Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resync DLC Is Optional, Ubisoft's Answer

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is currently receiving negative reviews on Steam. And aside from the odd comment about the 30fps cutscenes (a known issue), there's very little about the game itself. No, the problem players have is the amount of microtransactions (worth $85) included in the remake. The game currently holds an overall 'mixed' review score on Steam, as it has a long list of DLC attached to its store page, but even the positive reviews point out Ubisoft's “greedy” practices.

Regarding this, Ubisoft assured, “We have been checking your feedback since launch and are reading it all.” However, as GamesRadar+ reports, this is not an admission of flaws or a promise to remove any noticeable amount of available additional content. Instead, it simply told players they didn't have to buy anything.

“Thank you for your interest in Black Flag Resynced,” the statement reads. “We want to make one thing clear: the Standard Edition is a complete and complete experience – every mission, every island, the entire story and the complete world. Additional packs are optional extras for players who want them and are not required to enjoy or complete the game. We'll keep listening to you while you play!”

“Additional packs are optional”

Edward Kenway poses on a ship in Black Flag Resynced.

I understand that this is an optional cosmetic to squeeze extra money out of players (this is nothing new for Ubisoft), but it's understandably disappointing to see more total DLC being released than the Deluxe Edition. In particular, the in-game messages encourage you not only to buy some really inappropriate and ugly extras, but also to buy Shadows.

Put on your boomer hat for a moment, play a remake of Black Flag, and put today's MTX practices inside and you'll really see just how bad things have gotten. Cool, exclusive cosmetics reserved for completing expansive side quests and treasure hunts, like Altaïr's sleek black armor in Assassin's Creed 2. Like the classic robes from Shadows, these still exist, but they're buried under all the over-the-top MMO-style clothing filling the stores.

Yes, it's optional and you don't have to (in fact, you shouldn't) buy it. But the fact that it has an $85 price tag underneath the $70 Deluxe Edition on the Steam store… feels weird.