Seadogs Review

Overview

Developer: Akella
Publisher: Bethesda
Seadogs official page: http://www.akella.com/seadogs/main-eng.html

Introduction

I don't know if it's my devil-may-care sense of adventure, that damned parrot on my shoulder, or my wooden leg - but this is the second pirate game I've reviewed in a row. Considering I can only think of a handful of other pirate games ever made, that's pretty weird.

It all starts here.

Welcome to Highrock.

The last game was Escape from Monkey Island, a comic pirate adventure game from LucasArts. This time it's Sea Dogs; a pirate-themed RPG game that lets you set sail as a mighty buccaneer.

Although I wouldn't call it "hype." this game certainly had a lot of people waiting for it to come out. The pirate genre of RPG games has been strangely overlooked and anyone wanting to swashbuckle their way to glory has had very few options throughout the years.

Don't forget the grog!

...and always use protection.

Well, Sea Dogs has finally drifted ashore, and all those scurvy dogs out there finally have a modern 3D pirate RPG to cross sabers with.

Story

The game takes place in a fictionalized version of the Caribbean called the Archipelago during the middle of the 17th century. The three main world powers at that time, England, France and Spain, are all vying for control of the West Indian colonies and the riches they hold.

You are Nicholas Sharp, mighty sea Captain. After being captured by the Spanish you were sold into slavery and brought to the Archipelago to work. By befriending fellow sailors-turned-slave you manage to break free of your captors and to steal a ship. You head for the nearest English colony, Highrock, and look to the governor there for a letter of marque - a commission to sail for England. The game begins with you arriving on the island of Highrock with nothing more than the medallion your mother gave you before you set sail - your only reminder of your father, also a captain and lost at sea a decade earlier.

Nicholas Sharp.

Set sail for advenure.