As someone else has mentioned, the story and lines are kinda amusing and funny. I’m a fan of the puns and silly talking to people quests.

I’m very interested in the trade aspects, and like how the AH works and the manufacturing chain…but it seems I need to pay for an account for at least a month to open up enough slots to *do* much with it. I’m fine with that, but I really want to see if I like it first. Who doesn’t think it would be kick ass to build ships?

Also, yay for fencing. Yay for period clothing.

Boo for how clunky the ship battles feel. Why must I always needs to sail upwindish to get to someone?

I’m finding the social stuff a bit awkward…it’s not seeming like an easy game to meet people in. Somehow just asking for a society recommendation in local seems…like a bad idea.

Even beyond the freedom of “well, you have your ship now; do whatever you feel like doing”, I am finding great satisfaction in the story-based quests (in which you can make gameplay-affecting decisions on occasion) as well.

Well then, I’m sorry to have to inform you that this game will be completely rubbish if you decide to join us.

Actually, if you’re actually serious about giving this a go, and want to be involved in a completely directionless static group, jump on over to VanHemlock’s site and say hello in “The Royal Navy Needs You” thread. We are indeed playing with the British faction on the Roberts server. It’s a fairly large download (7gb or so), so you can listen to one of their podcasts while you wait. Then for sure you’ll think twice about what you’re about to get into!

A quick disclaimer however. Do not expect a game that plays like an MMO such as WoW. Pirates has a VERY different pace to it. In fact, it’s very unique in that I have yet to feel that I have to play every night, or even every other night for that matter. (That’s right, I forgot to mention we play at 8pm GMT every Tuesday night…you’ll be done before Midnight unless you simply must sink another Frenchie).

Also, we have a Mumble server set up. It has little to do with tactical discussion, however. Still, especially when just starting out, it’s nice to have a bit of help above and beyond the tutorial.

One last thing. The writing in this game is unusually good, IMO. From the outset, starting with the War on Junkanoo mission, don’t feel so rushed to catch up with us that you miss the fun. We’re certainly not going anywhere fast.

One more ‘last thing’. The social menu is odd. I guess they designers made it the way the did on purpose, but it is horrid for trying to find someone. Instead, if you choose to join us, toss your captains name on our forum and we can send you a Society (guild) invite that will be there when you login.

Great write-up Spinks. Glad you didn’t get too off-put by my disasterous introduction to PvP last week.

Too many good games, too little time. *shrug*

Seems like it’s really beginning to kick off now, especially with the F2P model. I guess I’ll give it a shot!