Pirates of the Caribbean Online Preview

Building off a popular license always leads to expectations and so far Pirates of the Caribbean is struggling to find its place in the world of massively multiplayer online titles. Is this a mark against the game? Absolutely not.  There are stumbles, such as lag and the occasional clipping problem, but the essence of the license is there and thus the promise of good things to come.

Up front, though, there are a couple of versions of the game that create some irritation. There is the beta version received, which is the lower cost (perhaps free) but comes windowed with ads around the borders. The premium version will expand the window, eliminate the ads but cost you much more to play the game.

The game begins in prison (sound familiar) but you are the one breaking out. There are (at this stage) some customization options that will enable you to create an avatar that suits your mood. And then you will work through a couple of character levels, learning how to use the combat/melee system and navigation tools. You will also get a small boat. Part of the process here is to level up and take your adventure onto the high seas.

Creating a character is a different level of design than most players are used to in the MMO field. Disney is behind this title and has taken great pains to ensure that the game is very family friendly, in spite of the killing that is part and parcel of most MMOs. You can only select a character name from a prepared list. Once you get your character all set up, it’s time to head into this world.

As the game begins, you will hear that Jolly Roger is attacking the town you are in. In fact, you get to see Jolly Roger up close and personal and he tells you to deliver a message to Jack Sparrow that good old’ Jolly will be coming back for both you and Jack.

The nice thing about this vehicle is that the characters from the movie show up soon into the journey. Orlando Bloom’s shop will set you on the course to learn the combat system, which is interesting in that it ties into the mouse clicks. Left clicking begins combat and continuing to left click will time in attacks. A right click enables a special attack. Like some previous games, the more you use your weapons, the more skill points you will accrue. Ship combat is also tied in to usage of skills.

There are a wide variety of quests available and the whole atmosphere is one of fun.

The game will also have player-versus-player combat elements.

Pirates of the Caribbean is (as mentioned) a Disney product and as such it sports a light and entertaining feel. This is not a game that will draw in the hardcore gamer but rather it will appeal to the casual gamer as well as those looking for a friendly atmosphere. It seems that great pains have been taken to bring a well-rounded experience with this title.  

Pirates of the Caribbean Online is slated to launch in June..