Sid Meier's Pirates! (PC)
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
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.
Community Reviews
Arrrgh! ( A shout to parents out there!)
Report this review
Report this review
What’s It About?
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.
Is 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Game Details
- Platform: Windows
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Atari
- Release date: November 22, 2004
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating: E for Alcohol References, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Last updated: November 4, 2015
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
An excellent game with a great story and quest.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate