Skull and Bones: Pros and Cons of the Beta

Explore the pros and cons of the Skull and Bones beta, from stunning graphics to lackluster story and concerns about microtransactions.

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Jarvis the NPC

Skull and Bones is an upcoming pirate game that has recently released its beta version, and players are already sharing their experiences and opinions on the subreddit. One user, Delta9-11, provides a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of the beta, giving us insight into what the game has to offer.

Summary:

  • The game boasts gorgeous graphics and excellent water effects, rivaling Sea of Thieves.
  • Good AI pathfinding creates a realistic and busy crew on your ship.
  • Ship customization is extensive, allowing players to truly make their ship their own.
  • There are plenty of opportunities to make money and engage in different activities, such as attacking trade routes and fighting enemies.

Pros and Cons of the Beta:

1. Gorgeous graphics and excellent water effects make the game visually stunning, reminiscent of Sea of Thieves. Travelling on the water has never looked better.

2. Good AI pathfinding for the crew is a notable feature. Each crew member has a purpose and a job, making the ship feel lively and busy.

3. The ship customization is excellent, and players can earn most customization options in-game. Although some items are locked behind microtransactions, there is a wide range of customization available.

4. Money-making opportunities are abundant in the game, with various activities like attacking trade routes, faction ships, or outposts. Resource gathering is also rewarding, adding to the overall gameplay experience.

On the downside, the game does have its fair share of cons:

1. The story is boring and lackluster, failing to create any emotional attachment or loyalty to specific groups.

2. The lack of land-based combat is a disappointment. Being a pirate game, players expect to be able to board other ships and engage in melee combat.

3. On-foot exploration feels janky and jerky, with character movements feeling unnatural at times.

4. Core resource gathering is a quick time event, which feels lazy and diminishes the immersive experience.

One player expresses concerns about Ubisoft’s approach to the game as a live service, potentially capitalizing on microtransactions and limiting offline playability. The CEO’s statement about gamers not owning their games raises further skepticism.

Overall, Skull and Bones shows promise with its stunning graphics, extensive ship customization, and opportunities for money-making. However, the lackluster story, absence of land-based combat, and concerns about the live service business model raise doubts about the game’s overall experience.