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Be a Pirate, a Puzzle Pirate

by: Chuck -
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Arr...shiver me puzzles.. OK, that doesn't exactly inspire dread or excitement but Ubi sends word today that Puzzle Pirates has shipped to stores. The PC game is the first massively multiplayer puzzle game that I know of and it actually sounds like an interesting deal. You pay $19.99 up front and then $9.99 a month after the first month to take on players around the world in puzzles. Sounds like World of Warcraft for those who aren't interested in playing against power leveling 12 year olds.
BISOFT SHIPS PUZZLE PIRATESâ„¢ TO RETAIL STORES

SAN FRANCISCO – MAY 3, 2005 – Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that Puzzle Pirates™ on CD-ROM for Windows®, Mac® and Linux® is now available on store shelves. Puzzle Pirates is one of the first massively multiplayer pirate-themed online games, with addicting puzzles that earn players status and prestige. It includes exclusive in-game items, four offline and single-player versions of the most popular puzzle games and a free month of playing time. Puzzle Pirates, developed by Three Rings, is available for a suggested retail price of $19.99. After the first month, a monthly subscription fee of $9.95 will apply. Puzzle Pirates is rated “T” (Teen) for Use of Alcohol by the ESRB.

“Puzzle Pirates is a treasure to find and play,” said James Regan, director, business development, Ubisoft North America. “It’s a game chock-full of fun for everyone. Families and friends can meet up and explore a vibrant, pirate-themed world while challenging each other in addictive puzzle games. They can choose to spend 10 minutes on a quick puzzle fix or dedicate hours of puzzle playing time and build their own pirate dynasty.”

Puzzle Pirates combines popular, online puzzle games with a fun and immersive pirate-themed world. Players lead the life of a pirate and battle it out with other pirate mates in a variety of puzzle games such as Sword Fighting, Bilge Pumping, Sea Battle or even a friendly game of Spades at the local pub. There are 12 games in all, with more being added on a regular basis. In offline, single-player mode, players are introduced to a non-competitive play where they can master their skills before storming the decks of the online world full of pillage and puzzle challenge. Players who master the grueling online puzzle challenges will move up in status to participate in political alliances, shop ownership, trade networks and full player-colonized islands.


Players can also participate in other pirate activities as they establish their status:
•Build a pirate empire: Players form their own crews to pillage the high seas, trade between islands and even develop their own thriving ports.

•Exclusive, unique in-game items: Players that purchase the game will receive special items; choose a unique pirate sword, hat or a picture of dear old mum.

•Participate in the player-run economy: Players buy and run shops, trade for goods and employ the puzzling skills of their friends. All finished items in the game are made in player shops.

•Make a pirate fashion statement: Fulfill your dreams of dashing pirate flair with a great selection of swashbuckling outfits.

For more information, please visit http://puzzlepirates.ubi.com/.