Sid Meier's Pirates!

 iOS
  • Publisher: 2K Games
  • Release Date: Jul 21, 2011
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. No DPad
    Jul 26, 2011
    100
    Absolutely stunning. This stands as one of my all-time favorite games for the iPad, considering the fact that there's so much to do and so little time.
  2. AppSafari
    Jul 26, 2011
    100
    At $6.99 (currently) this game is real value and other developers should take note.
  3. NZGamer
    Mar 3, 2012
    94
    Trade and economic growth are explored in a simple and deeply engaging way.
  5. TouchArcade
    Aug 1, 2011
    90
    It's deceptively deep, riddled with charming animations, colors, and characters, and offers a huge bag of things to do. It also runs well enough and is tuned well enough to recommend it on the iPad, which obviously is a huge plus.
  6. AppSmile
    Aug 1, 2011
    90
    Replay value is terrific, as you can mix and match difficulties, factions, and abilities to create vastly different experiences when you play again.
  7. IGN
    Jul 29, 2011
    90
    Pirates! on iPad is an excellent port that could easily be sold for much more than its sub $10 price. With near endless replayability, this ranks among the best investments any iPad owner could make.
  8. Pocket Gamer UK
    Jul 22, 2011
    90
    Brimming with content, eminently replayable, and much improved over previous iterations, Sid Meier's Pirates! is a must-have for any self-respecting iPad buccaneer.
  9. Modojo
    May 31, 2012
    80
    If you've historically been put off by the complexity of Sid Meier's other titles, this is a lovely action-simulation that will lead you gently into the genre. For strategy stalwarts, there's nothing to fear from this very different Meier game, because it really is a huge amount of fun regardless of your typical gaming preferences.
  10. 148Apps
    Jul 28, 2011
    80
    A complex sim and one that demonstrates just how wondrous it was the first time.
  11. TouchGen
    Jul 25, 2011
    80
    Yes, the battles do become repetitive, especially in regards to their presentation, but there is still a huge feeling of accomplishment when you defeat a ship through both great battle strategy and lightning gesture reflexes!
  12. Slide to Play
    Jul 22, 2011
    75
    Sid Meier's Pirates! is a classic for a reason, and the iPad version is excellent.

Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Best iOS Game of 2011
55
#55 Most Discussed iOS Game of 2011
9
#9 Most Shared iOS Game of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. hokum
    Sep 30, 2011
    9
    Amazingly addictive little game. It's sandbox, so no two games will ever be the same. You're free to do what you want, however you want. ItAmazingly addictive little game. It's sandbox, so no two games will ever be the same. You're free to do what you want, however you want. It essentially revolves around four mini-games - sea combat, land combat, fencing, dancing. The downside of this formula is that it can feel a little repetitive after a while. Sid Meier's magic is there - making you juggle several balls at once which means that you quickly lose track of time. This game is easy to learn, difficult to master. Great escapist fun, although a little on the cartoon-ish side. if you want realistic, dark and gritty, look elsewhere.… Full Review »
  2. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    8
    A terrific swashbucklimg adventure full of fun minigames and interesting combat. It captires the romantic fantasy of piracy incredibly wellA terrific swashbucklimg adventure full of fun minigames and interesting combat. It captires the romantic fantasy of piracy incredibly well and is a very replayable experience. Very well done!… Full Review »
  3. Ironplate
    Feb 20, 2018
    8
    I had a very good times with this game, back in the days.
    It’s a pirate simulator full with nostalgia elements.
    + Good and funny animations.    I had a very good times with this game, back in the days.
    It’s a pirate simulator full with nostalgia elements.
    + Good and funny animations.
    + Great strategics elements.
    + Arrrrr!
    There is still no game in recent years that compares it. I like it a lot.    … Full Review »
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