Pirate games are often popular in the gaming industry simply due to the popularity of pirates in mainstream pop culture. But there are surprisingly few pirate games, despite that.Sea of ThievesandAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flagare two modern examples, as well as thenow-rebootedSkull & Bonesmultiplayer game. But some gaming fans have been looking for, and have found, something more authentic in the 17-year-old action RPGPirates of the Caribbean.
Pirates of the Caribbeanis a 17-year old game developed by a now-defunct developer named Akella. Akella was, at the time, well known for its pirate games, includingSea DogsandAge of Sail 2. A sequel for Sea Dogs was ultimately re-branded to be a licensedPirates of the Caribbeangame to coincide with the movie’s release. Now, 17 years later, a mod namedNew Horizonshas resurrected the game and has led to a new thriving community.
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PCGamer recently ran an in-depth piece exploring the surprisingly active community surroundingNew HorizonsandPirates of the Caribbean. It describes how a community of around 8,000 members has been built around thegame mod, going all the way back to the game’s launch in 2003.
TheNew Horizonsmod is a massive complete overhaul ofPirates of the Caribbeanfilled with new content. It’s difficult to even summarize. There are new features for International Relations, Time Periods, a Realism Game Mode, Careers, Abilities, and more. The graphics have been improved with new models and textures, newpirate shipsand customizations have been added, and that’s just scratching the surface. A lot can be done in 17 years.
ButNew Horizons' biggest addition is the release of several Storylines for players to experience. These arecampaignsfilled with a rich narrative experience including quests and goals. For game players looking for a proper pirate story to experience, many ofNew HorizonsStorylines provide something special.
The development ofNew Horizonsmay have run its course, however. In 2017 the modding team announced the development ofNew Horizons Remastered, which was scuttled in 2018 as the developers moved in new directions. However, the lead modder joined a studio named Skyward Digital, which is currently working on aclassic pirate gamenamedBuccaneers!. Hopefully, it can live up to the legacy of the now 17-year-oldPirates of the Caribbeangame and the community that still enjoys it.
Pirates of the Caribbeanis no longer available from storefronts, but can be found on abandonware sites on PC. TheNew Horizonsmod is availablevia ModDB.
