Pirates of the Caribbean

 Xbox
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 30
  3. Negative: 4 out of 30
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  1. GameReviewer
    87
    Just that sort of game. It sucks you in and won't let go until suddenly you're late for work or the morning sun is peeking through the blinds and you realize you stayed up all night again.
  2. GameNow
    83
    Naval battles are where Pirates shines. The game's ocean settings look spectacular, with some of the most gorgeous graphics on Xbox. [Sept 2003, p.56]
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  3. AtomicGamer
    81
    Pirates of the Caribbean is a tough game; it might mislead some buyers into thinking it shares much more than a name with the Hollywood movie.
  5. GamingTrend
    80
    I wish Pirates of the Caribbean was easier to get in to than it is, but it's worth your time if you're willing to hang in there.
  6. Game Chronicles
    80
    The fact that Pirates is not based on the movie works to the game's advantage...The player is free to follow his own path with no preconceived notions.
  7. Deeko
    80
    Though I was irritated with the cache issue (still am), the game itself manages to be everything I expected in a pirate title and more.
  8. GamePro
    80
    The weather effects are beautiful (the storm sequences are downright scary), and pulling off a successful ship capture is an exhilarating experience once you manage it.
  9. Game Informer
    78
    The world is truly your oyster. Whether or not there's a pearl in it depends on how much you enjoy the freedom given to you. [Aug 2003, p.97]
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  10. GameSpot
    76
    The big, dramatic-looking naval battles pack in a lot of variety, and the open-ended structure of the campaign rewards your curiosity.
  11. TeamXbox
    76
    Although the lackluster land gameplay drags the experience down a bit, the sailing parts of the game are just so exciting and enthralling that you can totally forget about the less riveting parts of the game. I do prefer Bethesda's other published RPG, "Morrowind," because there is simply more to do.
  12. Armchair Empire
    76
    Even with it's incomplete manual and it's many frustrations, I still liked Pirates of the Caribbean. There's much to do, places to see, buccaneers to slaughter, and mutineers to squash – all wrapped up in a colorful package.
  13. IGN
    75
    PotC's depth is maybe a notch or two below what was seen in Morrowind, it suffers from new combat and camera problems stemming from the third person perspective and nearly makes up for all of its shortcomings with outstanding sailing and ship-to-ship combat elements.
  14. GameZone
    75
    Long and addictive, if you let Pirates consume you, it will.

Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003
60
#60 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 28
  3. Negative: 5 out of 28
  1. masterman5
    May 1, 2020
    8
    Hard to get into at first but still a classic game to play. Save often though.
  2. otto12
    Jan 17, 2019
    10
    this game is really underrated in my opinion but game is really fun when you learn control. i recommend this game to every rpg fun!
  3. KevR.
    Dec 16, 2003
    8
    It's true that this game is bugged and imperfect but if you can use Bethesda's work around it's well worth the trouble. It's true that this game is bugged and imperfect but if you can use Bethesda's work around it's well worth the trouble. Relatively open gameplay (you can 'complete' the game and carry on), great sea battle scenes. The lure of ever greater ships, piles of money, valuables and weapons.. adding officers to your crew and building a small fleet - great fun. I've got my fingers crossed for a POTC 2 where they take more time and get it bug free... … Full Review »
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