One of the big questions about next-generation consoles is how much of a difference they'll make when it comes to cross-generation titles. In the case of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, the difference is purely in the visual department according to associate producer Sylvain Trottier.

"For us, it was a fundamental law: this is the same game, no matter what the platform," Trottier tells The Verge. He explains some of the tricks and techniques that make the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions look better, like more realistic environments.

Development for the new hardware did improve the current generation versions. For instance, plants don't move as naturally on older consoles, but they are better for the tech incorporated into the Xbox One and PS4 iterations. You can read more about the visual differences in The Verge's interview. If you're trying to decide between the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions, know that the exclusive Sony content will later be available on other platforms.

[Source: The Verge]


Our Take
It's nice to have definitive answers about the differences in versions of a major cross-generation title like Assassin's Creed IV. While this information can't be extrapolated to every title appearing on both sets of hardware with absolute certainty, it is a useful look at how teams are approaching one game running on a diverse set of specifications.