experience with a rich and immersive world, Skull and Bones may leave you wanting more. The lack of content outside of ship-based activities and the underwhelming story and characters detract from the game’s overall value.

Conclusion

Skull and Bones sets sail with the promise of delivering an exciting pirate adventure. While the combat mechanics and visuals show potential, the game falls short in several areas. The lackluster story, uninteresting NPCs, and limited gameplay options contribute to a one-dimensional experience. If you’re solely interested in naval combat and don’t mind the lack of depth, Skull and Bones may provide some enjoyment. However, for players seeking a truly immersive pirate experience, there are better options available.