The lack of true interactivity in the tutorials and at some places in the game is a problem. The tutorials do not even follow the actions taking place on the screen by the user at times. It feels like pressing 
stop & play on a tape recorder, not caring whether you understood or not. It will keep on assuming that you did and step by step move on until you reach the end.
There is a strategic interactive map view for sending your fleet units to different waypoints necessary for winning a battle, or plan and execute your fleets trade routes efficiently. You can also get strategic information about ports and the various trading commodities offered. This part works well, yet controls felt a bit cumbersome and non-intuitive occasionally. But the more you play, the more that feeling fades.
The tactic part takes place on the high seas, in normal RTS mode or manual mode, with options of changing ammunition and operating weaponry and
setting the sails for changes in speed. The different skills of the hired captains play a big part in maneuvering the vessels and get advantages over the opposing fleet, by cleverly positioning your fleet units in order to move in for a well coordinated attack.
You also have to get involved in diplomacy actions to succeed. To negotiate and offer the right incentives or amount of cash to be able to form allies is one of the key success factors of the game.
The traditional laws of commercial markets are valid. If a trade item exists in abundance the price goes down and vice versa. Of course the player has to carefully plan and learn what commodity can be sold and bought at the best market price and plan a safe transport of the goods in between the destinations.
