Attention ye scallywags o' th' sea! Make cabin fer yer Cap'n! Ye mess wit' me, I'll skewer yer gizzards!
Brace yourself for a swaggerin' nautical adventure as you embark on a ship and set sail on the high seas in search of your missing father. Throughout your journey, you will undergo rigorous trials that test your endurance: engaging in deadly sword duels with nasty scallywags who are determined to sink your ship; traversing through wild, hazardous jungles; and breaking out of a confinement several times over.
This enthralling pirate-themed storyline is well told through the distinct perspectives of two main characters, presenting a refreshing feel. This switching between characters allows a player to experience interesting variations of dialogue, interactions with other characters, and reactions during dramatic moments of cliffhanger. The characters' personalities are fleshed out, and their attire is appropriate to the pirate theme. Crazy George, the "people-biting" macaw, adds a nice touch of humor.
The nautical theme is ubiquitously prevalent throughout the game, as many settings take place on or near water. I consistently felt like I was on a seafaring adventure that stayed on course. The artwork is lovely, showcasing keen attention to crisp details.
The developers under AM are known for casual adventure games, so I wasn't expecting over-the-top, challenging gameplay. The adventure portion of gameplay doesn't deliver any unexpected surprises or hints of novelty; it features standard inventory usage and the usual to-and-fro travel to complete tasks. You will occasionally find items and then create potions and medicines to heal the injured.
The HOSs thematically reflect the environment and showcase items relative to the nautical theme. Although they are varied, they do not shed much light on innovative qualities, as they are scant of interactive elements. I do love the "find and use" type in which you assist the doctor with cleaning Jack's wound. The puzzles are mostly on the simple side, although this doesn't diminish their entertaining value. They are short but sweet and interwoven into the storyline. I like the one in which you create a path by moving a knot along all of the lines. You discover a single collectible within each scene, and it can be challenging to find.
The redeeming quality is the captivating storyline, which compensates for the mediocre gameplay. Furthermore, playtime is lengthy compared to their other games. I do not know whether or not this game will develop into a series, but I love these standalone games in which each one delivers its own surprises. I suggest playing the free trial.