Sid Meier's Pirates!

 Wii
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
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  1. Nintendo Power
    85
    Unlike anything else you've played on Wii. [Nov 2010, p.89]
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  2. Da Gameboyz
    78
    I'm not sure if a couple of exclusive mini-games are reason enough for people that have played Pirates! in the past to revisit it. Having not played it before myself, I certainly did enjoy myself despite a few issues.
  3. GamingXP
    Oct 25, 2010
    72
    Sid Meier's Pirates! is a real cult classic – this hasn't changed a bit. Despite all the bugs and tedious things like sailing east and a missing graphics update since its rerelease, it's still a great game.
  5. Nintendo Gamer
    Dec 25, 2010
    68
    Pillage and plunder in a nice sort of way. Don't expect to be told what's going on, but as soon as you figure it out for yourself you'll be fine. [Issue#56, p.69]
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  6. Nintendojo
    Oct 29, 2010
    67
    It's always nice to see developers support Wii with quality titles, and certainly this fits the description of a quality title - Sid Meier's Pirates is arguably one of the best games of the last decade. At the same time, the Wii version is - despite the IR and motion controls - probably the weakest of the game's many incarnations, despite being the most expensive.
  7. Worth Playing
    65
    The one saving grace is that in spite of all these shortcomings, if you've never played Sid Meier's Pirates! before and only own a Wii console, then this is a title you absolutely must own.
  8. Games Master UK
    Dec 25, 2010
    62
    Dated and unhappily ported to Wii. There is treasure, but you've really got to dig for it. [Issue#232, p.87]
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  9. Level7.nu
    Jan 5, 2011
    60
    Sid Meiers Pirates for Wii is partially a missed opportunity. The game's a classic on PC, but the Wii version feels a little unessecary, since the new functions for this console doesn't add much to the experience. There's a lot to do in this game and it can get you quite hooked, but it could have been done much better.
  10. NintendoWorldReport
    Oct 25, 2010
    60
    Pirates! is a light-hearted diversion. It's a game that you can invest time in casually without any real concern for forgetting what you were doing or losing your place. However, the Wii port added control issues to a game that has a need for tight controls, therefore, it's hard to recommend Pirates! for Wii.
  11. GameSpot
    60
    Control issues and other frustrations make this a very disappointing version of the classic game of adventure on the high seas.
  12. Game Chronicles
    55
    Despite the game's inherent charm, the Wii port does a lot to drag this game down to Davy Jones' locker.
  13. Cubed3
    Feb 15, 2011
    50
    The feeling of being left adrift in Pirates! is one that just should not be tolerated.
  14. GameZone
    35
    Sid Meier's Pirates! is another perfect example of a great game gone bad when it's poorly ported to consoles. Skip Sid Meier's Pirates; unless you are a glutton for punishment.

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Best Wii Game of 2010
57
#57 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2010
42
#42 Most Shared Wii Game of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Brainstorm123
    Aug 28, 2014
    9
    Sid Meier's PIRATES! is the best WII game I've ever played. It's on par with even the best next-gen games. The graphics aren't that good, butSid Meier's PIRATES! is the best WII game I've ever played. It's on par with even the best next-gen games. The graphics aren't that good, but let's look deeper. Captaining a ship is daunting, and exploring is engaging. It also has some fantastic R.P.G. elements as well, with customisation, and several meaningful choices. You can side with countries, raid ports, marry Governors' daughters, defeat pirates, travel from port to port, and obviously, sail. The combat is engaging as well, were timing is key. These are the driving forces behind the best pure pirate game ever made.… Full Review »
  2. TheGamer31
    Dec 25, 2012
    9
    This game is awesome, the critics are stupid. I think it has good mechanics, and when I got it, I didn't want to stop playing it. It is a veryThis game is awesome, the critics are stupid. I think it has good mechanics, and when I got it, I didn't want to stop playing it. It is a very addicting game.… Full Review »
  3. Wheely
    Mar 15, 2011
    5
    This version could have been great but falls into mediocrity due to many gameplay issues. The mini games have not been improved (dancing withThis version could have been great but falls into mediocrity due to many gameplay issues. The mini games have not been improved (dancing with the governors daughter is the same tedius affair as the Amiga incarnation!). In the map (when sailing) you should be able to zoom out and still see what ships are passing you without having to zoom back in again. In battle mode it is now too easy for a ship to escape off screen. In fact this port smacks of apathy from the games designers and programmers.

    It is a shame, as buried deep down is still the awesome game that addicted us for years on the Commodore Amiga.    … Full Review »
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