Features!

After we checked in we wandered down the red-lit hallway and into the main room. It was a pirate fan's paradise. On the far side of the room fencing instructors were waiting to give us some lessons, lining the corner of the room were computers with the new game waiting patiently for us, and in the center we found props and artwork for movies 2 and 3.

We were given some time to wander around and talk to some of the game designers. We tried not to drool over the many props, art pieces and photos on display. (Warning: there may be spoilers ahead.)




Concepts and artwork © Disney

Before long they rounded us up and explained a little about the game and how the event was going to work. Between Steve Parkis (VP, Disney Online) and Mike Goslin (VP, Walt Disney Internet Group) we learned that there was going to be a contest to see who was the most notorious pirate in the room; which would be determined by points gained in fencing and gameplay. We also learned some basics about the game's accessibility.

The goals for the game's accessibility are to make it so that a user on any system can access and play the game. They will also be offering two different modes of play. Basic Access will allow users to play for free with certain limitations such as clothing choices and game narratives. There will also be embedded ads with Basic Access. However, they will also be offering Advanced Subscriptions, which for $9.95 a month will allow the user unlimited access to the game with all of the features and no ads. This way anyone can play, and those wary of starting up a subscription right away can test the waters before upgrading.

Before starting in on the contest we were broken into two groups (separated by colored bandannas given at the door). The black team went to try out the game and the red team, including us, went to learn some basic fencing. We were given instruction in how to stand, advance, back-up, lunge, attack, and block. It was great fun, but before long we were switching to try out the new game on the other side of the room.



If we thought fencing was fun, the game blew it out of the water. There were several of the designers on hand to answer questions and walk us through the basic game play. Starting from scratch we created our characters. The character builder has a lot of fun options that truly let you customize you online avatar. There are sliders to change the shape of the head, nose, ears, and so on. There's also a bunch of fun costume options that you can start out with (you'll have the ability to purchase more in the game) and loads of hairstyles to try out. When you've finished creating the character you can name it by using a pre-programmed name selector or by submitting your own unique character name for approval. This helps to keep the game kid-friendly. You will also have the ability to pick the same name as someone else so you don't have to resort to names like Jane05267.



Normally you will start the game in the Port Royal jail and have to break out, but since we wanted a better overview we started in the middle of Port Royal and could wander about as we pleased. The game has a very rich playing environment with lots of places to explore and enemies to battle. (We even ran into a half-finished Tia Dalma!)

For those familiar with MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) you'll notice that there aren't any classes to choose from. Everyone starts out the same, but you can earn better notoriety (notoriety is what you earn instead of experience) in different aspects of the game by doing them more often. For example, the more you use your sword, the better you become with it. There are a lot of options when it comes to gaining notoriety. You could be good at sword fighting, captaining a ship, playing cards, and the list goes on.


In the game you will have the ability to join up with a crew or make your own way in the world. Various non-player characters will have tasks for you to complete and you'll be able to do various tasks simply by wandering around (such as fighting undead skeletons or digging for treasure). There will also be things for you to purchase such a clothing, weapons, and yes, ships. The gold in your pocket and your notoriety will determine what you are able to buy at what time.

After some gameplay the contest was started. To gain points you needed to best others at fencing and try to destroy the most undead skeletons in the game within 5 minutes. Unfortunately neither LeQuatte or I won, but we still managed to get away with some lovely parting gifts.


All in all I think the event was a hit, and it definitely sold me on trying the game out in its finished version. There are a lot of creative and enthusiastic people working to make it the best it can be, and it shows. So get ready for its spring-time release and try it for yourself. Maybe you'll be the next most notorious pirate to sail the virtual seas!

(For more information please visit http://www.piratesonline.com/)