Gamers are not enthused about Ubisoft’s latest release Skull and Bones as they lampooned the game for its steep price tag and lack of gameplay elements.
A screenshot from Skull and Bones (2024), Ubisoft
Skull and Bones released on February 16th and the game has received an abysmal 3.1 on Metacritic’s User Score from over 530 reviews.
The game has only 121 positive reviews, 41 mixed reviews and 381 negative reviews for all versions of the game.
Skull and Bones Metacritic score
Not only did gamers express their displeasure with the game by giving it a terrible review, but they made it clear on social media as Ubisoft ramped up the marketing on social media with actress Michelle Rodriguez.
Skull and Bones available February 16. Play up to 3 days early with the Premium Edition!
Play by your own rules to become the most fearsome pirate kingpin.
— Skull and Bones (@skullnbonesgame) February 12, 2024
In response to the promotional post, gamers indicated they had no interest in purchasing it.
Brandon Smith shared, “Enjoyed it but I fear what we played was 80% of the game. I don’t know why I’d spend $70 and beat the game in 3 days.”
Enjoyed it but I fear what we played was 80% of the game. I don’t know why I’d spend $70 and beat the game in 3 days.
— Brandon Smith (@BLSmith2112) February 12, 2024
Draco simply used a gif from Jurassic Park to express his displeasure.
— Draco (@DracoTV) February 14, 2024
Bendark Starkiller opined, “So that’s where the money went… advertising with a famous actress… definitely didn’t go into the ‘pirate’ aspect of the pirate ship simulator 2024.”
So that’s where the money went… advertising with a famous actress… definitely didn’t go into the “pirate” aspect of the pirate ship simulator 2024.
— Bendak Starkiller (@Bendak5tar) February 14, 2024
READ: Rumor: Respawn Entertainment Developing Mandalorian Bounty Hunter Star Wars Game
DarkWeasel simply wrote, “Too bad it’s s**t.”
Too bad it’s shit.
— DarkWeasel (@DarkWeasel6) February 13, 2024
Odra posted, “GaaS, microtransactions, ‘you don’t own your games!’, no boarding, no sword fights, ‘AAAA GAME!’, capitalism = evil, and what is now a dressed up mobe game? Nope.”
GaaS, microtransactions, “you don’t own your games!”, no boarding, no sword fights, “AAAA GAME!”, capitalism = evil, and what is now a dressed up mobe game?
Nope. pic.twitter.com/xAzH5YURnx
— Odra (@Odra_MH) February 14, 2024
Dan B wrote, “Ya, honestly I can’t see myself buying any UBI games anymore. The ubercorporate speak about not owning the products that we pay for, and then saying that we should get used to paying MORE for said product, is just a bit too much on top of the ‘AAAA’ nonsense.”
Ya, honestly I can’t see myself buying any UBI games anymore. The ubercorporate speak about not owning the products that we pay for, and then saying that we should get used to paying MORE for said product, is just a bit too much on top of the “AAAA” nonsense.
— Dan B (@Nodeepz) February 13, 2024
Mike Askins pointed out the game’s lack of gameplay elements, “Lol no actual boarding combat or exploring land, I’ll play Sea of Thieves instead.”
Lol no actual boarding combat or exploring land, I’ll play Sea of Thieves instead.
— Mike Askins (@darthmyyk) February 14, 2024
Others made similar comments. Roninwolf wrote, “lol , This ‘ AAAA ‘ Game , in which you cant board ships , raids bases , build a hideout … The Main Character is the Boat ….. had so many delays , im sure a rework or 2 . Turned into a live service cause that is what we need … Im sure the game will do just fine !”
lol , This ” AAAA ” Game , in which you cant board ships , raids bases , build a hideout … The Main Character is the Boat ….. had so many delays , im sure a rework or 2 . Turned into a live service cause that is what we need … Im sure the game will do just fine !
— Roninwolf (@Roninwolf) February 14, 2024
Raxi3 notes players are better served playing Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, “Play Assassin’s creed black flag (Skull bones originally expansion for) and you’ll see the quality dip and how much is missing from this game. Another common Ubisoft L.”
Play Assassin’s creed black flag (Skull bones originally expansion for) and you’ll see the quality dip and how much is missing from this game. Another common Ubisoft L.
— Raxi3🌌 (@ItsRaxi3) February 14, 2024
The game puts players in the boots of an “aspiring pirate captain who was hired to escort The Exeter on its journey towards the Indian Ocean. During the journey, you were ambushed by enemy ships and you lose sight of your charge in the heat of battle accompanied by the foggy weather. Unfortunately, your ship sinks in the ambush, and you are shipwrecked upon an atoll with nothing but circling sharks.
“Stranded in a new and perilous world inspired by the Indian ocean, with nothing to lose, you will have to use your wits and resolve to bend this hellish paradise to your will,” the game’s description continues.
It adds, “Fished out of the waters by other survivors, it’s up to you to take the wheel and find a way to not only stay alive but reach Sainte-Anne, a known pirate den and the Exeter’s original destination. From there on, it’s on you to build your infamy. Under the pretence of learning from ruthless cutthroats, you’ll threaten, ambush, and plunder – all in the name of piracy. Will you have what it takes?”
A screenshot from Skull and Bones (2024), Ubisoft
What do you make of gamers torching Ubisoft and Skull and Bones?
