AC Black Flag Was More Than a Game For Me
Growing up, home wasn't a great place to be. My parents fought constantly and I ended up being my mother's punching bag for anger that was meant for my father. Metal objects, whatever was nearby. I was under 7. Nobody checked on me. Nobody cared.
Movies were the only relief I had, especially Pirates of the Caribbean. I'd watch them over and over imagining myself as a pirate somewhere far away. That's how I found AC games, and they became another escape.
Then Black Flag came along and had both things in one game.
Before Black Flag I was at the lowest point of my life. Bullying at school, no peace at home, a father who only had time for my older siblings, and constant pressure from relatives about studying. I was close to giving up on everything.
Black Flag gave me a reason to keep going. I can't put into words exactly how without breaking down, so I'll leave it at that.
Around that time the uncle at my local gaming corner told me Black Flag 2 was already in development. I had no internet back then so I believed him completely. I held on waiting for that sequel. It was a lie, but honestly it was the right one.
I've played many games since, some objectively better. But none of them filled the same space Black Flag did. I've replayed it over 10 times and never got bored.
When the Resync remake was announced I felt both excited and sad. My PC can't run it yet. But I'll get there someday.
I just wanted to get this off my chest.