Pirates of the Caribbean (Xbox)

A magor annoyance is the controls to pick something up u have to press y, move across to open, press a, select the item u, want then press a.

THe graphics are another thing the skeletons are realistic(if u know wat i mean) the swordfighting is cool. I DON'T SAY DUDE AND I DON'T SAY AWESOME BUT "THAT WAS AWESOME DUDE."


The Curse of the Movie Tie-in...   March 11, 2005
Horatio Tunguska
13 out of 16 found this review helpful

To be honest 'movie tie-in', is a nail in the coffin of any game. I can't think of any off the top of my head that are actually good. And this is no exception. While not unplayable, it neither provides a stunning RPG experience (try Morrowind, Knights of the Old Reublic or Fable), or any sense that your actually in the world of the film (buy the DVD and talk in a psuedo-Cornish accent).

The major flaw with this game is that its not actually anything to do with the film. Bethesda had been developing a pirate based RPG for a couple of years before the film came along, and just tacked on the additional film based plot element at the last minute. And when I say tacked on, I mean tacked on. You can practically see the glue marks. And when I say element, I mean element. Don't expect sprawling adventures with Capt. Jack, or to get to hang in Tortuga, because you'll be dissapointed. There is only one real reference to the film in the entire game.

Aside from the pitiful development, the game doesn't do too badly. What plot is left isn't too bad, in many ways its a shame the film franchise was involved at all, some of the obviously cut plot elements show promise of a decent story.

The gameplay is both exceedingly good, and amazingly bad. On land, moving is usually frustrating, and combat is even worse. Thankfully theres a fast movement system that cuts walking down to a minimum in towns, and lets you get on with the meat and potatoes of pirating... sailing. The sailing is probably the reason why I gave this game 3 stars instead of 1. It is truely incredible. The game is worth getting just for that. The first time you get to stand on deck, you'll see what I mean.

The graphics are excellent. Most textures are detailed and crisp, you can practically see the creases in your characters clothes. Where the game really excels is and weather and sea effects. Sunlight, fog, sensets are all fantastic. Theres nothing better that rolling into port, on a rough sea in a sunset to better prove this.

Soundwise the games comes out ok. Lacking the cinematic umph of the movie soundtrack, it goes for a more jaunty theme (at times more Pirates of Penzance than Pirates of the Caribbean). Kiera Knightly (plays the damsel in distress in the film, albeit with a stunning grasp of swordplay) lends her voice to the cutscenes (don't expect many...), which unfotunately feel as out of place as the rest of the movie content and also looks a bit cheap compared to other movie games (Lord of the Rings ones in particular) where they got the whole cast involved.

All in all, its leaves you with a bitter taste in your mouth. Neither good enough to warrant the pitiful film content, or having enough film content to allow for a few rough edges. Its very much a 'what if' game. What if Bethseda had been left to their own devices? What if it hadn't been rushed out? I suspect, Bethseda might have produced a classic if it hadn't been rushed. Instead, they've produce a entertaining if frustrating and at some points idiotic game.


Arr Matey!   April 26, 2004
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

Its beautiful, he says staring across the ocean into the sunset from thedeck of his Massive Battleship. This game is one of the most graphicallysuperior games I have every played. You only need to start sailing aroundat daybreak to confirm this. You play as Nathanial Hawk, a Merchant/Pirateguy who is pretty handy with boats, pistols and swords. He very much likeshis treasure too. The game essentially consists of 2 main elements: A)Walking around on land, in order to get yourself a bit of Gold.
B)Sailing around on the Ocean attacking whoever incurs your displeasure.
You can choose from a variety of ships to commmand, in first and thirdperson mode, varying from the small little Xebec to the Insanely largeManowar. Each ships has its own little advantages and disadvantages. Whatalso makes this great game better is the fact that its really open. Youcan sail anywhere on the Map and trade with whoever you feel like. Thereare always people to fight, and there are challenges to test even the bestof Gamers.
The scenery is rendered amazingly, as are the boats andpeople, even the Skeletal Pirates look good.
I recommend all Ye Landlubbers should get this game as ye'll be blownaway!