Sid Meiers has brought Firaxis Games plenty of good games including Civilization, Railroads, Alpha Centauri, and Pirates. Lately, however, Sid has been updating his games (this being one of them) and none of them have really been working (except for the Civilization games). While the story is good, and you do get to choose your destiny, the gameplay doesn't allow for an immersive experience that you can enjoy. I like the initial family friendly storyline and thought it among the top twenty of all time. There are also numerous ways to play with adventure, action, item collecting, and strategy involved. Everything seems like it would make this one of the best games ever, but I think the morals really brought me away from it (there is also rhythm style gameplay involved). Vioelnce is not the worst issue of the game. However, you do have plenty of swordfights, and you also witness the death of numeorus soldiers in the strategy sections, and all of this can be done in cold blood rather than self defense and war. Language can sometimes be minor as in insulting. If you dig up a famous pirate's treasure and later talk to him, he will insult you strongly and also there is some minorly violent talk. Although not necssary, you do have the choice of being an all out pirate. This isn't really fun though as you can't get the rewards of a person fighting for an actual country. However, when using this strategy, you will tend to betray your country for the soul purpose of getting wealth out of another nation that has plenty to give you. Crimes are punished as one time the price on my characters head was over 30,000 gold pieces (the Spanish were after me). The sexual content is the worst as every woman you meet (except for the Dutch and Spanish govner's daughters) expose a little too much, and also the tavern ladies will do it as well. What is worse is that they refer to the most sexually dressed ones as being the most beutiful. Also, the tavern lady will also get a little sexual with your guy if he is a good enough pirate. There is a little education as in you play the game, learn about pirates a little, and then refer to the instructions to give you more information about these famous people. This was also based on a real story, so you are learning an "unkown" part of history. All in all, while this game is awsome in gameplay, it isn't in morals. You will find the lack of morals tend to be a little bad (also there is alchoho refrence but no one drinks) and will keep you from enjoying this game. I would stay away from this title and start looking elsewhere.
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Sid Meier's Pirates! (PC)
(2004, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated E, Play it on: Windows)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A great adventure for families to explore.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10–12
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What Parents Need to Know
This review of Sid Meier's Pirates! (PC) was written by Jeremy Gieske
Parents need to know that players battle it out with ships and swords, but there isn't any blood, guts, or gore. In fact, the cut scenes at the end of a battle show enemies either surrendering peacefully or jumping into the sea to escape. Barmaids wear skimpy clothes and some gameplay takes place in a tavern. The game even contains some educational elements that may spark your kids' interest in history.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the real pirates that the game describes. Also, parents may want to ask: Why are we so intrigued by pirates? Think of other books or movies that feature them; why do you think they glamorized -- or at least made to look fun-loving? Do you think this is the truth?
More on Sid Meier's Pirates! (PC)
What’s the Story?
SID MEIER'S PIRATES! brims with adventure, action, and good-natured fun. This remake of the original game released in 1987 lets players traverse the Caribbean plundering enemy ships, rescuing governor's daughters and doing all things piratey.
The game offers an open-ended plot with lots of choices. Players start by attempting to rescue the pirate's family from an evil duke. However, players quickly realize there are many other things to do: For starters, there is buried treasure to be found, rival pirates to defeat, and even governor's daughters to be romanced. All of this leads to a game that has a lot of replay value.
CloseIs It Any Good?
The game is deceptively easy, but it quickly becomes more challenging as play progresses. At the higher levels, the crews become mutinous more quickly, enemies are better swordsmen ,and the gold doesn't flow as freely as it once did. As time passes the player's character ages, making it more and more difficult to live the hardy life of a pirate.
All in all, this is a nearly flawless example of good family-friendly entertainment. You'll want to add this title -- or it's XBox counterpart -- to your booty of great games.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 11/22/2004, price $49.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for Alcohol References, Suggestive Themes, Violence)
ESRB rating: E (for Alcohol References, Suggestive Themes, Violence)
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- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
Worst game from Fiaxis Games.
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