Computer Times
Editor's Choice DS Game
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
(Nintendo DS)Reviewed by Angie Kibiloski
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (Retail $19.99) from Disney Interactive Studios, for the Nintendo DS, is the coolest game EVER! I played it for so many hours that I actually started to get a blister on my thumb. Never did I think that I, a grown woman, would have Gamers' Thumb! Hahahaha! But ten sore digits would be worth the fun of this game. The plot follows that of the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie from Disney, so see the movie first because there are minimal spoilers. There's action, adventure, treasure, sword fights, and zombie pirates! How much more could you want?
The game play is story driven arcade action. You walk, jump, climb, and fight through each level, playing as Will Turner, Elizabeth Swan, or Jack Sparrow. I like playing as Elizabeth best, because she kicks booty with her dual sword skills. Along the way you must find and unlock treasure chests that contain pieces of maps to your next location, or bottles of Calypso's Tears, which will help you restore your health and savvy. Savvy is that special something that a pirate has that allows him to be extra sneaky and skillful when fighting an enemy, and is needed in order for you to use any of the secondary weapons that you will pick up.
In between nabbing these lovely prizes, you have to battle with pirates, using your sword, and any other weapons you pick up along the way. These include a dagger, various bombs, and my favorite, a whip, which is a nice, easy way to inflict damage from a distance. I'm not a violent person by nature, but it is SO much fun killing all of the pirates (zombie or otherwise) that stand in the way of more treasure. As you pass through each level you progress through the different locations from the film, from Singapore to Davy Jones' Locker and more. Each locale has different enemies to face and landscapes to navigate.
At the end of each main level, you will have to fight a dual with a major pirate from the film. This is performed using your stylus and touch screen to move your sword, and the control pad to block their attack. They are difficult to beat, and this will require practice. Luckily for us all, you can practice, and even learn nifty new fencing moves safely back on board the Black Pearl with Barbossa and Pintel. Your ship is also where you will assemble the pieces of map that you have gathered in order to travel to your next destination, as well as change your outfit when available, look at the gold you have amassed, change characters, and play Liar's Dice.
Liar's Dice is a fun and diverting game of chances and wagers. You try to be the last person with any dice remaining on the table by betting on how many dice of a certain number are under everyone's cups, and calling the other players' bluffs when they make their bets. It has no bearing on the game as a whole, but it is fun when you want to take a break from climbing rope walls, jumping onto moving platforms, and slashing at angry enemies with sharp weapons.
I really can't say enough good things about Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End for the Nintendo DS. It is a thrilling and exciting game full of adventure, action, and PIRATES! Who doesn't love pirates?! You get to swing on ropes over deadly pits of poisonous water, outsmart and outmaneuver nasty villains with your arsenal of weapons while dodging theirs, find treasure and riches beyond imagining, and all it will cost you (aside from the retail value) is the possibility of a slightly sore thumb. I'd say that's a pretty fair trade.