This game is awesome and unique, I can say there is no other game out there like this one, every time I play it I get a rush and my palms are sweaty. It's a great twist on a beat 'em up where you can't just mash buttons and win, you have to strategize, dodge, parry, attack, and use the environment to beat overwhelming odds. The game graphics, artwork, and esthetic are all very well done; the 16th century Spain feel of the game adds to the flair and swashbuckling attitude of the titular character Adalia de Volador; she fun and a great female take on Zorro. The story is "meh", but who cares, the game is about the action and not the story. The voice acting is very good (bad voice acting can kill a game), and the jokes are witty. But the catch here is the combat, after you successfully take out several enemies with traps, kicks, explosions, and falling chandeliers you feel like the ultimate bad ass. This game reminds me a bit like the xbox Ninja Gaiden, your combat skills are key, but also so is using the environment and a bit of luck. The only complaint is that the game is too short, I hope they do a DLC with more episodes or maybe work on a part two of this title. People may complain that the game is too linear or simple, but in my mind I would rather devs make a smaller simpler game better than a larger copmlex game with too many moving parts. This game, like the original Doom, does one thing very well (swashbuckling sword fighting) and the rest is just a vehicle for the fighting: simple.
Personally I am very pleased with this title, I think its a strong pirate/naval RPG. This game follows the same basic type of setup as Sid Meiers Pirates, you sail around a fictional ocean world completing quests and missions. There are 6 or 7 factions where you can complete missions for them and win their favor or sink their ships and fall out of favor. There is a basic pirate tutorial that teaches the very basics of the game, and then the advanced game techniques you figure out with time. I think the grahics and engine are very good, the sailing through water is great, the Naval battles are terrific (why do we play pirate games anyway). The AI is pretty standard, not great, but good enough to make the battles fun. The broadsides are enjoyable. When you board a ship it shifts to 3rd person view and you take sword and pistol to take over the enemy ship. The AI isn't really smart here and pretty much is a bunch of computer NPCs hacking each other; its not bad, but it does begin to feel generic after a few runs. The boarding fights are cool in comparison with other games like PR or Tortuga in which boarding is a roll of the dice and there is no interaction. There are several different types of ships that are customizable in ordinance (not just round, chain, and grape) and give you different advantages. This game also has a fantasy/magic component with runes you can get to upgrade your ship, things like rain of fire, shield, or summon the Kraken. The sea monster aspect to this game is really cool. It has a cool fantasy/arcade feel to it, it really sets it apart from dryer pirate titles like the Port Royale series or Tortuga. The land missions are a cool element, you may have to fight skeletons or other pirates to find hidden treasures (or similar on land). Again the AI/engine does not shine here but it's ok. If you're into pirate games, you can't miss this one for only $13.00. I think its a 4 out of 5 all day long.
Personally I am very pleased with this title, I think its a strong pirate/naval RPG. This game follows the same basic type of setup as Sid Meiers Pirates, you sail around a fictional ocean world completing quests and missions. There are 6 or 7 factions where you can complete missions for them and win their favor or sink their ships and fall out of favor. There is a basic pirate tutorial that teaches the very basics of the game, and then the advanced game techniques you figure out with time. I think the grahics and engine are very good, the sailing through water is great, the Naval battles are terrific (why do we play pirate games anyway). The AI is pretty standard, not great, but good enough to make the battles fun. The broadsides are enjoyable. When you board a ship it shifts to 3rd person view and you take sword and pistol to take over the enemy ship. The AI isn't really smart here and pretty much is a bunch of computer NPCs hacking each other; its not bad, but it does begin to feel generic after a few runs. The boarding fights are cool in comparison with other games like PR or Tortuga in which boarding is a roll of the dice and there is no interaction. There are several different types of ships that are customizable in ordinance (not just round, chain, and grape) and give you different advantages. This game also has a fantasy/magic component with runes you can get to upgrade your ship, things like rain of fire, shield, or summon the Kraken. The sea monster aspect to this game is really cool. It has a cool fantasy/arcade feel to it, it really sets it apart from dryer pirate titles like the Port Royale series or Tortuga. The land missions are a cool element, you may have to fight skeletons or other pirates to find hidden treasures (or similar on land). Again the AI/engine does not shine here but it's ok. If you're into pirate games, you can't miss this one for only $13.00. I think its a 4 out of 5 all day long.
