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Open Ended games are great

H

Hengist

Landlubber
One of the things I really enjoy in Pirates! are not the various quests, but the fact that I can conquer the Caribbean on behalf of his majesty the King (yes I sail for England).

I'm playing on Adventurer and have spent most of my time conquering Florida Keys, La Habana (is that the right name lol?), etc and installing new Govenors and fighting off various Spanish Invasion fleets. Along the way I've beaten H. Morgan and a few others. But I'm pleasently surprised just how 'deep' the game is. I've been so busy just doing the above that I really haven't had the time to do anything else... great stuff <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

Scratch the surface and there's a lot going on underneath is what I'm saying I guess.

Now if only the ATi FSAA issue was fixed, I'd be a very happy Pirate! indeed.

Anyone else play 'off the beaten track' ?
 
I agree. Usually, I only snag a quest if it's convenient. I spend more time trying to sack personal objectives - Havana and Panama are always on that list. It's tough at Rogue level to secure enough crew to do the job.
 
<!--`QuoteBegin-Hengist`+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hengist)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Scratch the surface and there's a lot going on underneath is what I'm saying I guess.[/quote]

Certainly agree. While it plays so much like the original game, there are a lot of little additions that open the game to many more possibilities. I've been trying to complete all the quests and little side missions as they are offered just to see how many I can pull off.

Some people may find all of this repetitive, but I don't in the least. It's fun, just pure easy going fun. I was apprehensive that even Sid could pull off a decent remake of such a classic game, but I'm having so much fun with it my family is going to be real upset that I didn't get around to buying any presents for Christmas...
 
Hehe. In my current game, I took all the ports around the Florida Keys area in the name of France and wander around fighting off invasion forces, pirates, and indian attacks. So, yeah, I know what you mean. Heck, my quest bar goes all the way across my screen now because I haven't really done any of them and I keep getting wanted criminal quests from all the lovely ladies I've wooed in the various ports I frequent.

Ahhh, the life of a sailor. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/par-ty.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":cheers" border="0" alt="par-ty.gif" />
 
Quests are nice if they are handy, however I can't resist a juicy target - nice fat trade galleons, treasure ships, &tc... I just can't resist! <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/keith.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":keith" border="0" alt="keith.gif" />

I have not been playing with any objective other than to get sufficient loot to divide the plunder and up my level (still playing the first game I started). I'm 22, in fine health, and have just upped to Rogue. Just took Puerto Cabello, as it was conveniently sacked by pirates just before I landed. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_wink.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=";)" border="0" alt="icon_wink.gif" />

Yeah, I play `open-ended`. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/onya.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":onya" border="0" alt="onya.gif" /> My sister will be an old maid <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":rolleyes:" border="0" alt="rolleyes.gif" /> by the time I finally track her down as I've been chasing Raymondo back and forth across the Caribbean as yet to no avail... But I'm not worried... I'm more concerned about the treasure fleet which every barmaid keeps telling me is sailing to PUERTO CABELLO, my new acquisition! WHooHOO! <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/w00t.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":woot" border="0" alt="w00t.gif" /> <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="xD:" border="0" alt="laugh.gif" /> <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sailr.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":sail" border="0" alt="sailr.gif" />
 
Cat,

Have you noticed that the Caribbean ports are kinda set in a circle. If you don't bother chasing Raymondo, eventually the wheel turns and he comes to you (kind of).

I just wait until the Tavern keeper tells me he's near than I go and find him. I just can't wander off and leave Florida Keys unprotected <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />
 
Oh yes, I have noticed that... And I know what you mean - but in my game he's been `ping-ponging` from the south to the north and back south again - I've not been terribly concerned, I only go if he's nearby, otherwise I just go on about my "business" - sing some, and drink some, and plunder some, and sail some... Nice work if you can get it! <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="xD:" border="0" alt="laugh.gif" />
 
That sneaky chap Raymondo, if you sail towards the direction he was last seen in and from the direction hes sailing to, you normally pass that cloning family stealer. My girlfriend spent about 6 months tracking him across the Spanish main having sailed down from Santo Domingo, eventually ended up passing campeche and catching him in Santo Domingo <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/diomed.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":dio" border="0" alt="diomed.gif" /> <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="xD:" border="0" alt="laugh.gif" />

Personally I'm all for what tickles my fancy, and treasure fleets and military payrolls leave me like a cat chasing floating bits of dust <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="xD:" border="0" alt="laugh.gif" />

Aye Cat, the one handed control system be most useful <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/par-ty.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":cheers" border="0" alt="par-ty.gif" />
 
<!--`QuoteBegin-Hengist`+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hengist)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I just can't wander off and leave Florida Keys unprotected <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />[/quote]

Haha! I know what you mean. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_wink.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=";)" border="0" alt="icon_wink.gif" />

I never have a problem with Raymondo because he almost always finds his way into the Campeche/Villa Hermosa region which is not too far out of my way really. I think one of my towns got attacked by indians while I was away hunting him, but that was about it.

Quick question: What size fleet do you all normally travel with?

I have a six ship fleet at the moment simply because I like pretending I can intimidate my enemies with them. All of them are War Galleons too. I only use six though because it allows me to capture as well. And since I'm normally right by a friendly port, I can just pull in real quick and rake the profits.

