Sid Meier's Pirates! sets sail

The fourth-quarter deluge of top-quality games continued today with Atari announcing that Sid Meier's Pirates! had shipped to stores. Currently only available for the PC, while an Xbox version is due next spring, the game is a remake of the 1987 Commodore 64 classic, which was also created by legendary game designer and Firaxis cofounder Sid Meier.

As the title suggests, the Civilization creator also had a hand in developing the new game, which features cutting-edge 3D graphics and several modes of gameplay. A role-playing game that casts the player as a 17th century buccaneer, Pirates! will also feature fighting game-style swashbuckling, open-ended ocean adventures, complete with ship-to-ship combat, and social interaction in various Caribbean ports of call. By capturing ships and acquiring booty, gamers will work toward the game's ultimate goal, which is "to become the most revered and feared pirate in history."

However, don't expect hardcore pillaging and looting, because Sid Meier's Pirates! is rated "E" for Everyone. It retails for the standard amount of ducats, which is $49.99. For more information, read the latest designer diary on the game.