A great improvement over 3, it presents a better looking moveset for Edward Kenway over Connor's, which I would argue is the best thing this game did: controlling the character feels great. Unfortunately, it's victim of the same mistakes that plagued III, namely constant repetition and worthless activities. I don't mind it as much as others, but even I can't deny it would be better having a much better set of objectives than 5000 of the same things.

The star of the show, however, is obviously naval combat, especially since the devs made it great. It doesn't have much to it, but it's undeniable that the low investment and moderate but steady benefits make the ships an ideal time sink.