Pirates of the Burning Sea

 PC
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 64 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 64
  3. Negative: 11 out of 64
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  1. JoeSchmoe
    Mar 3, 2008
    3
    Simply put, a terribly dull game. Sword fighting requires nothing more than button mashing, and open sea combat is painfully slow. Given that these elements make up 95% of the gameplay, there really isn't enough to do to warrant playing for more than a few days.

    Graphics and sound are bland but generally on par with what other MMOs offer. Sound is unmemorable. Overall, the game    Simply put, a terribly dull game. Sword fighting requires nothing more than button mashing, and open sea combat is painfully slow. Given that these elements make up 95% of the gameplay, there really isn't enough to do to warrant playing for more than a few days.

    Graphics and sound are bland but generally on par with what other MMOs offer. Sound is unmemorable. Overall, the game plays, looks, and sounds mediocre.    … Expand
  2. DerekM,
    Jan 31, 2008
    6
    Small world, repetable, sometimes boring, bugged. For genre fans.
  3. SteveC
    Mar 15, 2008
    3
    Over the past 10 years of gaming i have played hunreds of pc games. Over the past 12 months i have played most of the new releases and a lot of WOW but as a mature gamer i am anticipating the release of the new MMO Conan game so i thought potbs would be a good stopgap until it arrives. I am largely disappointed in this game. It lags terribly and to say it is an online game the world feels Over the past 10 years of gaming i have played hunreds of pc games. Over the past 12 months i have played most of the new releases and a lot of WOW but as a mature gamer i am anticipating the release of the new MMO Conan game so i thought potbs would be a good stopgap until it arrives. I am largely disappointed in this game. It lags terribly and to say it is an online game the world feels very underpopulated with other players...and thats on a busy sever. The Trading/crafting is quite complex to begin with but as long as you pick up the draughtsman recipes you can progress quite well and make a profit. But make a profit to do what?The swashbuckling/combat i feel is a joke---requiring very little skill and giving you very little control. The only intresting aspects are the naval ship v ship encounters which do require skill and a lot of input and are quite pretty visually. These do get quite boring after you have done a hundred or so---and you wonder whether it is worth all the hassle to get a bigger ship with bigger guns just to engage in the same tedious battles. I am a good judge of games and agree with most of the game rankings on this site BUT please folks by all means try the game for the first free month but you have been warned it is no WOW killer. The other downside is ..because it is an online game-most game shops wont trade it in as a part ex on your next game..so your stuck with it. Hope you have more fun with it than i did---binned after 2 weeks.… Expand
  4. LudoL
    Jul 17, 2008
    6
    Should be amazingly fun but too many bugs and abuse/cheating scenarios create too many situations frustrating and inevitable loss. Up the FUN factor and dont penalize all customers for the sins of some is critical to building a community and sustainable MMORPG... Even for genre fans.
  5. Sergeys
    Nov 18, 2009
    2
    I was Flying Lab Software (the game maker) subscribed customer for 7 months and you'd think they'd care about customer loyalty, right? Their customer support has no understanding of such basic things as "customer appreciation" or "customer satisfaction". They don't even have a phone to call in, all communication is done over e-mail. Too bad such a promising game must suffer I was Flying Lab Software (the game maker) subscribed customer for 7 months and you'd think they'd care about customer loyalty, right? Their customer support has no understanding of such basic things as "customer appreciation" or "customer satisfaction". They don't even have a phone to call in, all communication is done over e-mail. Too bad such a promising game must suffer from incompetent customer support.… Expand
  6. AlG
    Sep 23, 2009
    3
    While I enjoyed this game initially with all the different kinds of ships and all the personalization capabilities the game's ugly side reveals itself towards the end. As players will find themselves running a gauntlet of endless grinding, game bugs, unbalanced PvP, as well as economic baggage that seem to be intentionally designed to make it impossible for solo players or players While I enjoyed this game initially with all the different kinds of ships and all the personalization capabilities the game's ugly side reveals itself towards the end. As players will find themselves running a gauntlet of endless grinding, game bugs, unbalanced PvP, as well as economic baggage that seem to be intentionally designed to make it impossible for solo players or players who can't find a good guild to join to obtain decent ships. The most infamous of which is the Lineship Structure Bundle. In addition to all this the developers at Flying Labs Software are less than helpful and tend to ignore player issues. I've also seen some documented cases of FLS devs banning players accounts for simply expressing their opinions about how the game is operated and monitored. If you are a player interested in naval combat set in the age of sail I highly recommend you try either East India Company or Empire: Total War as opposed to this game.… Expand
  7. TheEarthDragon
    Jan 25, 2013
    8
    Far better game then many of these reviews suggest. One of the very few games where you can run start to run an extremely successful business just a few hours in. Very good job Flying Labs. Swordplay needed some work and there should have been more bonuses for being one of the few utilizing obscure ports, giving them actual value.
