Arrrr Matey!
Age of Booty is a simple, yet deep, RTS pirate-themed game. The game offers point to click like most RTS, the controls can be learned in no time. The objective is simple, capture the set amount of towns to win, yet much more in-depth in that. Certain towns will offer certain resources that can offer ship/town upgrades. This requires team strategy throughout, and makes for a very fun social game. Strategy will be requires to determine which towns you want to capture first and upgrade either your towns and ships. The action can become quite intense and action-paced while teams will battle for the most resourceful town. The multiplayer is what shines in this game for the most part, but some of the singleplayer challenges can be quite challenging and rewarding to finish. This is definitely an addicting game, and a game you can just relax and chill while playing. The game also allows you to bring a guest via xbox live, which is a feature too often left out of games. While allowing you to play online multiplayer, you can also set up local matches vs AI bots on any map. The game also has a verrrry user-friendly map editor, that offers more longevity. You are able to play these maps in private matches online, or in local matches offline. This is without a doubt one of the better, if not best, multiplayer experiences you will have on XBLA.
Graphics:
The graphics are not what this game is about, but they still do a nice job, the water appears to shimmer and move throughout, and the towns will change appearance as you upgrade them, this also applies to your ships being upgraded. Overall, definitely fits the theme of the game and does a great job at it.
Music:
Can't express how perfect the music is for this game, absolutely love the main menu music, makes you feel like you are about to go on a real pirate raid. Bust out the Rum and enjoy!
Replayability:
This game offers great replayability, as the multiplayer is where the real fun is to be had. Definitely a game I come back to again and again for some fun RTS action. Great game to play with friends, offers a great party system, that will allow you and your friends to group up and take on other pirates. I highly recommend this to any RTS fan, or anyone just looking for a fun laid-back game for a change of pace.
With easy-to-pick-up controls, yet still with depth for the more experienced gamer, this game is hard not to enjoy. Definitely give the very generous demo, which allows you to play via Xbox Live for 48 hours! Hope to see you on the high seas!