Immerse yourself in the pirate realm with stunning graphics, environments, story, and script that really bring you there
The Bad: Fighting can be slightly tedious. AI while you are controlling 3 characters at once is poor. Crossing "balance beam" like obstacles is annoying.
Pirates has it's flaws, but it's benefits far, far outweigh them and make this an experience definitely worth having. The xbox360 needs more pirate games, and this one really delivers, whether you are a fan of pirates in general, the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, or just a good, unique story. The incredible graphics and atmospheres really transport you to the pirate world, and the engaging story makes you really want to stay. There's nothing else like this on the 360, and it's a refreshing change of pace from the steady stream of first person shooters. And did I mention the GRAPHICS are AMAZING...!!!
The game pays attention to detail so well - things like Jack's mannerisms and way of speaking - that are consistent with the movies. With some games you wonder if the script writer ever even watched the movie/show - this is definitely not one of those games.
The stars from the movies may not be doing the voice acting, but I wouldn't have even known that if I hadn't read it on Gamespot. The voice of Jack Sparrow sounds so much like Johnny Depp that I wouldn't be able to tell it from the real Johnny Depp. The music and sound effects are also great - appropriate and not tacky or annoying in any way.
There are a few problems. The game will sometimes have you play as 3 characters at once, switching back and forth. The AI for the characters you are not currently using is dumb, and you really have to babysit all 3 and switch around. Luckily, this is a very small part of the game. As for the fighting in general, it can get a little tedious, but not enough to prevent the game from being fun. There's lots of other stuff to do, and besides, I'd rather have simplistic fighting than tedious memorization of long combos like some other games. Controls when you are crossing balance-beam like obstacles are annoying too, but you get used to them. Luckily, again, very, very small part of the game. While the game may have these small issues, they don't change the fact that it's an excellent game and a unique experience overall.
I've heard some people complain about the fighting mechanic and I just don't think they "get it". The fighting isn't the main point or the main strength of the game. The game's strength lies in it's atmosphere, story, graphics, environments, and script. The fighting is one small part of a game that has many facets. And frankly, the good stuff is the more important stuff anyway.
As for replay value, I will definitely be playing the game again to collect what I missed the first time, get acheivements, and simply because the game is stunning and a real pleasure "getaway" from the mundane environments and stories of most games.
I would like to note for those who pick the game up - it gets better and better as you progress. The further into the game you get, the more exciting the game becomes, and the more creative the situations and environments are.
I definitely recommend Pirates unless your only consideration is complex fighting mechanics. You won't find that here but you will find SO MUCH MORE. If you like games that really transport you to another world, this delivers.