<img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/keith.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":keith" border="0" alt="keith.gif" />
 
I'm a two ship man myself. Always gotta have the extra ship in case of emergencies..... like losing a swordfight because you didnt realise your hand was completely mispositioned until it was too late <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="xD:" border="0" alt="laugh.gif" /> .. Duckbeard be most grateful for his getaway ship on that occasion <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/par-ty.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":cheers" border="0" alt="par-ty.gif" />
Other than that, I keep any ship I need to keep if I can't store the cargo and then sell both at the nearest port, but ideally I'm cruising the waves with two ships, my flag does a good enough job of intimidating them <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_wink.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=";)" border="0" alt="icon_wink.gif" /> <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="xD:" border="0" alt="laugh.gif" /> (in my mind)
 
I still like one ship max. Tried yesterday once more with two Sloops of War, both outfitted with cotton sails - and yep, the `non-flagship` kept trailing behind and slowing me down. Very stupid in my opinion, because theoretically they should be able to keep up no problem.

Anyway, since I don't like to wait I'm back to one ship. For those rare occasions where I screw up in a swordfight I bite the bullet and load a saved game. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/piratesing.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":shock" border="0" alt="piratesing.gif" /> <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />
 
<!--`QuoteBegin-Otaku_Hanzo`+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Otaku_Hanzo)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Quick question: What size fleet do you all normally travel with? [/quote]

I'm sailing in Henry Morgans old Large Frigate. I normally have a Galleon with me also for storing the captured booty I acquire along the way. I sell any other ship (unless something better comes along) <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />
 
I always sail in one ship, just because... well I like one ship better. Besides 2 ships don't have much purpose exept you can carry more cargo, and cargo isn't my line of businiss <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/par-ty.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":cheers" border="0" alt="par-ty.gif" />

I prefere attack Spanish military ships such as a payroll courier or even grain transport <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/w00t.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":woot" border="0" alt="w00t.gif" />

But in my game the Spanish Main isn't really the Spanish Main anymore it's more the Dutch Main. Too bad I don't have to do beside defending the Dutch I wish they could defend themself. Do nations grow stronger over time? Or do all Dutch cities only keep 40 soldiers <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":?" border="0" alt="unsure.gif" />
 
The more cities they get the harder it becomes for them to transport troops around to have them all defended <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_twisted.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":twisted:" border="0" alt="icon_twisted.gif" /> But on the bright side, anyone takes anything back it gives you a "legitimate" reason to sack the town back <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/oops3.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":eek:ops2" border="0" alt="oops3.gif" /> <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="xD:" border="0" alt="laugh.gif" />
 
Since I use a Royal Sloop for ship combat, I need the ability to have more crew for my land conquests. Which is why I usually carry another ship with me. And while cargo is not my main concern, it's always nice to sell 60 tons of spice for 45 gold each in Curacao <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />
 
<!--`QuoteBegin-nem`+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nem)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I still like one ship max. Tried yesterday once more with two Sloops of War, both outfitted with cotton sails - and yep, the `non-flagship` kept trailing behind and slowing me down. Very stupid in my opinion, because theoretically they should be able to keep up no problem.[/quote]

Well, I'm sticking with the large fleet for this game simply because it's nice having 600+ pirates for sacking towns and enough food to feed them for two years at sea.

<img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/par-ty.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":cheers" border="0" alt="par-ty.gif" />

As for them trailing behind, I just let them. The only time this can be a problem is if an enemy ship attacks you, but they always sail straight at my flagship anyways. Plus, even if the trailing ships are off your screen, once you land in port, they are back with you. Not like they get left behind or anything.

Single ship is great if you just plan on taking out enemy vessels, that's for sure. All my games up until this one have consisted of either a lone sloop of war or two royal sloops.
 
Umm... when they trail behind they slow you down. I'm not talking about the fights. Some ship gets to far away from your flagship, you automatically sail slower and wait for it to catch up. That's what unnerves me and why I like one ship "fleets". <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />
 
<!--`QuoteBegin-nem`+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nem)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Umm... when they trail behind they slow you down.[/quote]

Wow. Never really noticed that. I always thought the reason they catch up to you eventually is because the game gave them a speed boost or something.

<img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mybad.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":facepalm" border="0" alt="mybad.gif" /> <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":rolleyes:" border="0" alt="rolleyes.gif" /> <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="xD:" border="0" alt="laugh.gif" />

I probably really should read the manual. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":?" border="0" alt="unsure.gif" />
 
Nope, the flagship slows down. Even if you ships are all of the same type and have the same equipment, which is rather stupid in my opinion.

Actually I didn't read the manual much myself. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/oops3.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":eek:ops2" border="0" alt="oops3.gif" /> <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />
 
<!--`QuoteBegin-Xa4`+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Xa4)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Do nations grow stronger over time? Or do all Dutch cities only keep 40 soldiers <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":?" border="0" alt="unsure.gif" />[/quote]

I did some "experimenting" with this after I noticed towns I captured seemed to almost always decay to poor and have a minimum of troops. Especially if they were located West of Curacao. It seems a town without constant merchant activity, (buying AND selling), grows poorer. So, as the town gets poorer the troop number drops. To test this out I captured Puerto Bello (PB). Then started running a trade route to Port Royale and back. When I simply sold stuff to PB it continued to decay. But when I started buying stuff from it the economy improved and the number of troops started to rise.

I did the same thing with Cartagena and finally Santa Marta. The same results each time.

I have noticed, when the AI captures a town it seems to do MUCH better. Almost like the AI actually plans the assualt, to include the follow up troops and merchants waiting to enter the new market. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/onya.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":onya" border="0" alt="onya.gif" />

Anyone have similiar results when capturing enemy towns, especially ones located deep in enemy territory?
 
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