Sid Meier's Pirates

When the remake of the classic PC game, Sid Meier’s Pirates hit computers last winter, it presented a varied mix of gameplay and a deep and engaging open-ended universe. Now, the game is gearing up for release on the Xbox, but it’s going to be much more than a simple port. Pirates will be streamlined for Xbox gamers, meaning that the game will be reworked as a console game and many of the more complicated elements will be made simpler and more accessible.

The dancing will be simplified, as the entire interface will be reworked to allow for complete use of the Xbox controller. Sneaking will also be done in the third person, and instead of your stealthy missions being over when an enemy guard discovers you, you’ll be able to fight them off in a button mashing mini-game.

The game’s goal system will be a bit more streamlined, as well. Even though it will still be as freeform as the PC version, the missions will be a lot more focused and easier to access. There is a new series of quests called the Montalban Quest that basically serves as a tutorial to allow players to get a little more comfortable with the gameplay before they are thrust into the real thick of it.

On top of all of these additions, there will even be a brand new multiplayer mode where players can duke it out with three of their friends in large scale ship battles. You can ram your foes with your ship, collect power-ups to use against them, and basically use everything at your disposal to take them out and come out the victor.

There will also be tons of unlockable content, like four lost cities for the player to discover each with their own spoils, as well as many hidden treasures like paintings and behind the scenes videos for the player to purchase and unlock.

Pirates is quickly becoming a great game that transcends being a straight port and instead becomes an original experience that Xbox gamers will be able to pick up. Look for it this July.

For All E3 2005 Previews