The prologue has you ambushed by British sailors and your ship blown to bits.
So far, so pirate-y.
From here, you carry out contracts, amass resources, construct better ships, and repeat.
Contracts follow a predictable formula.
You go out, sink some enemy ships, take their loot, and deliver it to somebody.
Even the story quests will tend to follow this style, too.
Taking on my first bounty felt like something straight out of thePirates of the Caribbeanmovies.
This feeling isnt helped bySkull and Bones crafting system.
The things you could build are fun; that much is true.
However, the process of gathering materials to build these new additions detracts from the pirate fantasy.
Whats more, those looking for hand-to-hand combat or complex on-foot exploration will be disappointed here.
ThoughSkull and Bonesoffers plenty of sailing, everything from boarding actions to gathering is undertaken by your crew.
However, its also important for in-game sailing not to become too bogged down in the details.
This is a line thatSkull and Boneswalks rather skillfully.
As in real life, sailing into the wind is a great way to go nowhere fast.
All of this serves to add a satisfying edge to nautical combat.
Depending on your ships loadout, your different weapons will be able to fire in various directions.
These sorts of questions must be answered as battles unfold, making tough engagements feel tense and rewarding.
There are plenty of weapons and furnishings to choose from for your ship, too.
Whats more, ships are highly customizable both cosmetically and mechanically.
Low tides
You are not alone on the seas.
In some respects,Skull and Bonesfeels like a nascent massively multiplayer online (MMO) game.
Other players can be found across the waters.
you could form ad-hoc groups, banding together to take on tougher missions and contracts.
The different flavors of mission offer little variation.
Settlements can be plundered, forcing you to face waves of enemies as your crew ransacks the place.
Skull and Bonesmay, one day, be transformative.
However, right now, there is little beyond these robust foundations to keep players interested.
However, there is hope forSkull and Bones.
Looking for other online experiences?
Check out our lists of thebest multiplayer PC gamesand thebest MMO games.
