User blog comment:Kabutsu/The Crimson Polls II: 07/@comment-4564231-20130621030055/@comment-4999424-20130621152737

“The main story is 15-20 hours, but the goal is to have you get lost in the world, spending even more time in it.”

“The world [in AC4] is bigger and there are tons of cohesive side actitivites and side missions…more than any previous AC.”

“Within the first four hours of the game, all the side missions will be unlocked.”

“We’ve listened to our fans and brought back several elements from AC2 and ACB, like new hire groups like drunken pirates…”

“You can stealth your way through 85% of the game, but there are some forced battles, like boarding actions.”

When asked about tombs: ”Yes, we will have some of those.”

When asked about social stealth: “We have new tools to manipulate the crowd in fun ways.”

When asked about unique weapon-specific takedowns: “Yes, when we’ve finished polishing the game, all of the sword takedowns will be unique (hidden blade, too!)”

When asked whether crouching is possible, or if it’s area-based, i.e. foliage: “It is foliage cover, but when you come out of the foliage you can remain crouched.”

When asked who will replace Desmond: “You will, you will replace Desmond. Playing in first-person.”

When asked about the storyline and Haytham Kenway: “I don’t want to ruin any surprises, but Haytham is Edward’s son.”