Ubisoft have pledged to "raise the bar" in the production of upcoming action-adventure sequel, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
In a post on the official PlayStation blog, developmental staff at the publisher’s Montreal studio outlined the graphical and gameplay improvements being made in the latest iteration of their best-selling series, which will focus heavily on nautical combat.
Jean Guesdon, creative director, said: "Assassin’s Creed IV will merge ground and naval gameplay, so you will be able to seamlessly – without any loading – go from your ship to ground, from ground to ship, and from ship to ship."
"You will be able to start a mission on the ground, continue it directly at sea and maybe finish it on another island. This type of experience and these types of missions are totally new to gamers."
Associate producer Sylvain Trottier added that the game’s release on Sony and Microsoft’s next generation consoles will allow the company to "push the bar visually"; "drastically" improving AC4’s graphics over its predecessors and including a lot more intricate details that simply wouldn’t be possible on current-gen systems.
In Black Flag, players will assume the role of Edward Kenway, a former Royal Navy private who finds himself embroiled in the danger and thrill of savage piracy. Gamers will journey through over 50 locations – primarily in the Caribbean – during the turbulent and violent period dubbed the "golden age of pirates".
Ubisoft CEO, Yves Guillemot, said: "With the new hero and new setting we are creating the boldest and most unique Assassin’s Creed game yet, while still respecting the pillars of the franchise that have made it such a fan favorite.
"Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag is based on a true, harsh and exciting part of a legendary era and will thrill longtime fans and newcomers alike."
The game will be released on October 29 on the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PC; with a next-gen launch set to follow early next year.