It almost feels a shame that the rest of us will be left out.The Caribbean, in the turbulent 17th Century. Port Royale 3 Gold Edition is definitely a niche release – but what a niche release it is! There’s too much to learn, a few annoying flaws and other bits and pieces that will make this unlikely to be anybody’s first simulation game, but for the right person, it’s easily a perfect title. Perhaps one of the most menu-driven areas of the game, it would be easy to get lost in a mountain of product without a mouse wheel, but it works regardless. I never felt hindered by needing to use an analogue stick instead of a mouse.Įven the towns – which look beautiful, by the way – are easily navigated using the controller.

Traditionally not a genre best played with a Dualshock, Kalypso have managed to get it going comfortably and enjoyably.

Point and ClickĮqually impressive is how well the developers have gotten the game working with a controller. There really is a huge amount to see, and while it’s never as accessible as the now-for-everything classic Sid Meier’s Pirates!, it’s more impressive for its scale. Port Royale 3: Gold Edition also comes with a variety of DLC packs on the disk, allowing for even more story and adventure. It’s fun for an hour or two, but prolonged play – doing the same thing over and over – may cause you fatigue sooner rather than later. There’s a little bit of plot, but this acts more as a diversion from your need for cash than as a fully fledged feature. Like a lot of Kalypso’s games, they’ve once again gone out of their way to make Port Royale 3 as dry as possible. It’s has the potential to suck weeks away from your life as you micromanage trade routes, explore coastal regions and swap fire with dangerous scallywags. If it clicks, Port Royale probably won’t leave your PlayStation 3. This means that there’s the potential for multiple long-term games if you get into it, and replayability is high. Playing the merchant is similar to being the buccaneer in terms of basic mechanics, but what you’ll be doing, and how it’ll effect your reputation, is wildly different. Whether you’re taking enemy ships or trading corn and sugar around the Caribbean, the end goal is the same – rise up the ranks and earn lots of cash.ĭespite the similarities in goals, Port Royale allows for massively different paths. If it clicks, Port Royale probably won't leave your PlayStation 3

Port royale 3 gold review