Over the past weekend, a select group of gamers took to the virtual seas in Ubisoft's closed beta for their newest title, Skull & Bones. This upcoming game is described as a coop open world action-RPG where players engage in nautical combat and adventure. The consensus among those who accessed the beta is one of cautious optimism. They enjoyed the pirate-themed gameplay and the cooperative elements, which suggest that Skull & Bones could potentially be a hit when it officially releases.
As with all new games, especially those from established developers like Ubisoft, community expectations are high. Players dove into the game's systems, testing the sailing mechanics, engaging in ship battles, and exploring the open ocean. The roleplaying aspect seemed to be well-received, with shouts of excitement regarding loot acquisition and ship customization options. It seems that much of the game hinges on its multiplayer components, where friends can come together and experience the life of piracy on the high seas.
Ubisoft's past successes with expansive, richly detailed game worlds seem to carry over into Skull & Bones. This pedigree has left many fans hopeful that the game could become another staple in their gaming rotations, alongside other popular multiplayer experiences.
However, despite the positive atmosphere surrounding the game's mechanics and immersive world, there's an anchor weighing heavily on potential players' minds: the price. Skull & Bones is currently listed at a premium price point of £69.99 / $69.99, which has raised eyebrows within the community. Some players express that, while they find the beta enjoyable, the current cost of entry is steep. These sentiments were echoed on platforms such as Reddit, where users shared that the fun they had in the beta does not justify the full price, at least not yet. Many indicated that a price drop would be necessary for them to consider purchasing the game.
Here's a glimpse of the game’s action captured during the beta phase:
