Having been inducted into the Hall of Fame by both Computer Gaming World and Gamespy, and voted one of the top 20 all-time games by Computer Gaming World Magazine, Pirates! is recognized as one of the greatest games ever created.

The new Sid Meier’s Pirates! for the PC was released in November 2004 and has received numerous awards and accolades including: Time Magazine “One of 2004’s Top Ten Video Games”, Chicago Tribune “One of the Best Video Games of 2004”, Gamespy Top Ten PC Games, IGN Best Adventure Game of 2004, Strategy Informer 9.2, Jolt 9.3, and the list goes on!

Sid Meier’s Pirates! for the Xbox

Sid Meier and Firaxis Games have brought this exquisitely rich action-adventure RPG into the 21st century with a rip-roaring chain shot bang, and delivered an unprecedented gameplay experience to Xbox fans around the world.

In Sid Meier’s Pirates! you take the leading role of a Pirate Captain in the 17th century Caribbean, amassing fortune and fame as you attempt to seize your rightful place as one of the most revered (and feared!) pirates in history. Test your skills as a sea captain, exploring the exotic ports of the high seas in a richly detailed 3D world.

As your reputation and skills grow, so will the size and quality of your crew, and your ability to take on larger enemy ships, raid and plunder heavily fortified ports, and locate ancient treasure. There’s a whole cast of interesting and dangerous characters to meet, mysteries to solve, exotic island destinations to discover, and powerful alliances to forge!

Features in Sid Meier’s Pirates for the Xbox:

• Each time you play you create a new and exciting adventure in the gorgeous 17th century Caribbean, so the game delivers endless hours of fun. Live out multiple quests during four different historical periods through a non-linear, open life timeline where your every decision poses unique challenges and reveals new possibilities.
• Locate members of your kidnapped family, rescue Governors’ daughters, discover ancient lost cities, become a nobleman, get married, defeat the evil Marquis de la Montalban – you decide where the story goes!
• Enter a dynamic, living Caribbean where your actions (or the lack thereof) have a tangible impact. Sway the balance of power by sacking an enemy town, inciting a pirate attack or Indian raid, or deliver a peace treaty to end the hostilities between two nations.
• Engage in exciting action sequences on ship decks, swinging from yard arms, slashing down sails, and clobbering enemy crew as you fight your way to the enemy captain.
• Parry and slash your dueling opponents – including merchant sea captains, fearless pirates, and relentless mercenaries -- into submission onboard ships, in seedy taverns, on the ramparts and even at the Governor’s mansion.
• Become the top pirate in the Caribbean by defeating some of the most infamous pirates in history -- including Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, Captain Henry Morgan, Jean Lafitte.
• Encounter and engage 27 different types of ships in fierce naval battles, both against single vessels and multi-ship convoys.
• Command your fleet of up to five vessels, enhanced with a variety of upgrades ranging from iron scantlings to cotton sails to grape shot. Unique ship specialists like the gunner and navigator can further increase your fleet’s abilities.
• Increase your riches and impress the governor’s daughter with your charm, fame, heroism — even your dancing abilities.
• Collect unique items like the Sacred Relic, Metal Cuirass, Spanish Rutter, Perfectly Balanced Rapier and Incan Mystic Salve, each providing special benefits and abilities.
• Sneak in and out of towns, escape from prisons and avoid guards (or catch them by surprise and incapacitate them!).
• Dispatch landing parties of buccaneers in strategic battles for control of entire cities.
• Challenge a friend to an arcade-style Vs mode ship battle, complete with 9 different powerups, unique arenas, and intense ship-to-ship collisions. Or, duel a friend in Vs swordfighting.
• Upload your high scores and compare your pirating prowess with your friends and foes using Xbox Live!
• Download sail emblems, flags, and content packs quickly and seamlessly with Xbox Live!
• Unlock bonus content such as concept art and behind-the-scenes footage from developer, Firaxis Games.
• Widescreen and 480p HDTV support bring the full excitement of high seas piracy into your living room.
• High fidelity 5.1 Dolby Digital surround puts you in the middle of volatile ship battles, frantic duels, and dozens of exotic Caribbean locales.