Republic of Pirates Review

With thanks to the folks at Crazy Goat Games and PQube, I’ve been taking a look at their new resource strategy title, Republic of Pirates. I’ve put together our usual video and extended written review just below, alongside our common-sense parent’s guide. If you’re looking to find out if Republic of Pirates is any good, or if it’s safe for kids, read or watch along just here.

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The Basics – What is Republic of Pirates About?

Available on: PC (Steam, Epic)
Price: c£21
Type: Pirate Resource Strategy
Download: 4.97GB (Steam)

Republic of Pirates sees players forming a new pirate empire, set in the heart of the Caribbean. You’ll start, of course, with a handful of pirates, and a small outpost within the island chain. Whether playing in campaign or the title’s free-play mode, you’ll work to recruit pirates to your cause, and spread your cause through the islands.

In campaign mode, you’ll follow a narrative set against the backdrop of the golden age of piracy. Working to restore your father’s legacy, players will hit back against those who wronged you, taking the fight to the waves while you grow your on-land empire.

On land, you’ll manage resources and pirate hands to build industry and satisfy your inhabitants’ needs and wants. Doing this will bring more pirates to your cause, and with needs and wants expanding as you grow your empire, players will need to find and manage the resources to make sure stocks stay high.

On the waves, you’ll build a fleet of ships to strike fear into the heart of your enemies. There are a good number of ships to choose from, if you have the right materials, and varied designs and names available. Each ship type also comes with its own specialist ability, and paired with the growing capability of your hired pirate captains, you’ll seek to rule the coastal island waves.

Diplomacy is also important, and players will need to parlay with the other organisations in the area. How you treat their demands, and how you react to their ships at sea, will define how they treat you, and the partnerships available here in the Caribbean.

Is Republic of Pirates Safe for Children?

Rating: Caution Advised.

Republic of Pirates is rated by PEGI at 16 and above, and by the ESRB at a Mature 17+. While there is violence in the title, it is limited to bloodless cannon fire, though there are some descriptions of violence within written and audio dialogue as you make choices which affect your republic.

There is, however, a solid amount of bad language in the title, which can be pretty prolific through cut scenes. In addition to this, sex work descriptions feature within cut scenes, as well as using brothels as a mechanic to satisfy pirates needs. Alcohol and tobacco also, of course, feature in the title.

Overall, while it’s definitely not the worst thing I’ve seen, these elements mean that it’s not one I’d let our micro bandits have a go with just yet, and I’m rating it as Caution Advised for younger players.

The Run Down – Our Five-Point Rating for Republic of Pirates

Gameplay – 4: I’ve had a decent time with Republic of Pirates and while there are a couple of things which I’d change, it’s a solid entry into the strategy management space. Some things make more sense in mechanics than they would in real life, but overlooking a couple of small niggles like the number of brothels needed per island, things have been a lot of fun here.

Visuals – 3: From up above things look good overall, if a little homogenous around your settlements. Ship movement definitely lets the side down at sea, and ‘d have liked to see a bit more variation in buildings like housing. Overall while there’s some polish I’d life, visuals don’t detract from the experience, and the drawn cut scenes look wonderful.

Audio – 5: The soundtrack in here is great, and I love the sea shanties when out on the sea with your fleet. Voice acting is especially good, and sound design works well, too. Overall a cracking effort for sound design, that’s been well realised.

Narrative – 4: The campaign mode has a decent story here, which will lead players through the mechanics of the title as well as drawing them into the action. It’s not all there is to the title, but it’s a decent journey overall.

Replay – 4: Republic of Pirates has a lot of ships to build up to, as well as a good number of settings and options for sandbox mode. This, combined with decent mechanics, and a good number of ship design options to unlock means that I’ve found a lot to keep coming back for.

The Verdict – Is Republic of Pirates Worth It?

Overall my Pixel Bandits Argh Me Hearties Level for Republic of Pirates is a very respectable 8/10. This one provides a fairly streamline and a bit more related Anno experience. While there’s not quite as much complexity in Republic of Pirates, this for me has been a good thing, and while providing a decent enough challenge, it still manages to provide a system which can be quick to get to grips with.

I’d love a bit more building variation to really pull this one together, and some work on the ship visuals and turning mechanics. Other than this, it’s provided a solid strategic experience with an understandable system that brings enough progression to keep things interesting. There are far too few titles set within the golden age of piracy

As ever, to provide this review and common-sense parent’s guide, we received a free copy of Republic of Pirates from the folks at PQube.