Sid Meier's Pirates!

 Xbox
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 47 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 47
  3. Negative: 2 out of 47
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  1. Eurogamer
    70
    While it does have hidden depths, then, they're not much more than handfuls of sand scooped out of the bottom of a rock-pool. Fun though it undoubtedly is, it isn't very vicious or memorable. A bit like that Disneyworld ride, actually.
  2. Gamer's Hell
    70
    Yet the core of Pirates! is scurvy riddled, lacking the precious vitamin C gameplay nuance that would elevate it well beyond the ranks of average.
  3. Gamers Europe
    65
    I can't really be too harsh on Pirates as it does do exactly what it sets out to do; it's a huge game, looks pretty enough with it's mix of cartoon animation and overhead map-views, and it doesn't sound too bad either to boot.
  5. Official Xbox Magazine
    60
    It's a lifeless action game crossed with a shallow strategy game; a game that seems to take the safe route in all things... but one that I still can't stop playing. Arrrrgggh! [Aug 2005, p.80]
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  6. Gamestyle
    50
    A missed opportunity. It does nothing to ruin the memory of a groundbreaking 8-bit game, but everything to prove that games have moved on since then.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best Xbox Game of 2005
35
#35 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2005
31
#31 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 5 out of 24
  1. calcipher
    Feb 15, 2013
    5
    When porting a PC game to a console, your first concern should be to make this game controller-friendly. Well, I hope someone was fired fromWhen porting a PC game to a console, your first concern should be to make this game controller-friendly. Well, I hope someone was fired from Firaxis after this port because they somehow managed not to do it. What you get is "Sid Meier's Pirates!" for PC, but it's on your Xbox. No graphic improvements, no new content (after 1 year from PC release) and you have to play this game with the controller, while the game itself is still thought for keyboard+mouse control. Until you get used to a control system that seems specifically designed to get on your nerves, everyone in the Seven Seas will assume you're steering your ship while drunk. Sword combats will be extremely hard since you're forced to use your D-PAD instead of the sticks or the triggers or even the bumpers. Who came with the idea of the D-PAD? I hope the same guy that was fired. --It's a shame, because I loved the PC version of this game. This Xbox port just got me to re-install my old "Sid Meier's Pirates!" on my desktop and got deleted after a couple of boring (and very frustrating) games. I give this game a 5, just in memory of the good old times and because you might enjoy it if you're patient enough to get used to the controls and/or do not have the chance to play it on a PC. Otherwise, go for the PC version.… Full Review »
  2. aspentitan
    Nov 22, 2020
    6
    This is an ok sim game. It's not super high tech but it's a great casual game to play off and on. It's repetitive as it's a build and conquerThis is an ok sim game. It's not super high tech but it's a great casual game to play off and on. It's repetitive as it's a build and conquer game but on the other hand there are different dynamic events which set you back to keep the game interesting. You also have a lot of choice to build your own fun with the game mechanics. Basically if you like sims this is high enough quality to fill that need and keep you entertained. It is lightweight though to keep complexity simple rather than overwhelming. I'd be happy giving a 7/10 for gameplay (some of which is a bit questionable) but in 2005 it's outdated and lazy to not have voice acting embedded into the game design.… Full Review »
  3. Broyax
    Apr 18, 2020
    0
    C'est le "remake" du jeu original de 1987 à ce qu'il paraît... autant dire qu'on a exhumé une momie chez Firaxis et qu'on a essayé de la faireC'est le "remake" du jeu original de 1987 à ce qu'il paraît... autant dire qu'on a exhumé une momie chez Firaxis et qu'on a essayé de la faire marcher... or, en fait ça ne marche pas ! toutes les mécaniques du jeu sont sclérosées, grippées, coincées, ringardes ou complètement pourries.

    Les combats à l'épée sont ridicules et les combats en mer consistent à se tourner autour et se renifler le fion en attendant d'avoir une bonne ligne de mire avec ou en dépit du vent qui semble... fixe ! La partie "gestion" (si l'on peut dire... et faut le dire vite) est bien pourrave également avec des possibilités de commerce très limitées (et plutôt inutiles) et un même menu pour toutes les villes, se bornant à un dialogue dans une tavernepour embaucher quelques soudards ou apprendre quelque rumeur...

    Le pire est sans doute la carte (maritime) peu claire et ce rafiot qui ne cesse d'avancer, rendant la navigation mal aisée et aléatoire. Le ton général du jeu est clairement hystéro-bouffon (la musique est carrément débile) et les graphismes sont vraiment bien laids, même pour un jeu de cette époque ! Décidément pas pratique, lourdingue et bâclé de la proue à la poupe, cet ersatz de jeu de pirates coule à pic plus vite que le Titanic et le radeau de la Méduse réunis !    … Full Review »
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