Summary
- Release Year: 1993
- Genres: Adventure, Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: Amiga CD32, DOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
- Developers: MPS Labs
- Publishers: MicroProse Software, Inc.
Pirates! Gold: Avast, Mateys!
Set sail for adventure on the high seas in Pirates! Gold, a classic blend of strategy, action, and adventure. Originally released in 1987 and enhanced in 1993, Pirates! Gold invites you to embark on a swashbuckling journey as a budding buccaneer in the 17th-century Spanish Main.
Avast, Ye Landlubber!
Upon setting sail, you’ll find yourself in the bustling port of Tortuga, a haven for pirates and adventurers. Here, you can choose your pirate captain, each with their unique skills and appearance. From the cunning swordfighter to the sharp-tongued trader, the choice is yours.
With your ship and crew ready, it’s time to set your course. The vast open world of Pirates! Gold is yours to explore, with over 20 towns and cities scattered across the Caribbean. Each port offers its own unique flavor, from the bustling markets of Havana to the treacherous jungles of Belize.
Plunder and Profit
As a pirate, you have a variety of ways to make a living. Engage in honest trade, seeking out exotic goods to sell for a profit. Embark on quests for hidden treasures, following cryptic maps to uncover buried riches. Or, if you’re feeling particularly daring, attack and plunder enemy ships, seizing their cargo and adding to your own wealth.
Swordplay and Sea Battles
When diplomacy fails, it’s time to draw your cutlass and engage in thrilling sword fights. Pirates! Gold’s side-view action sequences bring the intensity of blade-on-blade combat to life. Time your attacks, parry your opponent’s blows, and unleash devastating special moves to emerge victorious.
Naval battles are equally exciting, as you command your ship against enemy vessels. Maneuver your ship strategically, unleashing cannon fire and dodging enemy attacks. Boarding enemy ships adds an extra layer of excitement, as you engage in close-quarters combat to seize their treasure.
Building Your Empire
As you progress, you’ll gain experience and renown, allowing you to upgrade your ship, hire a more skilled crew, and establish your own pirate haven. Building your empire is a rewarding endeavor, as you increase your wealth, influence, and notoriety.
A Treasure Trove of Adventure
Pirates! Gold is a treasure trove of adventure, offering endless possibilities for exploration, plunder, and swashbuckling fun. Whether you’re a seasoned pirate or a landlubber seeking adventure, this classic game will capture your imagination and keep you hooked for hours on end.
Tips for Sailing the Seven Seas
Here are a few tips to help you navigate the treacherous waters of Pirates! Gold:
- Choose your captain wisely. Each captain has their own unique skills, so choose one that suits your playstyle.
- Explore every port. Each town offers its own unique opportunities for trade, quests, and adventure.
- Don’t be afraid to fight. Sword fights and naval battles are exciting and rewarding, so don’t shy away from them.
- Upgrade your ship and crew. As you progress, invest in upgrades to improve your ship’s performance and crew’s abilities.
- Build your empire. Establishing your own pirate haven is a great way to increase your wealth and influence.
Legacy and Impact
Pirates! Gold is widely regarded as one of the greatest pirate games ever made. Its blend of strategy, action, and adventure has captivated generations of gamers. The game’s open-world design and emphasis on player choice were groundbreaking at the time, and continue to influence modern pirate games today.
So, gather your crew, hoist the Jolly Roger, and set sail for adventure in Pirates! Gold. The high seas await, matey!
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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