Sid Meier's Pirates! for Xbox will include a Vs mode and will take advantage of many Xbox Live! capabilities, high fidelity 5.1 Dolby Digital surround and will support HDTV.

Now it's time for Sid Meier and Firaxis Games to bring this exquisitely rich, action-adventure game into the 21st century. An entirely new game engine will deliver updated gameplay, stunning new features, spectacular 3D graphics and enhanced surround sound, so players can fully experience the intrigue, adventure and danger of life as a pirate on the Spanish Main.

In Sid Meier's Pirates! you take the leading role of a Pirate Captain in the 17th century Caribbean amassing fortune and fame in an attempt to seize your rightful place as one of the most revered (and feared!) pirates in history. Test your skills as a sea captain exploring the high seas and exotic ports in a richly detailed 3D world. Overtake the enemy and seize valuable booty. Exchange plank-shattering broadsides in fierce naval battles, and engage in duels with worthy opposing captains.

As your reputation and skills grow, so will the size and quality of your crew, and your ability to take on larger enemy ships, raid and plunder heavily fortified ports, and locate ancient treasure. There's a whole cast of interesting and dangerous characters to meet, mysteries to solve, exotic island destinations to discover, and powerful alliances to forge!

The new Sid Meier's Pirates! carries on with the great gameplay and design simplicity tradition of the award-winning original while adding more challenging and exciting battle options, and a deeper and more varied role-playing experience, including multiple paths to a wealthy, happy retirement. This and many other features and additions make this gaming classic one of the most highly anticipated releases of this century!

Features:

Experience an all-new story built upon the most fun and compelling features of the original Pirates! game

Live out multiple quests through a non-linear, open life timeline where every decision poses distinct challenges and possibilities

Witness the consequences of your actions in current events throughout the Pirates! world

Battle, overtake and command 27 different ship types, enhanced with assorted ammo, cannon and other upgrades

Take on various foes including merchant and military captains, ferocious pirates, evil gentry and even rival suitors - each with different skills and abilities

Confront enemies on board ships, in seedy taverns, on the ramparts and even at the Governor's mansion

Wield weapons - or anything within your reach - as you fence against foes

Engage in fierce naval battles fighting single enemies or multiple ships

Sneak into towns, escape out of prisons, navigate around adversaries and surprise unsuspecting vessels

Dispatch landing parties of buccaneers in strategic battles to take over entire cities

Increase your riches and impress the governor's daughter with your charm, fame, heroism - even your dancing abilities

Collect items (swords, spyglasses, armour, hats, coats, etc.) that improve skills or provide other new benefits and view them in a new inventory system

Enhance your gameplay experience with downloadable content including flags, sail emblems, character skins and more