Pirates

Pirates! - the 1987 strategy adventure for Commodore 64 from MicroProse.

Command a crew across the Spanish Main, chase treasure and titles,
and balance morale and supplies while age slowly catches up with you.
Plunder ships and towns, duel rival captains, and retire on your legend.

Core loop
- sail between ports to trade, recruit, and gather rumors
- intercept targets at sea and board for plunder or prize money
- duel officers, raid towns, and stash gold to keep crew morale high

Systems and items
- wind and sail trim - read the wind and tack to outmaneuver foes
- ship classes - sloops to frigates change speed - cargo - firepower
- swords - rapier - cutlass - longsword with speed vs reach tradeoffs
- letters of marque - earn rank and safe harbor with a chosen nation
- maps and clues - assemble treasure fragments and track lost relatives
- aging - skills fade over years, pushing you toward a timely retirement

Level design and feel
Open map of the Caribbean and Gulf with dynamic wars and shifting
governors. Short action bursts for sailing and fencing wrap a light
strategy layer of politics, fame, and fortune.

Why it is notable
- designed by Sid Meier with historical input from Arnold Hendrick
- early open world sandbox on C64 blending sim and swashbuckling

Tips
- start with a fast sloop - speed wins chases and escapes
- share the plunder before morale dips to avoid mutiny
- pick rapier for quick captains - cutlass for slower heavy hitters

At a glance
Year - 1987
Developer - MicroProse
Design and programming - Sid Meier - with design by Arnold Hendrick
Publisher - MicroProse
Genre - Strategy adventure
Players - 1
Controls - Joystick in port 2 - plus keyboard for menus and naming