There are also NPC merchant ships running the trade routes of the world and destroying these ships will give you curse cards. Curse cards come in a few varieties - bomb, whirlpool, ghost ship and pilfer. Each has a specific role and can come in handy when you’re playing against multiple opponents.

Crates floating in the water will give you resources as will villages that you can destroy. Also, when you control towns they will produce one or more of the assets you need as time goes by. The world map is made up of hexagonal areas and you move through them with your ship to attack, collect resources etc. Since it’s real-time there’s no waiting for others to make moves.

The graphics on the game are great. The standard view is an isometric one but you can swing the camera down and in to get a good look at your ship and the area around it. The game has a slightly cartoon quality to the graphics and this really helps to absorb you into the game. While the graphics aren’t mind-blowing or totally amazing they are perfect for the title.

The sound is robust, from the squawking seagulls to the sounds of the surf. Cannons blast, ships creak, and there’s even a jaunty little pirate song that plays in certain areas. Overall the sound is complete and as with the graphics, helps to pull you into the game experience.