Pirates! Gold

"Ahoy Ye Matey, Play this Game or Walk the Plank"

Introduction:

Sid Meier, the genius who designed the Civilization and Alpha Centauri, also created this classic for the Sega Genesis. Ahoy scoundrels and prepare thyself for a vastly open-ended game with great graphics, addictive gameplay, and the looting of countless colonies. May luck be with you on your search for the fabled Treasure Fleet and Silver Train of Spain!

Graphics: 7/10

Pirates Gold has good graphics, considering it was for the Sega Genesis. While not revolutionary, the ships, characters, and towns are all well drawn and colorful. I felt the ships could have been made larger, but that is a minor issue. All in all, the graphics are good, not great; but then again graphics are not what this game is about.

Sound: 9/10

The music in the game is a perfect blend of pirate folksy music along with well done sound effects. Seriously, you will find yourself whistling a little tune every time you stop in at a tavern or when your sailing the high seas. Cannon fire, waves crashing, and sword fights all are done with great clarity as well.

Gameplay: 10/10

Pirate's Gold has some of the best gameplay of any game i've ever played, and remains one of my favorites even today. The premise is fairly simple: After making your character, which involves picking a time period, nationality, proficiencies, and difficulty; you are thrust into the Caribbean as the captain of a small boat and small crew. From these humble beginnings you will make your reputation known throughout Europe and the New World.

The game is very open ended in how you go about making yourself famous (or infamous.) You can become a dastardly pirate, looting any colony that is unlucky enough to be in your path, while sinking and looting merchant ships at the same time. Likewise, you can lead the life of a crafty trader, finding good deals on sugar, furs, and goods, then selling for a profit at the richer ports. If you choose, you can also become a navy officer for one of mother countries (England, Spain, France, and The Netherlands.) By becoming an officer you agree to fight whomever your country is fighting, and help those who are your allies. You will receive various missions and promotions from friendly governours; and even try to marry one of their daughters!

The difficulty in this game is right on the money. Battles must be chosen carefully, lest you get defeated by a superior force. If you make too many enemies it will be difficult to find friendly ports in order to recruit new sailors and sell your loot. On the flipside, if you spend all your time being nice to everyone, and take part in no daring attacks; your crew will become unhappy and might even mutiny.

Most importantly, the game does not force you to pick one of these roles, you can play the game as you see fit. I enjoyed doing a combination of those three things, but the game allows you to do whatever you feel is best for you.

Replay Value: 10/10

I have owned this game ever since it came out, and still play it (emulated) on my computer today. Why? Because of it's nearly endless replay value. With such outstanding gameplay, this game is a blast to play over and over again, trying to become more wealthy and famous each time. With all the time periods and nationalities you can choose to play as, the game never gets dull. Plus the various missions and encounters are all randomly generated, which will always keep you on your toes. If you choose, you can also try out one of the pre-made scenarios, and see how far you get. These scenarios put you in the role of real life pirates / privateers with a somewhat accurate represenation of their fleets. Rewrite history as one of these famous captains.

Overall: 10/10

For anyone who enjoys open-ended gameplay, and still has a special spot for the Genesis, GET THIS GAME....it still is one of my favorite games of all time, and is a definite classic. With good graphics, and infinite replay, this game screams ''Play me or walk the plank.''

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/17/03, Updated 03/17/03