Even after 13 years, the debate over Assassin's Creed: Black Flag's sea shanties remains fierce. But to me, the gentle call of 'Lowlands Away' and its promise of a new beginning always felt the best fit for Edward's journey and the quiet beauty of the Caribbean. So, when that song rang out the very first time, as I steered the Jackdaw out onto the open ocean in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, the cresting wave of nostalgia I felt served as a potent signal; first, of how popular Black Flag remains; but second, of just how faithful a recreation Resynced is.
My demo begins with Edward Kenway's mad dash through the jungle in pursuit of unfortunate assassin turncoat Duncan Walpole. Ubisoft wastes no time in showing off Resynced's fresh coat of paint – while Black Flag looked the part in 2013, it can't hold a candle to the density and vibrancy plastered across this remake's world, buoyed by the Atmos system that most recently breathed life into Assassin's Creed Shadows' Japan. The climax of that chase – a frenetic and deadly scuffle in a shallow pool dappled in shade thrown down from the canopy above – is an enormous statement of intent. Resynced looks beautiful from its opening moments, whether out at sea or crawling through the undergrowth.
