Captain Jack Sparrow Returns

Published June 1, 2007

Whether it's the charm and glitter of the Disney theme park ride, or the bombastic adventure of the movies, the Pirates of the Caribbean concept has always blended dashing spectacle with a hint of thrilling danger. In Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End for Xbox 360™, Disney Interactive Studios has crafted an action-adventure game worthy of being mentioned in the same breath with the movies and the ride that inspired them.

Together again at world's end.

A Tale of Two Sequels
Though the game may carry the title of the third movie, it tells the story of both the Dead Man's Chest and At World's End movies. Guide Jack from his daring attempt to claim the heart of Davey Jones to his unlikely alliance with one-time villain Barbossa, and sword fight, traipse, shimmy, leap, sail, lurch, and swashbuckle your way through both movie-inspired and game-specific environments.

While Jack may play the starring role, you'll
have ample opportunity to control the heroic
exploits of both Will and Elizabeth.

Animated Bliss
Movie-based games are rarely known for revolutionizing gaming technology. However, the animation on display in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is nothing short of spectacular. Movements (specifically transitional animations) are unbelievably smooth and lifelike, and help create some truly memorable action sequences as animations blend together to create an almost choreographed feel to the proceedings.

Whether it's the drunken antics of Jack Sparrow, the picture-perfect fencing form of Will Turner or the lurching gait of Davey Jones, everything and everyone looks spot-on.

Do you dare cross blades with a pirate?

Sparrow, Turner and Swann
Captain Jack Sparrow may be the most infamous series character, but the Pirates of the Caribbean movies have always focused on the ensemble cast of pirate Jack, the noble but reluctant Will Turner, and the spirited Elizabeth Swann. While Jack may play the starring role, you'll have ample opportunity to control the heroic exploits of both Will and Elizabeth. Each character features a unique set of finishing moves, adding an authentic touch of individual flair, while maintaining consistent action mechanics between characters.

En Garde, Matey
The combat and action in At World's End works to convey a cinematic experience. Playing from the third-person-perspective provides the best possible opportunity to view the agile actions of your heroes. Basic combat utilizes a system of combos alternating among melee attacks, sword swipes, and grapples to quell your attackers. Tossing knives, shooting flintlock pistols, and throwing rum bottles are other pirate-appropriate actions to master.

At World's End also employs a counterattack system, requiring you to recognize an incoming attack (a red circle will appear under the attacker), and then hold A and the left stick in the enemy's direction. When done correctly, a powerful and satisfying counterattack will result.

The dueling mini-game plays a central role.

Successful combat slowly fills up your special attack meter, to be unleashed after stunning an opponent. These attacks are not only vividly cinematic, but also constitute instant kills when executed properly. New and even more elaborate finishing attacks for each character are unlocked throughout the course of the game as well.

Adventure in the Caribbean
Active combat against waves of salty seadogs, East India Company soldiers, crustacean-pirates and other worthy adversaries plays a central role in the game. But At World's End is also jam-packed with non-combative, but equally daring actions. Shimmy across ledges, slide down ropes, blow open holes in walls with gunpowder kegs, balance on treacherously narrow beams or leap across chasms, it's all just as much fun as the intense battles.

The Art of the Duel
Intense one-on-one duels are peppered throughout the game, and these involve facing particularly noteworthy enemies, such as other pirate captains. During these sequences, the control changes to an intriguing dueling mechanic.

• Characters are arranged opposite from one another, swords drawn.
• Behind each character are three bubbles: one high, one middle, and one low. These represent the three possible levels of attack (high swipe, mid-level thrust, and low swing).
• If the bubble behind your character flashes, press in the indicated direction (up for a high swipe) to block the attack. Repeating this accurately earns your character the opportunity to counterattack.
• To go on the offensive and swing yourself, simply press in the desired direction before your opponent does and you'll take the attack to him.

This mechanic requires a bit more strategy and timing than normal combat. It's also responsible for some of the most elaborate action sequences in the game, as highly scripted events play out before, after, and even sometimes during a fight.

Even better, the dueling mode is actually available as an offline multiplayer, so you can challenge friends and family alike to demonstrate your sword-fighting prowess.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End offers all the swashbuckling adventure of the movies, but with the tangible bonus of controlling your favorite heroes, so avast your Halo® 3 beta, grab hold of your trusty cutlass and brave the dangerous seas with Jack, Will and Elizabeth.

Article by Ryan Treit