Though it was unceremoniously announced last week thanks to a host of leaks, Ubisoft has finally released the first details and images from Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag.

Due to arrive on current consoles on Oct. 29th (with next-gen systems getting AC4 whenever they launch), Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag will be the first game in the franchise to go backwards in time. Players will assume the role of Desmond's ancestor (and AC3 protagonist Connor's) grandfather, Edward Kenway.

We already knew the game would take place in the Caribbean, but we didn't know how expansive the world would be. There will be 50 different locations to explore, from islands to Mayan ruins, and the game will be split up between land and naval missions and battles. Combat will also be seeing some interesting upgrades, as Kenway will be able to wield multiple swords and guns all at once.

One of the core new mechanics included in Black Flag is the Horizon system. At any point on the high seas, you'll be able to take out your spyglass to survey the oceans around you. There will be random pirating missions available at all times, and the Horizon system allows you to locate and engage them.

As to the differences between current and next gen versions of Black Flag, Ubisoft claims the PlayStation 4 version (and eventual Xbox 720 version), will have improved graphics and physics. There will also be some sort of community presence Ubisoft did not detail much further.

There's quite a bit of time between now and Assassin's Creed 4's October release, and hopefully we can learn more about the game's naval hunting and combat, as well as how the island traversal will work in the coming months. For now, take a look at these screenshots and concept art, and let us know if you're excited for Black Flag.

Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag
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Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag
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Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag
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Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag
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Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag
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Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag
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Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag
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Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag
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Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag
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Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag
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Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag
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