Pirates: The Legend of Black Kat

 Xbox
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. Electric Playground
    90
    I love the fact that the game's exploration is open-ended.
  2. Gamezilla!
    89
    The best game I've played in a long, long time and I found myself totally addicted to it.
  3. Game Over Online
    85
    It also captures the spirit of both the old pirate movies, imparting a sense of heroism and roguishness within the player.
  5. Armchair Empire
    84
    It’s got a sense of fun, a main character that can be outfitted in a bikini, lots of swordplay, a chance to bend the laws of Nature in really big ships, and playability that’s easy to pick-up.
  6. GameZone
    80
    The sound is exceptional and the storyline manages to tie the whole program nicely together.
  7. Media and Games Online Network
    80
    Combining some excellent RPG, Adventure and Action elements it is definitely one to check out.
  8. Hot Games
    80
    A tired remake of "Tomb Raider" without the intrigue.
  9. GamePro
    80
    A great idea for a game, but it needs refinement in item management and greater variety in the sea and land battles.
  10. Adrenaline Vault
    80
    Blends solid and fresh gameplay with great graphics and exceptional sound design to create a title that lets you relish life on the high seas.
  11. GameSpot
    78
    An endearing and well thought-out game. It's neither extremely innovative, nor technically impressive--rather, it's an especially well-executed example of a fairly common sort of game.
  12. Game Informer
    75
    Unsurprisingly, this looks better than the PS2 version, but me timbers remain unshivered. [June 2002, p.83]
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  13. Official Xbox Magazine
    71
    The more I played, the more I settled into a fun, if not too deep, experience. [June 2002, p.74]
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  14. GameSpy
    64
    kept waiting for this game to become fun. It doesn't really.
  15. IGN
    60
    This is the definition of a middle of the road game.
  16. All Game Guide
    60
    There is considerable room for improvement, but Pirates is a hearty choice for those who'd rather focus on attacking than adventuring.
  17. Xbox Nation Magazine
    50
    The game's odd predilection for nighttime levels ensures that players will be doing double duty fighting and squinting. [Summer 2002, p.91]
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Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best Xbox Game of 2002
90
#90 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. chosen0ne
    Oct 7, 2021
    9
    The story is kind of basic and the acting is sub-par, but it's just so FUN!!! It's easy to understand and brilliant to play. I just wentThe story is kind of basic and the acting is sub-par, but it's just so FUN!!! It's easy to understand and brilliant to play. I just went back and broke out my old Xbox to replay this title and it's still pretty good by today's standards. Wish it would get a remaster or re-release on Switch or PC.… Full Review »
  2. SIPPIO
    Mar 14, 2019
    10
    This game has the best of both Pirate worlds..
    Ship/Naval combat/exploring & Fighting on land w/ decent/standard fighting mechanics and    This game has the best of both Pirate worlds..
    Ship/Naval combat/exploring & Fighting on land w/ decent/standard fighting mechanics and puzzles.
    ~The game has character upgrades & separate ship agrades like weapons & hull or ram damage etc..
    *I didn't finish it because IM NOT A COMPLETIONIST & PLAY GAMES TILL I GET BORED.
    and I did get bored b4 I finished it...
    But now that I collect PS2/OG Xbox games= I realized many other 40 year olds do too & they need to know that this game is thee best Pirate game save for AssCreed Black Flag..

    **Off Topic~ it amazes me that Pirate themed games suck all these years/decades...
    Sea of Thieves shoulda woulda coulda & even Black Flag was mediocre compaired to what should be....
    Actually ive been wanting a improved version of Pirates Black Kat since 2002...    … Full Review »
  3. TheLoneWolf
    Jul 25, 2017
    10
    This game is such a classic beat em up game. One of the best pirate games of all the time. The graphics might a bit dated, but the gameplay isThis game is such a classic beat em up game. One of the best pirate games of all the time. The graphics might a bit dated, but the gameplay is still solid.… Full Review »
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