Summary
Some players may think that the focus ofSkull and Bonesis entirely on living out the pirate life, but Ubisoft has also tossed in a few unexpected features. One of those features comes in the form of a resource-gathering mini-game, which players will likely engage with every once in a while. While it may make sense that pirates need to gather resources to bulk up their ships, the way it is implemented inSkull and Bonesfeels rather strange.
There is nothing overtly wrong withSkull and Bones' resource-gathering, it just seems like an odd addition to the formula. As players spend the majority of their time sailing the ocean in search of foes to conquer, this mini-game seems to take all the wind out of their sails. Additionally, players often do not even have to use it as they can get the resources from sunken ships or can turn it off altogether. All of that makes it feel like a needless addition that stands out in this pirate adventure.
Skull and Bones Supply Gathering Mechanic Feels Out of Place
Skull and Bones Supply Gathering Explained
InSkull and Bones, players must gather resources if they want to build anything. They need it for weapons, tools, and new ships. So, the beginning part of the game spends some time showing players how to gather those resources. Once they reachSkull and Bones' Saint-Anne settlement, they are tasked with building the necessary tools and are sent out into the ocean to collect everything else that they may need.
The act of gathering resources is relatively simple and does not take that much time. Players will track down a resource node for wood, metal, or fiber on one of the many islands. Once they find what they are looking for, they will interact with the resources and a quick mini-game will begin. This mini-game requires players to time their clicks at the exact right time. Doing so rewards them with whatever resource they want, but failing three times will cause the harvest to be canceled.
The Supply Gathering Game is an Odd Addition to Skull and Bones
Skull and Bones' resource gathering mini-gameis extremely brief, and not that complicated, but it also feels like a strange addition to the formula. As players explore the seas, stopping and engaging in this mini-game just seems rather monotonous. It is made even worse by the fact that most of the important resources are gathered from sinking ships, which is a lot more fun. So, it seems odd that these resources were locked behind a pretty bland mini-game.
Additionally, when players think about pirates, they do not often imagine the time they spent gathering resources. While it may have happened, adding that toa game likeSkull and Bonesdoes not make for engaging gameplay. Forcing players to stop and mess around with an extremely simple mini-game just so they can progress further can pull them out of that fantasy.
Ubisoft seems to have anticipated that players would not like the mini-game as it included the option to turn it off. Auto Harvest lets them simply pull up to a resource node, interact with it, and then they will be given the resources without any additional gameplay mechanics. While this may simplify gathering immensely, many players have found it far more enjoyable thanwhatSkull and Bonesdefaults to. And that only makes the addition of the mini-game look even worse, even if it may be realistic.
Skull and Bones
WHERE TO PLAY
Set sail into the vibrant open world of Skull and Bones, a naval online action RPG where you rise to become the most fearsome pirate kingpin.ENGAGE IN SPECTACULAR NAVAL COMBATPrepare for devastating battles by crafting a dozen different ships and equip your fleet with powerful loadouts. Unlock stronger weapons as you progress and customize your ships to reflect your unique pirate playstyle.SAIL INTO A DANGEROUS HELL IN PARADISEVoyage into the Indian Ocean and explore a vast open world teeming with cutthroat pirates, deadly sea monsters, supernatural threats, devastating storms, and more.TEAM UP WITH FELLOW PIRATESSail the lawless seas solo or team up with two friends or other players to partake in shareable contracts and rewards.ENJOY EVER-EVOLVING CONTENTEach season, face a brand-new legendary sea lord and discover fresh content, limitless endgame opportunities, and new exciting features designed to enhance your pirate experience.