  8. vad
    Oct 18, 2013
    10
    great game. great economy. interesting tactical battles. poor advertisement for the game. lack of motivation for RvR. Patches are constantly changing balance and ease-game. different mix PvP RvR
  9. tardacus
    Feb 25, 2012
    0
    This game is an absolutely dreadful waste of time.
    This game shares the grindfest gameplay model of most MMO`s complete with forced PVP against players many levels higher than you and with no chance of winning.When you lose a forced PVP fight against these higher level people you items and ships which takes days or even weeks of mind numbing grinding to replace. If you enjoy grinding for    This game is an absolutely dreadful waste of time.
    This game shares the grindfest gameplay model of most MMO`s complete with forced PVP against players many levels higher than you and with no chance of winning.When you lose a forced PVP fight against these higher level people you items and ships which takes days or even weeks of mind numbing grinding to replace. If you enjoy grinding for days or weeks just to able to pvp for 20 or 30 minetes then you`ll love this game.
    Finding an opponent to PVP against will take several hours since the game population seems to consist of only hanger on`s who have been playing the game since beta and have invested so much money into the game that they can`t walk away from it.
    PVP and PVE are slow and glitchy.

    customer service is about what you would expect from any F2P MMO, it doesn`t exist.
    Bugs and glitches are the norm rather than the exception.
    end game content, there is none.
    For all intents and purposes this is a dead game that should have been buried long ago.
    The only reason the game is still up and running is because the few fanbois that still play it keep throwing money at it to keep the two servers running.
    This is just another low budget independent cash cow game.    … Expand
  10. EricT,
    Jan 30, 2008
    9
    This game is addicting. Whether you wish to play the market, decimate enemy ships, or duel enemy captains, you'll find enjoyment in the game's mechanics. It delivers a unique experience every time. It doesn't matter if you have 15 minutes or 5 hours to play, you can log in and get something done. The game play is excellent, but the UI could use some work- it's large This game is addicting. Whether you wish to play the market, decimate enemy ships, or duel enemy captains, you'll find enjoyment in the game's mechanics. It delivers a unique experience every time. It doesn't matter if you have 15 minutes or 5 hours to play, you can log in and get something done. The game play is excellent, but the UI could use some work- it's large and cumbersome. Overall, I would highly recommend this game to anyone who may be interested in buying it in the future.… Expand
