There are plenty of ships to blow out of the water and loot to be stolen as you carve a name out for yourself. The gameplay is straightforward and simple, and the amount of customization the game offers keeps things from getting too stale. Whether or not you've played the title before in another version, the gameplay is simple and easy to get into (though maybe a little dated). Parts of the game are fun and other parts are a little dry. The result is an experience that's definitely worth having, but maybe not one worth reliving again and again.
Unfortunately the graphics in Sid Meier's Pirates! are still trapped back in 2004. Character designs are a little rough and the glitches that plagued the original title are still here in force — collision detection, occasional choppy animations, and a general lack of detail really takes this title down a few pegs. With that being said, the game is colorful and the designs offers a great deal of personality. It's not terrible by any stretch of the imagination, but the game is definitely not the best looking Wii outing. Similarly, the audio in the game is identical to the previous releases — swashbuckling tunes and sound effects keep the atmosphere rich while giving it a nice feeling of adventure. The lack of voice acting is awkward during cut scenes, but it's easy to get past.
This adventure on the high seas is a blast for the most part, though some of the mechanics feel a little antiquated and some elements don't quite mesh. It's not perfect by any means, but if you're looking for a good game to pick up for the Wii and you haven't played it before, picking up Sid Meier's Pirates! is a no-brainer. I would say that the title isn't worth a double-dip for anyone that already has or has had their sea legs, but for newcomers this is a strong recommendation.
Sid Meier's Pirates! is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) by the ESRB for Alcohol Reference, Mild Language, Mild Violence, and Suggestive Themes. This game can also be found on: Mac, PC, PSP, and Xbox.
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