Where Pirates! lacks in economy aspects, Port Royale 2 excels, plain and simple. Although it doesn't really compare to Pirates! There isn't a basic economy where you can fill ports' need by constantly shuttling back and forth between the same ports'. Additionally it's constantly changing throughout the game making it nearly impossible to figure out, but like any AI there is always a way you figure out over time. Also you can't just make money at the drop of a hat, you will need to search somewhat to make that money, but if all else fails take a loan or gamble to make ends meet. Getting rank in the game isn't solely based on missions you accomplish given by the viceroys or governors; you will need to build businesses, buy (or pirate) ships, command multiple fleets, and be granted land(s) to meet the requirements for each rank which is to say that ranks are based on a net worth rather then just your savings/ accomplishment. You will also be able to oversee a port once you are granted the land for a viceroy. I say oversee instead of building because the actual port buildings are preplanned spots (and you will have to get the supplies for the inn, church, etc) and sure you get to have a mansion but you'll never see the inside. You can also control as many fleets with up to 10 ships each in fleet, giving them specific missions or trading to the micromanagement level of even telling them what to buy, the quantity, and how much to spend for the good per good. Marring the daughters is very disappointing to Pirate! fans, because all you do is visit (click the daughter icon when your able to do so) and then accomplish the mission (yes mission) of getting the goods for the banquet. Also there is no real goal or time aspect to the game like in Pirates!
The graphics are nothing to be wooed about, very basic and plain, but overall fit the game genre. Ships fire cannon balls, cannon balls have explosions (or splashes), and ships fire up depending on how much damage is dealt to them; at the ports people are moving around but it kind of like watching ants, boring and unimportant.
The sound and music is enough to satisfy the need and it won't get annoying over time; instead you will tune it out almost as if it weren't playing. Sadly speech is only found for certain events such as when viceroys, daughters, and the chronicle guy talk.
Game play is very basic. For sea battles, right click controls ship's direction where as the left controls firing the cannons and selecting type ammo. The swordfights are just as easy, left blocks, right slashes the area where you click: head, torso, or legs; for those that played Pirates! you will be very disappointed.
Overall it's a fun and additive game for gamers would like having a micromanagement, without having to be constantly micromanaging every aspect over and over (once the desired "management" is selected is will stay that way until you change it) Also gamers would rather be an economic mogul and don't want to be bothered by having to sea battling every time they take to the high seas.
As featured on loadedinc.com... The original Port Royale was released last June. It was difficult, engaging, difficult, provided good depth, and above all it was difficult. I’d venture a guess to say that anyone who... Read Full Review
Port Royal 2 is a nicely balanced economic sim. The economy of the game is dynamic so you can't simply find one good run and do it all game. Like real life, the demand for items ebb and flow. There is a nice mixture of r... Read Full Review
