Pirates! (USA)

Pirates! (USA) for the NES is a classic open-world adventure game that puts players in the shoes of a 17th-century pirate captain in the Caribbean. The primary goal is to build fame, accumulate wealth, and become the greatest pirate of all time.

The gameplay of Pirates! combines various diverse elements. Players will spend most of their time navigating their ship across a vast world map, discovering various ports, towns, and uncharted islands. Each port can belong to one of the four major nations of the era: Spain, England, France, or the Netherlands, and the player's relationship with these nations will influence trade and encounters.

Combat is a significant part of the game. Naval battles occur when the player encounters enemy ships. Players need to maneuver their ship to avoid cannon fire and position themselves for counter-attacks. After weakening an enemy ship, players can choose to board it for close-quarters sword fighting. Sword duels are simplistic, requiring quick reactions to attack or defend. Winning naval battles and sword fights yields plunder, including gold, goods, and even treasure maps.

Beyond combat, Pirates! also features economic elements. Players can buy and sell goods between ports to earn profits, or engage in smuggling for higher gains but greater risks. Treasure hunting, based on collecting map fragments, is also an engaging activity, leading to large stashes of gold.

Crew management is another important aspect. Players need to ensure their crew receives a fair share of the plunder to maintain morale and prevent mutiny. As time progresses in the game, the player character will age, and their skills may decline, eventually leading to retirement. The ultimate objective is to retire with a substantial fortune, a legendary reputation, and perhaps having found all lost family members.