Addictive single player, great multiplayer, fun characters - this game is truly a Grand Adventure!
Gameplay is great, with a unique 3D plain and complete free roam within the battlefields, both up close and ranged attacks are usable to decimate your opponents. The combo system is simple but good, with each character have forward attacks and upward attacks, which are for countering aerial attacks. Holding R-button allows powerful attacks that can pass through opponent's shield, and L-button, along with a button input, allows Super Attacks, and one Secret Attack that takes place in a cut scene mode with Rock-Paper-Scissors between players to determine if the attack will succeed, and if so, how powerful it will be. There are also weapons such as baseball bats and torches, and power-ups that increase speed, power, and such. This, along with 24 unique characters and almost a dozen stages, creates a unique experience with each battle.
Graphics, though basic, do the game good and present a unique, almost "chibi" style. Characters move fluidly and each attack has great effects, such as slash lines and fires bursts. However, the game's worst part is the sound. Background music in stages is fine, but (most) character voices are ungainly and lyrics for songs are just plain annoying. However, the game is definitely worth buying. Story mode, with five playable captains that each have unique crews that you level up to unlock attacks and gain items that pertain to each character. Each mode is fun and good enough to provide a few hours of play, though they're easy for the most part, outside of some cheap enemies (SHANKS!!!). Outside of story mode, there is Arena, where you battle through the ranks from 100 to 1 to beat characters of increasing difficulty, and Tournament where you, obviously, hold a tournament. These modes, and a handful of mini-games, make for a great single player mode. But that's not all - there's also multiplayer. Though the same as single player in most respects, you can battle or compete in mini-games with one friend. All in all, the game is worth its price tag. Hours of fun await you, be a fan of the series or not. Set sail for One Piece!