How AC4 uses the PS4's Touchpad: Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag on The Dualshock 4

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag is hitting next-generation consoles this November. We already know it's gonna look better and run better, but how will it take advantage of the Playstation 4's brand new controller? We Max Scoville go hands-on to find out for himself.

[pedrof93]

Well the touchpad is used as it should be used.

Using Internet on PS4 with it, its gonna be good.

[Xsilver]

true its my first time submitting but i chose this because its something i really wanted to see how the touchpad is used in other games.

[MWong]

@ Pedrof93
I was thinking more a long the lines of navigating the PS4 Dashboard and PS Store. Will make it much easier.

I like how they incorporated into AC4, it looks simple and like said before it's not something that we are forced to use.

[xHeavYx]

"I like this because it's not forced down anyone's throat"
That's what I was thinking, something added to the game if you want to use it, if not just use the controller

[corvusmd]

I agree, not being forced down anyone's throat is a great thing. I just have a hard time understanding why certain people praise this as amazing, when so far it hasn't been shown to do anything amazing...it's a mouse pad really, it can be useful, but not amazing. Yet these same people then turn around and trash the Kinect, which unless it's a Kinect game, isn't forced down your throat either...it's an option, but the voice commands and motion capturing are much more innovative.

I like that they are keeping the use of the touchpad simple but (I'm not saying you did) I hate when people have a double standard about these game accessories.

[Destrania]

A touch pad on the controller is nothing like Kinect. That didn't even make sense.

[xHeavYx]

@Corvusmd
I think you are confused, it's the Kinect the one that is being praised as amazing, when nothing amazing has been shown

[Kayant]

"Yet these same people then turn around and trash the Kinect, which unless it's a Kinect game, isn't forced down your throat either...it's an option, but the voice commands and motion capturing are much more innovative"

It's not an option though you're paying for it with an XB1 whether you want/like it or not. That's the problem and based off the price of launch X360 kinect that's about £100 extra at least.

"voice commands and motion capturing are much more innovative" I don't agree completely voice commands is not nothing new was on the original kinect and is not something limited to the kinect. Yes it has been refined but I wouldn't call it *innovative*. Motion capturing I would agree is pretty sweet for the creative people that will use it in games like project spark but that's just one game atm.

"I like that they are keeping the use of the touchpad simple but (I'm not saying you did) I hate when people have a double standard about these game accessories". This is not really a game accessory since it's not a separate device it's more of an evolution of the controller with design cues from Vita.

[MonkeyNinja]

Personally, I like the idea of the PS4's touchpad (haven't actually used it yet) but hate the idea of Kinect. Paying $100 more for a system just to have Kinect is a butt-ton of crap. On the other hand, the PS4 controller with the touchpad is still $60, same as DS3. That's the difference for me.

[macethedon]

It allows for more button inputs.

Clickable = 1st button
Swipe Up = 2nd button
Swipe Down = 3rd button
Swipe Left = 4th button
Swipe Right = 5th button
Pinch in = 6th button
Pinch out = 7th button

Many more combos that i'm not aware of as well

[LongTimeNoSeeN4g]

"I like this because it's not forced down anyone's throat."

Right, because the wii-mote and and all the other innovative features in gaming were? lol!

[corvusmd]

So it just does what a start button and joysticks did....ok

[xHeavYx]

Right, because the start button let's you navigate around the map.. SMH

[Xsilver]

clearly a xbox fanboy because u would know in games like KZSF its also used for owl control and etc but whatever. i see him putting those 2 bubbles to good use/s

[LOL_WUT]

We'll its a nice start can't wait to see how other dev;s especially indies put this touchpad to use ;)

[Kuse]

So its a gimmick? Gotcha...

[Xsilver]

gim·mick
noun
1. a trick or device intended to attract attention, publicity, or business.

Sounds like the Kinect to me not a extra add on to a controller that cost the same as the DS3 thats like saying the touchscreen on upgraded phones are a gimmick smh.

[nevin1]

I can see myself still using left stick and R2 to zoom.

[jessupj]

Agreed. I always found map navigation very slow and cumbersome with the stick.

I'll definitely be using the touch pad to quickly zoom in and mark areas.

Nothing ground breaking, but a very nice addition to the game that makes it more enjoyable and a little less frustrating.

It will be interesting to see how other Sony first party heavy weights use it. It Killzone you can very quickly give commands to the owl. I can't wait to see what MM, Santa Monica and of course Naughty Dog do with it.

[JuniorCE]

For browsing is going to be even better :-)

[LiQuiZoN]

People really underestimate the ability to have a touch pad on a controller. I still see this as a HUGE advantage. You will too in due time. You won't be able to go back to not having one. The interactions it allows are common for all touch enabled devices which makes it understandable and common-place in our society. Very excited for this.

[coolasj]

Maybe CoH or other RTS may start making their console debuts?

[LiQuiZoN]

Possible, but it wouldn't be at the level of say a StarCraft for PC. I see it as more of a navigational feature than a game driving feature.

[stage88]

Awesome. It looks even better than using the sticks.