  11. MatthewW.
    Mar 3, 2008
    6
    I played this game both retail and beta and I have to say it can be fun at times but the game is much too repetative to be something a general audience would find vewry rewarding. For fans of this genre this game is a dream come true, truely if you're a pirate at heart you will never find a better game theres little doubt of that. But the sword combat is very bad and feels tacked on I played this game both retail and beta and I have to say it can be fun at times but the game is much too repetative to be something a general audience would find vewry rewarding. For fans of this genre this game is a dream come true, truely if you're a pirate at heart you will never find a better game theres little doubt of that. But the sword combat is very bad and feels tacked on and underdeveloped. But the ship combat and nation PVP is very cool and engrossing if you find the right server. Population is apparently an issue already. I wish the game the best though because it does fill the niche quite well, just don't know if there's enough of a fan base to keep a mmporpg afloat.… Expand
  12. chada
    Jan 19, 2010
    8
    Lacks the proverbial "carrot on a stick" people have come to expect from MMO's.. if you are the type that likes to hunt for the EPIC LOOTZ this is not the game for you. PVE is average at best, and the player driven economy is deep, if held back by low server populations. I have been playing this game for almost 3 years now, and pvp still gives me a rush like nothing else i have found Lacks the proverbial "carrot on a stick" people have come to expect from MMO's.. if you are the type that likes to hunt for the EPIC LOOTZ this is not the game for you. PVE is average at best, and the player driven economy is deep, if held back by low server populations. I have been playing this game for almost 3 years now, and pvp still gives me a rush like nothing else i have found in gaming. If you have the patience for a learning curve, are a risk taking adrenaline junky and like the idea of naval combat in the age of sail you have GOT to try this game. A niche game, to be sure, but the pvp combat is unrivaled..… Expand
  13. CaptainP
    Mar 22, 2008
    10
    I'm at level 35, French Navy. So far I love the game. The ship combat is a blast. The ships are more and more powerful as I level. The graphics are fantastically beautiful. The missions are well written and engagine - particularly the career story arch missions. When I play this game, I feel like I"m on vacation in the sunny Caribbean with beautiful skies and sun on my face. Love it.
  14. JonC
    Jan 17, 2009
    9
    A really fantastic game which has improved by a vast amount since its release. I've been playing for months and it really is great, if somewhat confusing when you start out.
  15. christophed
    Jan 27, 2009
    9
    Good game but the players make the economy in the game,need more players on the servers and this game is great
  16. TrevM
    Dec 23, 2009
    9
    I have been playing this game for two years and am hooked. As one of the biggest and most experienced PvPers in the game, I can tell you tyhat this is the best MMO i have ever played, with a fantastic PvP Risk vs Reward system. Only downside is a fairly low population. Help fix that problem! Trev Macer, Blackbeard british
  17. CurtC.
    Jan 22, 2008
    9
    I have put about 10 hours into "Pirates" so far and must say there is an enormous amount of potential for this game. The visuals are very nice with ship to ship combat looking great and character models all looking very sharp. So it's pretty to look at but how does it play? So far I am impressed with the sheer depth of this title. Whether you want to sail the seas and look for I have put about 10 hours into "Pirates" so far and must say there is an enormous amount of potential for this game. The visuals are very nice with ship to ship combat looking great and character models all looking very sharp. So it's pretty to look at but how does it play? So far I am impressed with the sheer depth of this title. Whether you want to sail the seas and look for plunder, swordfight with your rivals, or dig deep into the production and trade elements youy'll find something interesting to do. It may not be a WoW killer, but so far it looks like a winner!… Expand
  18. AndyMeuse
    Feb 28, 2008
    7
    It's a good 40 hours of fun. That's about it unless you really enjoy the pvp as the AI in pve isn't all that great. The missions throw some you into some interesting scenarios but how many different combination of ship to ship combat can you come with? Right not many.
