Pirates! Gold

"It’s all up to you in this world of pirates and gold."

Pirates Gold has to be one of the most addicting games to ever grace a console. From action to romance, to swords and cannons this game has it all. It’s an action, RPG, strategy, and simulation game all wrapped up into one little 16-bit package. As the story goes you’re a young cabin boy who gets violently promoted to captain and you must sail the seven seas to prove your worth and make a name for yourself. You go about this task in a very free roaming style way. You can go basically any where in Caribbean and lot and pillage till your hearts content. Or you can sign on with a specific county and do their dirty work for them, at a cost of course. It’s all up to you in this world of pirates and gold.

Graphics-8
As far as graphics go the game scores an above average do the amount of on screen mayhem, but at the same time it doesn’t exactly sport the most advanced Genesis graphics. All in all they were good for their day and they still get the point across now.

Sound-7
Sound in this game is what you would expect it to be, ocean like surf sounds, seagulls, and classical pirating pieces. It’s good but nothing mind blowing. It’s scores above fair due to the fact that while traveling across the open sea, I have caught my self more then once humming along with the game.

Story-6
I must score rather low in this category only for the fact that even though they actually did manage to squeeze some story into this massive title it’s not very deep. Basically as previously stated, you obtain owner ship of a vessel through a violent mishap and now must make a name for your self. You can do this any way you heart desires, or go for the gold and complete specific missions for fame and riches. You can even find love and marry. Not the Grapes of Wrath, but the other aspects of the game far out weight this small hic-up.

Gameplay-10
Game play is where this title shines the most; hence I give it the coveted perfect score. You can do it all in Pirates gold and more. You can sword fight Pirates, you can attack and sink enemy ships or if you desire you can sink friends. If need be you can take your battle on land and use some strategy to take the enemies stronghold. Every thing is very easily accessible and fun to control. The fighting is not only strategic but its fast and fun. All in all Pirates Gold is one of the most addicting, fun, exceptional games to play ever be produced.

Replay value-10
Another department that scores massively is the replay factor. There’s so much to do and try that no matter how many times you try it’s always a different experience. Plus the ability to save your game makes for multiple epic pirating adventures.

Overall-8
Over all Pirates is a gleaming example of greatness in the annals of gaming history. It’s every thing you could possibly want out of your pirate video game experience. Pirate music, sword brandishing evil captains, or good, maidens in distress, a family crisis, seagulls, the game has it all. In this humble reviewers opinion the world would be a much happier place if every one got to play Pirates Gold. Enjoy.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/09/03