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Pirates of the Caribbean - First Look Preview
Derek dela Fuente
04/07/2003
Due for release in August we took a quick ‘butchers’ at this great looking title and came away wanting more.
Strange how some gaming themes re-appear! Many will fondly remember Pirates, which was a kind of strategy game with out and out action on the high seas. Now after 20 or so years the original Pirates is being brought up to date to an eager gaming community. It does appear that swashbuckling, high seas, shenanigans could be the flavour for the next year. Then there is also a great online game in the making called Pirates of the Burning Sea set in the same period as this title - the 1700s.
OK, all the actual game genres are slightly different but they all have the focus of âlife at seaâ, a nice time line from a set period offer some great action, plus deep challenges -buccaneer style!
UBI Softâs offering has almost certainly a lot more going for it than the aforementioned titles in that it will have the big UBI Soft marketing machine supporting and shouting about the product, plus it is also inspired by one of this summer's most anticipated Disney blockbusters. Another very noteworthy fact is that it is being developed by Akella and Bethesda Softworks - both of which are rich in innovative ideas and can really push technology across all formats
It is billed as a RPG-at-Sea that will harness compelling actions and some deep thinking, from a detailed world that will capture the imagination. Don't be put off by the Disney billing as this is no cartoon looking or insipid challenge or creation. You only have to take a look at the screenshots to see how detailed the game will be in both visual and game play elements. Yes folks, deep role-playing elements and intricately created quests will offer players the unique opportunity to prove their mettle against the legendary buccaneers of the Caribbean and the release is only a few months always.
A UBI Spokesperson commented: âPirates of the Caribbean is a unique role-playing experience with an intriguing storyline that will offer the opportunity and ability to explore everything the world has to offer. Deciding to become a cold-hearted mercenary for hire, a peaceful and profitable merchant or a swashbuckling pirate will influence future interactions. Gaining wealth and experience gives players the opportunity to hire crewmembers, sail larger ships and uncover priceless treasures."
Creating a game based around a film can sometimes deflect the focus and with all the razzmatazz with the film and its top name actors, true gamers can sometimes feel they will not get the game challenge they deserve. This thankfully does not appear to be the case with this. In fact, the team believe that people will look at the game more critically which ensures they will work even harder to get everything just right. First and foremost this is a game in its own right and the main prerequisite for the team was to 'capture the spirit of the filmâ whilst also mirroring the action from the film. In effect, the game is only very loosely based around the film!
The film studio has provided the development team with a set of resources and has been eager to assist if the team necessary to help create the essence of the film but it does appear that the team, having once got the basic overview to the story, has not had that much interaction with the studio regarding the actual game challenges, although named actors from the film will be adding narrative.
Akella, the development team, has been at pains to point out that this game is in no way Morrowind on the high seas. This misconception has arisen because there are a few similar qualities and they also developed Morrowind and that originated/was orchestrated from the Bethesda Studio.
One of the impressive features within the game is its open-ended feel allowing the player to move any way! The quests on offer, the events that unfold and its fine looks, were what caught âjournosâ eyes at the recent E3!
The player assumes the role of a freelance captain who becomes caught in a struggle for power.
At the start of the game you witness the French Forces invading an English island. Sailing away to avoid harm you set course for a nearby English colony to inform the English Governor of the bad news. Upon reaching the island, the English Governor decides to enlist you to infiltrate the captured island as a spy for the English to see what you can discover about the French Invasion force and their future plans. (There is also an option to align to other military factions if you wish.)
Events, as you would assume, are both on land and sea and there is a plethora of places you can visit on land which include forts, taverns, shipyards and all the other places you would readily assume where Pirate hang outs. (Pirates cleverly allow you to jump quickly back and forth between key locations.) Although, as mentioned, the game is pretty much open so you will never feel bored or worried you are not doing what you should for there is a list of tasks to run through which are presented so you will also feel intuitively pulled in the right direction.
These not only add to the plausibility of the game but also get the player immersed in the storyline. Visiting the local alehouses will be the best place to interact, catch up on the gossip and find which crew is going where.
The Pirates of the Caribbean has a mix of ideas and merges action and skills seamlessly within the RPG focus.
The fighting system is very similar to one used in Sea Dogs (Bethesda) and is more of a strategic contest of when to block, when to strike and when to use your pistol.
At sea developing your characters is important and plenty of thinking and skilful planning is required. Selecting the right weapons is all part of the strategy and maybe targeting the sails of a ship could bring the rewards you want, after having slowed them down and then getting on board and grabbing the treasure. It must also be pointed out that picking the right location is key! (The enemy has a good memory!)
The central/main quest will probably take the player between 20-30 hours to complete although their are randomly generated side quests on offer that will make the game challenge even more expansive.
