Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Also known as: Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End [UK]

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Who knew? Licensed swashbuckling is surprisingly fun and challenging

Words: Matthew Keast, GamesRadar US

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At first, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End appears to be yet another mindless melee slog. You can get away with just swinging the Wii remote rapidly from side to side for several levels. Things begin to look dire as far as fun goes.

Then suddenly you encounter a pirate who will block every single one of your thoughtless swings. In a single moment the game has transformed into a true swashbuckler. You’ve got to block attacks, time your lunges and swings, and use special defensive moves if you want to survive. Enemies constantly try to flank you, and so you must watch your back whenever you are focused on one opponent. Often you have to break off the attack to gain a better position.

By swinging the remote in different directions and thrusting it forward you can create combinations that actually have situational uses. One combo is good at dispatching one foe, and another combo will get you out of a surround. You also have to manage your powerful counter moves because using them constantly will deplete a meter that only replenishes when you aren’t blocking. Along with all of this, you also have simple inventory management with quickslots that allow you to use health boosts (you’ll need them), throwing knives, grenades, and a pistol. When you pull off a particularly “piratey” maneuver, it’s cackle-worthy.