  19. MattG
    Oct 31, 2009
    9
    This game is truly addicting. I've played it since beta, and it is now a year and a half later. I've gotten bored with it and tried to quit to play other games, and it always sucks me back in. It can be difficult to get pvp sometimes, but when you get a big 6v6 ship battle, or especially a massive 24v24 pvp port battle to take an enemy town, it's a huge rush. It's got This game is truly addicting. I've played it since beta, and it is now a year and a half later. I've gotten bored with it and tried to quit to play other games, and it always sucks me back in. It can be difficult to get pvp sometimes, but when you get a big 6v6 ship battle, or especially a massive 24v24 pvp port battle to take an enemy town, it's a huge rush. It's got everything. For the pve player, it's got endless missions, a complex player based economy, and over a hundred ports to sail too. For the pvper, it's got Port Conquest, nation v nation RvR with 4 nations, 5 different pvp viable careers, and epic battles with a beautiful ship combat system. I DEFINITELY recommend… Expand
  20. [Anonymous]
    Jan 25, 2008
    9
    At first this game seemed like "Generic MMO 2.0... Now with Pirates!" After playing it for a few weeks, however, I find that I'm really enjoying it. In fact, the more I play the better it gets. The combat is interesting, the economy is engaging and the grind is barely noticeable. If you decide to try this game out, stick with it through the difficult learning curve and you'll At first this game seemed like "Generic MMO 2.0... Now with Pirates!" After playing it for a few weeks, however, I find that I'm really enjoying it. In fact, the more I play the better it gets. The combat is interesting, the economy is engaging and the grind is barely noticeable. If you decide to try this game out, stick with it through the difficult learning curve and you'll bee well rewarded.… Expand
  21. JeffA.
    Jan 31, 2008
    9
    I think the core of the game is very solid, and it's got a lot of potential which will be realized by dedicated and active development and community relations teams. It learns from both the strengths and weaknesses of games which have come before, and applies its own flavor and feel to it all.
  22. DavidBass
    Feb 5, 2008
    9
    One of the most original games I've played in quite a long time. The development team is very involved with the community, and is quick to respond to any issues you may find. Whether you prefer PvP, Economy, or just a fun storyline, PotBS has it all. I see a very bright future for this game.
  23. BrianR.
    Jan 22, 2008
    8
    A really interesting mix of Eve Online's strategic overtones and Sid Meier's Pirates! - but in both cases simplified and made more MMO friendly. Not too friendly! There's enough realism and short-handed realism that you can get immersed in tall ship battles or a rich and complex economic game (crafting is utterly simple, this is no SWG, but figuring out why to craft and how A really interesting mix of Eve Online's strategic overtones and Sid Meier's Pirates! - but in both cases simplified and made more MMO friendly. Not too friendly! There's enough realism and short-handed realism that you can get immersed in tall ship battles or a rich and complex economic game (crafting is utterly simple, this is no SWG, but figuring out why to craft and how to profit from it, or whether to forgo crafting and specialize in "freetrading" between ports is the key here). As far as atmospherics go, you know where you are from the minute you step out of the tutorial. Colonial ports, scummy pirate dens - and a rather elaborate visual character designer (think CoH/CoV) helps you fit right in or stand right out as you please. I haven't had firsthand experience with the strategic game yet as it's just going live today but I'm having fun with the PvE missions, the roleplaying and the ship battles. Can't wait to see the economy and the PvP game fired up too. This is definitely aimed at an older crowd with functioning attention spans.… Expand
  24. DavidD.
    Jan 29, 2008
    7
    Great potential, but needs some bug and feature fixes. Had fun in beta, but frustrated by limitations when playing alts.
  25. TimothyT.
    Jan 24, 2008
    9
    Different than your standard MMO, but a lot of fun. RvR pvp is great. 100% player driven economy. Great potential for the future.

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Best PC Game of 2008
51
#51 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
73
#73 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. Multiplayer.it
    Mar 9, 2011
    78
    Learning to play may take too long, but sea-battles are really exciting and the setting is more than catching.
    Read full review
  2. GameDaily
    80
    With plenty to do and gorgeous visuals, Pirates of the Burning Sea is a quality MMO no one should miss.
    Read full review
  3. Game Revolution
    75
    A unique hybrid of plundered gameplay elements. It doesn't manage to actually improve upon its MMORPG parents, but if you've become tired of space lasers or elf wizards, Burning Sea is easily the most interesting new game in town. In the long run, it will be the complex economy and the faction warfare that will determine the success of this ocean venture.
    Read full review
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