However, while AC4 is indeed feature-complete on PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii U, the highly variable frame-rates genuinely impact gameplay. While the Assassin's Creed series has never really required a crisp controller response, the heavy drops in fluidity simply make it harder to quickly traverse the environment, particularly when chasing down targets. With performance so far behind every other version of the game, it's hard to recommend the Wii U game at all, despite its image quality matching PS3 and Xbox 360.
With the next generation consoles we have the level of stability required to let the gameplay breathe without hardware limitations getting in the way. This is perfectly demonstrated on the PS4 after the release day patch has been installed: 1080p visuals allow the intricate artwork to shine, while the rock solid 30fps update means that control is never disrupted outside of the game's somewhat erratic animation blending system and automated climbing mechanics. The Xbox One version unfortunately has a harder time delivering the same accomplishments, due to the lower 900p resolution and sharpening filter giving the game a much rougher look. The appearance of frame-rate drops in some scenes is also disappointing, considering the 30fps target and sub-native visuals, but on the plus side these issues were a fairly rare occurrence during our capture session, outside of isolated experiences.
On that note it's clear that the PS4 game is the definitive release of Assassin's Creed 4 on the console formats. While the experience doesn't come close to defining next-gen gaming, the boost in hardware capability now makes it possible to enjoy Black Flag for all its flaws and accomplishments without anything else getting in the way - plus you get an hour's worth of exclusive content too, available only on PS3 and PS4. In that respect the PS4 game is worth coughing up extra for over the current gen releases, and if you already own the PS3 version then trading up to the PS4 edition for just £10 is a no-brainer.
