Gamertell

Flying Labs, the developers of the MMO pirate game Pirates of the Burning Sea, had essentially the same demo of PotBS that they had at last year’s PAX (2007).  If you haven’t played this game yet, then you really should. 

Like any MMO game, you can custom build a character but the combat is a little trickier than most MMOs as you must use the number keys to attack with your sword. 

The big selling point of PotBS is the ship-to-ship fighting with cannons.  This is done from a birds-eye view and the player must work with the wind in order to get within firing range of the enemy.  The effects of the water looked incredible as it rippled just like the real ocean. Someone at Flying Labs deserves a raise.

PotBS is completely divorced from a certain Disney pirate franchise that occurs in the Caribbean.  PotBS has something different as far as the supernatural element is concerned.  There doesn’t seem to be any Krakens, Davy Joneses, Tia Dalma’s, or pirates who appear to be zombies when seen in the moonlight.  No, the supernatural element is all about stuff you’d see in ghost stories, and the Bermuda Triangle comes into play as well.  PotBS is also not designed for kids, as “there will be blood”. 

Flying Labs looks forward to the future, where they plan to revise the combat of the avatars, which already looks cool to begin with.  Characters don’t just fight each other mechanically, but it looks like how two players would fight in a swashbuckling adventure movie. 

They also intend to implement “player port governance”, which allows for players to govern a port.  The player can manage the resources of that port, and even embezzle some money.  Other future developments include specially designing ships. 

You should be able to get Pirates of the Burning Sea now, with free upgrades every month.  ARRR!  Take that, Jack Sparrow!  By the way, Pirates of the Burning Sea is the “official game” of Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19, 2008). 

Site [Pirates fo the Burning Sea] Site [Penny Arcade Expo]