The project Skull and bones was ambitious. Probably too much. Because when Ubisoft uses a huge universe to explore, staying with the pirates made us seasick.
The start of Skull and Bones was particularly stormy; The game took a full decade to develop, with this prolonged development resulting in no fewer than six delays. And despite all that, Ubisoft's latest offering landed on consoles and computers last week with its share of pitfalls.
In addition to the various errors encountered, it actually took a few hours before we finally found our way around Skull and Bones, a game that jealously guards its secrets and mechanics. What to do? Where? How do you perform basic maneuvers? One must dig deep – and be extra patient – before moving through this universe with a modicum of ease or comfort. So the pleasure, let's say politely, is anything but immediate.
“Photo provided by Ubisoft”
Work your way up
So we gradually learn that the protagonist – a pirate – has to return to the bottom of the ladder after losing his ship and crew in a battle between him and the British army. Through missions and affronts, the player must restore his titles of nobility (or rather, his infamy) and restore his fleet's ability to destroy anyone who crosses its path.
The 10 ranks of this Ladder of Shame rise slowly from lowly pariah to Kingpin, the highest rank that promises to spread respect and terror from the African shores to the East Indies. But we willingly participated and after a little more than ten hours we finally achieved the title of privateer – fifth.
And if the entire premise seems very exciting on paper, the reality is different. The main issue? Looting enemy ships – the main theme of several games of the same type – is reduced to simple generic cutscenes. Loot is stolen at the push of a button. A frankly disappointing observation.
Complex and realistic✭✭
We still have to appreciate Ubisoft's ambitions for Skull and Bones to offer players a huge, promising playing field that achieved some of its goals, especially due to the complexity and realism that the game shows. Development and equipment of its ships and its diverse and, in most cases, demanding missions.
Are you still hesitating to get it? There's good news: Ubisoft is offering potential players a free trial of Skull and Bones, granting them an eight-hour stay in this video game universe. Anyone who chooses to purchase a copy of the game will be able to keep their progress. Because there is nothing better than being able to form your own opinion.
Skull and bones ✭✭ 1/2
- Available for PS5, Xbox Series and PC.