Sid Meier's Pirates!
Pirates! is united originally in 1987 by Sid Meier produced for his company MicroProse computer game that combines elements of computer role-playing game of business simulation and real-time strategy game. It was initially released for the PC ( DOS Bootable / CGA), C64, Apple II, CPC, NES, Atari ST and the Amiga. After 1993, a Gold Edition was released for some platforms, 2004, a completely new 3D version for PC and Xbox (PSP 2007, Mac 2008) was published. In addition, in July 2011 a mobile version for iOS devices has been published.
Game Description
The player assumes the role of the captain of a crew of pirates in the Caribbean in the 16th to 18th centuries. The goal is to get through privateering to prestige and wealth in four major European powers (Britain, France, Holland, Spain) that are changing diplomatic relations with each other ( between alliance and war ). In addition to the normal game you have in the version of 1987, the opportunity to reenact historical missions, for example, The silver train ambush by Francis Drake in 1573 There is a choice of four. (2004: five) levels of difficulty, but they are not definitive because you can also opt for a higher level of difficulty in the course of the game. Furthermore, choosing a special ability of his character, for example ability in fencing or navigation.
You can plunder war and merchant ships and fortified towns and received additional rewards such as titles of nobility and estates or stop the hand of the governor 's daughter. Furthermore, it is possible to take other pirates caught and sell either a ransom or supply as a sign of country loyalty to a governor (1987). As an additional highlight of the city to withdrawing from city Silver Train and Treasure Fleet sailing waving with incredible treasures. There are Pirates! also unexpected encounters, for example, with pirate hunters who have an excessive armament, or treasure ships with large amounts of gold on board, which can be found near the Treasure Fleet.
In addition to the military action, there is the possibility of finding buried treasure or to combine his long -lost family. It is also possible to multiply his wealth in the trade of various commodities. The main objectives are:
After each raid, the player is assigned in relation to the chosen difficulty a certain part of the looted treasures. At the end of the game there is a total score; This evaluation takes into account the personal assets and the title of nobility, the gift of lands, the status of women, their own old age, family members found, the wealth that gets the crew, and the number of personal defeats: The player is in text and image presents, as he lives on in his career as a pirate. The highest attainable degree is the king of the consultant, which is reached at about 100 pirates points. A further distinction follows behind in parentheses, in which case the King's Advisor ( Prince) of the highest degree - at just 200 points.
Reception
Pirates! was at the time of its appearance, a game which emerged a large following. It is considered a classic in the history of computer games and has similarities with several years earlier programmed game Seven Cities of Gold. 2011, Pirates! chosen after a public vote on the 80 games that presented the Smithsonian American Art Museum in his exhibition The Art of Video Games. It is the fact representative of the artistic design of games for the Commodore 64
Special
A special feature of Pirates! lies in the dynamics of the game action. Even away from the influence of the player, the game world is evolving: Cities can degenerate into villages, other villages to large cities, and the political events between the four nations always bring new surprises and rewards for one's own career as a pirate. These atmospheric details like the background music coming through most festive baroque music (especially Bach ), realistic sound effects and changeable sea weather. In addition to many unpredictable elements is distinguished Pirates! particular by its non-linear plot diversity and freedom from.
Awards
- # 5 on the IGN 's Top 100 Games ( 2005)
- # 27 of IGN 's Top 100 Games of All Time (2003 )
Gold Edition ( 1993)
In 1993, the Gold Edition for PC (DOS / SVGA ), Mac OS 7, Amiga CD ³ ², Sega Mega Drive / Genesis and later for Windows 95 Some bugs of the C64 version were here appeared due to the enormous success corrected and introduced minor changes and additions.
3D remake of Sid Meier 's Pirates!
In late November 2004, the developer Firaxis Games, a 3D version under the name Sid Meier 's Pirates! finished, which was initially distributed by Atari. The remake with the additional title Live the Life has not been adjusted only graphically but also in gameplay additions have been made. The level of detail in many respects (ships, weather, equipment) was significantly increased, as well as new skill checks ( Dancing, escape ) were introduced.
However, elements from the original game have been omitted or changed. So there is no longer the historic missions, also the approach to the Caribbean missing by Treasure Fleet or Silver Train. There is now the manhunt that brings a reward, and the marriage with the governor 's daughter was expanded into its own quest.
Beginning of May 2005 it was announced that the publishing rights for Xbox and PC would be taken over with effect from July 1, 2005 by Take 2. On 7 November 2005, the publisher finally took over the development studio Firaxis. Beginning of 2007 appeared a version for the PSP.
In August 2008, a version was released for Mac OS X 10.4 (and higher) as a Universal Binary ( Systemminima are given at 1.6 GHz, but a G4 with about 1.0 GHz is sufficient). Publisher Feral Interactive. Sid Meier 's Pirates! here is the first title in a new series called Feral Legends. On 21 July 2011, the game was released for iPad.