Video Game Review. Sid Meier's Pirates

This game is a massively updated version from the original version that was released in 1987. What I like about this game is that it is suitable for everyone 6 years of age and older. I think the only reason why the age of 6 is the lowest is because anyone younger may have trouble with the hand and eye coordination that is required to play the game.

Set back in the 1600s, the game starts out with a short movie that shows your character as a young boy sitting with his loving family during dinner. Suddenly a ruthless pirate and his mates crash in and take his family hostage. You (as the young boy) manage to escape. You then, choose to join a ship crew to sail the seas. On the vessel you and you shipmates are treated cruel. A mutiny develops and you and your mates take control of the ship. Now, YOU are the captain. It's time to choose your skill. Choose one that would be most useful for the line of work you choose.

This is where the game play begins. You and your crew sail the Caribbean in a small war ship. You are limited to how much crew and cargo you can have on the ship. You can be a trader or a notorious pirate. You sail the seas and visit the ports. Goveners offer you favors, land and rank for capturing or destroying the ships of their enemies. A visit to the local tavern, will enable you to hire more crew if you need them, hear the latest rumors from the bartender and barmaid of ships in the area carrying precious cargo and gold or a visit to the salesman in the corner who can sell you a treasure map, various tools, weapons and clothing to aid you in your travels or just some simple useful news of his recent visit to a local port. While you at the port, check out the trading post. You need to keep a supply of food for your crew or they will starve. You can pick that up at the trading post along with goods, luxuries, sugar, spice and more guns (cannons). Buy up some spice cheap and sell it at other ports where it may be fetching more money.

On the sea, sailing requires a bit of skill. You must pay attention to the direction of the wind. You're on a sailboat ya know. Going against the wind can slow you down a great deal or bring you to a complete stop. Upon passing ships, you can choose to attack them. Trade ships can bring you a bit of gold but also goods that can sold at ports for money. You can use the room as well on that extra ship to store more goods. You may wish to upgrade you current battle ship with a faster vessel with more guns. At every port you can stop by the shipwright to buy upgrades for your vessel and repairs. A good relationship with a Governor can enable you to get discounted or even free repairs and upgrades for your ships. You can also sell your ships at the shipwright.

Don't forget to take care of your crew. You'll be able to see how their mood is. Trust me on this, they will get angry with you. They expect you to feed them, and PAY them. You must divide the plunder (your gold) with your crew. Here's a tip, the less crew you have, the more money you'll end up with. Let them get angry and leave little by little or attack a town you know you can't beat and thin out your crew.

How are you with the ladies? It would be to your advantage to keep your dancing skills up. The daughters of the local Goveners will eventually ask you to accompany them to the ball. Good dancing skills will warm her heart and she will shower you with gifts that will come in handy and it could even lead to marriage.

This game is suited for all ages. The minimum system requirements for PC are Windows 98 or higher; Pentium 1.0 Ghz or higher. The game is also available on X-Box. The game goes for a street price of approximately $30.00 US. This game will provide a wealth of game playing enjoyment for the entire family. I give it a definite thumbs up!