Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004)
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| Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004) | |
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| Developer(s) | Firaxis Games |
| Publisher(s) | Atari, 2k Games, Valve Corporation (Steam) |
| Release date(s) | Nov 22, 2004 (Windows) |
| Genre(s) | Strategy |
| Mode(s) | Single |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, Xbox |
Sid Meier's Pirates! is a 2004 strategy/action/adventure computer game developed by Firaxis Games and published by Atari. The game is based on Sid Meier's earlier 1987 game, also named Sid Meier's Pirates. Overall, the gameplay remains similar to the original game, though it features a state-of-the-art 3D game engine (NDL's Gamebryo). Some unpopular elements such as sun sighting have been removed, but other features have been added, such as a popular ballroom dancing mini-game and an improved turn-based land combat system.
A Microsoft Xbox version was released on July 11, 2005 which includes some multiplayer capabilities. The Xbox version is forward compatible with Xbox 360 in North America and Europe.
A version for the Sony Playstation Portable is set for release on February 23, 2007.
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[edit] Gameplay
Most of the controls in Pirates! are executed via mouse and the number pad on the keyboard. Some commands can also be issued by the standard keys of the keyboard (though they are redudant, as they can also be issued via mouse).
[edit] Sailing
The majority of the game is spent sailing from destination to destination around the Caribbean islands. To control their ship the player must use the number pad (or the directional arrows) on the keyboard.
[edit] Naval battles
Whilst sailing around the Spanish Main the player will encounter numerous ships, all of which can be attacked (the player may choose whether or not to attack). The ship's sailing is controlled as usual. To fire cannons the player must first position their ship so that the cannon fire will hit enemy ships (that is, they must be broadsides). The player can also choose between grape shot, which decreases an enemy vessel's crew considerably, and chain shot which damages sails, decreasing ship speed (although these different projectiles can only be accessed after a ship has been upgraded with them).
[edit] Land warfare
Pirates! also offers land based warfare in which the player fights battles in a turn-based system. The player can only fight on land when raiding cities. The more crew a player has in their pirate fleet, the more troops they will have on land.
When begining a land assault, the player has three classes of unit: officers, pirates, and buccaneers. Each has a different job. Officers have a higher attack power than any other class, and can move slightly better (i.e. being able to attack two different enemies if they are next to each other and the officers have enough moves left.) and have a basic attack and defense of 5. Pirates are the very basic infantry and have a normal move span, as well as a basic attack and defense of 4. Buccaneers are gunmen, able to attack enemies that are four squares or less away, as long as they are not separated by a forest tile. They have a defense and attack of 1 when in close combat, and usually do about 25% damage in long-range combat.
Many factors also determine the strength of a unit. If the unit is in good spirits and has a high morale, that can increase their attack and defense power. Flank attacks also work to help a unit's power. The last way to increase a units power is by being on high ground and attacking an enemy on lower ground.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Firaxis' site for the new Pirates!
- MobyGames entry for 2004's Pirates!
- Hooked on Pirates! and Addicted to Pirates!, Pirates! 2004 fan sites
- Pirates! at BNW
