SHIP WRECKERS

How it was in 1997?

Ahoy matey! Shipwreckers is an adventure game that smoothly blends puzzle solving with episodes of explosive action. This game will NOT appeal to everyone but a certain group of gamers will love it.


You are a pirate captain with one ship in an adventure that spans 4 levels in 5 different regions for a total of 20 missions. You'll solve puzzles, discover lost treasure and battle pirate foes.



The puzzles involve finding map bottles, treasure and power-ups. Occasionally, you will also pick up contraband and smuggle it to a distant port.

In addition to your basic cannon there are some far fetched weapons such as lightning bolts, flame throwers and mines. You'll need all of the above as you take on a host of maggot infested enemy pirates and some pretty wicked bosses. There are even some airborne enemies i.e. balloons, airships and dragons.

The game is played from a third person overhead perspective. The game graphics and animated videos are cartoon-style. Time of day (sunrise to night) and weather effects (fog and rain) are nicely done. Occasionally, scenery gets in your way and blocks key elements of play. There is a button to change the camera view which helps. You'll see cannon balls coming towards your ship from off screen. The enemy can apparently see you but you'll have to sail closer to see the enemy. The area around your ship that's on the screen could have been expanded.

The voices and sound effects are average. The seafaring/pirate style soundtrack compliments the game. After a few hours of play the music begins to get on your nerves.

The game can only be played with the standard digital controller. Moving your ship, selecting weapons etc. with the controller was very easy and effortless.

Shipwreckers is a slow paced game which involves using some of your gray matter more than your trigger finger. There are however, episodes of explosive action where good reflexes are important to survive.

There's are a lot of things to do as you muck about the high seas collecting map bottles, opening gates, avoiding disaster, conquering towns, smuggling etc. etc. etc. The game gets a little harder with each new level. A nicely done learning curve allows you to gradually adjust to the more difficult tasks that lie ahead.

An experienced adventure gamer can probably finish the game in less than a week. After completing the game the replay value is low. There's simply not enough here to make you want to go back for more.

Bottom Line: Shipwreckers is not a bad game. It's the type of game that appeals to a certain group of gamers. If you've never played an adventure game before, Shipwreckers is a good place to start. It's also a fun game which younger players will probably enjoy. And - if you're looking for a multiplayer adventure game, Shipwreckers will fill that need. If you are not any of the above, you probably will not like this game. Definitely rent before buying.

Graphics: 7.5
Sound: 7
Learning Curve: Low
Difficulty: Moderate
Control: 8
Manual: Good
Replay Value: Low

FINAL SCORE: 7.3

SHIP WRECKERS

Rated 4.7/5 based on 43 reviews