Developer Trese Brothers is following up sleeper hits Star Traders RPG Elite and Cyber Knights with Age of Pirates, a high seas RPG expected this week which mixes elements of both prior projects. The title is a story-driven trade game with various contract-based subplots. Trese Brothers is hoping Age of Pirates will be the next big swashbuckling Android hit.
Pirates is deceptively expansive. The Caribbean-inspired map spans 130,000 sectors. If you’re not sure what this means, the screen of your Android device is one sector – We’re talking about a large map. While Trese is a relatively new developer, they’ve proven they know how to create a hardcore gaming experience. In fact we loved their Templar Assault Elite project so much that we named it one of the best strategy games of 2013.
Their latest effort isn’t trying to redefine gaming. It’s meant to utilize the mechanics of Star Traders in a more down to earth environment. If the game proves to be a hit, Trese could gain traction and clout in both the Google and Apple app stores. Whether or not they make the move across the pond to the black turtleneck iCrowd remains to be seen, but we here at Hardcore Droid wholeheartedly support small developers making a profit in legitimate ways, even if it means porting their work to the iOS.
Another key feature Trese has implemented in the Age of Pirates world is a constantly evolving background. Far too often, I come across games where the background isn’t as interactive or intelligent as I’d prefer. This isn’t the case here. You’re fully immersed into a living world. As developer Cory Trese explains “The cities, governors, empires, trading companies and Captains are all actors in the simulator and can be pulled into the story.” Wars, commerce, and political events occur throughout the world that can put an interesting twist on the gameplay mechanics. Economics plays a huge part in the gameplay.
No pirate themed game would be fun if it were all about trading and politics though. You’ll engage in intense naval battles while at sea, and duels while on solid ground. The fighting mechanics change based on the environment you’re in. This may sound obvious when moving from land to water, but it’s an important gaming mechanic that’s often overlooked. I’m curious to see the blend of war and peace in the final build, which will be available on phones and tablets running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) or higher.
Many other features are provided to round out the story experience. Difficulty settings can be adjusted. Sandbox mode allows you to explore the world without constraints. A dual mode will encourage multiplayer action. All of this happening in a constantly evolving world makes for a complete package that explores “a fantasy world inspired by Pirates of Dark Water, Pirates of Caribbean and Stronghold,” says Trese.
Overall, Trese Brothers has the chops to make an epic pirate adventure, and the beta for Age of Pirates is definitely impressive. If you’re interested in checking out their Android portfolio, check out their page in the Play Store. You can also find out more about Age of Pirates at Trese Brothers’ website.
**Edit 7/11/13** – Andrew Trese has confirmed with Hardcore Droid that Age of Pirates will launch this weekend. Check for the release in the Play Store.
