Pirates: The Legend of Black Kat

Pirates is more of an action-adventure than a pure seafaring simulation: The Legend of Black Kat offers PS2 and Xbox players the chance to live the free but dangerous life of a real pirate. Players explore five strange new lands that hold untold treasures for those brave and skilled enough to conquer them. Combat and conquest are also important parts of pirate life, and battles take place both on land and on the high seas. The player character is quick with a sword and can improve his pirate skills as he gains experience. Also, the wealth the pirate acquires through adventures and victories allows him to purchase larger ships with even deadlier weapons. Experienced captains have a dozen unique battleships at their disposal, equipped with special equipment that gives the ships additional powers. Naval battles rely on a realistic combination of positioning and timing, as the large ships align themselves to fire at enemy ships with port and starboard mounted weapons, and time must be allowed after each shot to reload the powerful cannons and guns. The ability to repair damage on the fly is also an important strategic factor in ship-to-ship battles. Although the gameplay of this 3D adventure is focused on fast-paced action, some elements of role-playing are also incorporated to advance the story and involve the player more deeply. The main character, Katarina de Leon, plans a well thought-out course for her career on the high seas. The "Black Kat" sets sail to uncover secrets and put herself in situations that will elevate her status among the other pirates and secure her a position of power. In addition to Katarina's well-developed storyline, the game's "captain vs. captain" battle mode allows for a combat-intensive, free-form play style. Pirates. The Legend of Black Kat, formerly known as Pirates of Skull Cove, is Westwood's next-generation pirate game featuring epic ship battles and thrilling sword fights starring Black Kat. Take to the high seas as Black Kat and rule a dozen pirate ships, from simple gunboats to the mighty might of a Man o' War. Discover and explore increasingly dangerous and fantastic island worlds and develop Black Kat's sword fighting skills to master dagger, cutlass and saber to defeat evil pirate gangs and plunder their treasures.