Sid Meier’s Pirates! – Inside Their Crafty Villain Minds

Interview with anonymous-villain, Main Adversary of Sid Meier’s Pirates!

Thank you for joining us today, anonymous-villain. It’s not every day we get to hear the perspective of the one throwing all those obstacles in the player’s paths. How do you do it?

Ah, bgc-villains, the pleasure is all mine! Someone needs to keep those would-be swashbucklers on their toes. I thought I’d drop in, mess with their compasses, and steal their gold. Just my little way of ensuring they get a proper piratical education.

Speaking of challenges, what do you think of the hero of the game?

Oh, the hero? That upstart? Always popping up with their bravado and shiny cutlasses. Honestly, they wouldn’t last a day without the developers sneaking in all those convenient power-ups and hidden secrets. The real hero here is the guy who programmed their ability to navigate, I mean, have you seen these seas? They’re a maze!

Interesting, can you share any of those hidden secrets that might help our players?

Sid Meier’s Pirates!

Well, since you asked so politely, I suppose I could let you in on a couple. For instance, players can get their hands on a faster ship by plundering El Diablo Shipyard after a storm. Or if you’re having trouble with those dastardly sword fights, you might find it handy to always have a bottle of rum on hand. And remember, the more you sweet-talk the governor’s daughter, the more you’ll uncover maps and secrets!

You seem to take delight in the game’s difficulty. Any levels or mechanics that you find particularly amusing?

Oh, absolutely. The War For Profit era, 1640-1660—isn’t that just my magnum opus? So many factions, so much gold to steal, and endless opportunities to trap players. The ship combat mechanics are my personal playground. You think navigating in fog is hard? Try doing it while I laugh and pull the strings, scattering tempest winds here and there!

What about the game’s flaws? Any you notice?

Flaws? Let’s talk about those governors who seem far too forgiving. Seriously, I raid a town, sink a few ships, and boom, back in good graces with a couple of bribes and flowers for the governor’s frills-wearing daughter? Amateur hour! And don’t even get me started on how players can load a previous save to retry a fight. Where’s the honor in that?

You appear to enjoy critiquing the game’s balance. Any complaints about the players themselves?

The sea is a maze, brilliant

Oh, don’t get me started on players exploiting glitches. This one time, I saw a player use the old ‘invisible ship bug’ to sneak past my fleet. I was sipping my coffee, orchestrating their doom, and then—poof! Gone. The cheek of it! But I must admit, if they manage to beat me fair and square, well, they’ve got real grit. Or just a lot of time on their hands!

You mentioned players who manage to beat you. Any words for those who do?

Kudos to those dauntless souls who manage to retire with gold, titles, land, and a beautiful wife. If you’ve danced the dance of blades with me and lived to tell the tale, you’re worthy of the title pirate indeed. Still, don’t expect me to send you a retirement gift. If anything, watch your back, matey!

What’s a surprising fact about the game’s development tied to your role?

Ah, a juicy one! Did you know the developers initially planned for me to be in every era, haunting players as an immortal terror of the seas? They toned it down—too terrifying, they said. Something about not ruining the educational aspect. Pah! Education through torment, I say!

Before we conclude, any hints about your plans for the future? Will you be returning or planning a retirement yourself?

Oh, my. Scandalous

Retirement? Don’t make me laugh! I’ve got treasure to steal and heroes to thwart. Maybe I’ll take on a new alias, or perhaps, just perhaps, I’ll show up in a new guise in your next big adventure. After all, every pirate needs their legendary nemesis. Keep your compasses ready, sailors. The seas are never truly safe from me.

Always a pleasure, anonymous-villain. We’ll be watching out for you in the horizon!

And there I’ll be, lurking, scheming, and chuckling as you try to outwit me. Stay crafty, players. Until next time!