Sid Meier's Pirates!

The Good
For me, even the 8 bit version of this game is pretty flawless. From the ability to choose a combination of a historical period and nationality, to the freedom of choice in in-game actions, the scope of this game is only just being reached by far more sophisticated modern releases (Operation Flashpoint for example) I first played this game aged about 9 on a commodore 64, and it held me captivated for months, if not years. I have now downloaded it for a 64 emmulator, and am once again spending most of my gaming hours (limited, as a married man of 26 with 2 kids) playing it once again. This game has educational importance as well. Other have said that this game taught them more about the period than schooling, and I can only agree. My interest in the period has endured, so much so that I am hopefully to soon join an expedition to St Kitts to explore the maritime archaeology in the area.

The Bad
In all honesty, I cannot fault the C64 version of the game.....except that Bach and Handel (major musical contributors to the game) were of a later period... Bach wasnt born 'till March 1685!!!!!! Having said this, I wont deny that the choice of scores set the scene! :-)

The Bottom Line
Pure freedom to loot, pillage and cause as much havoc as you care to wreak!

The Good
It is INFINITELY play-able. But, this game is NOT about graphics, tho, for it's DAY, it was an awesome game. You can only TRY to 'master' certain levels of play (within certain time periods) and THEN, you can go about your business in an entirely DIFFERENT time period... Try it... You'll LIKE IT... You'll find yourself running your career well into the wee hours of the morning... Only to try it all again the NEXT DAY!!! Back in 87-89 I was stationed in Germany, and one of my roommates bought a small computer and it came with some games... GUESS which game is the one I STILL enjoy playing??? ...Uh HUH!!! You GUESSED it...

The Bad
What's not to like? (if ya want big 'realistic' explosions) go buy a cd of some New Thing....

The Bottom Line
It is without doubt, a classic. This game is NOT about the visual effects... it is about THE GAME...