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Corsairs: Battle of the Caribbean — Everything We Know

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Listen up, buccaneers! Microids is reviving the twenty-something year old strategy game Corsairs, and it’s reportedly bringing with it a whole new palette of fresh features and modes for modern hardware. What’s more, the upcoming revival, aptly titled Corsairs: Battle of the Caribbean, will incorporate a four-player Skirmish—a mode that’ll surely reignite those decade-old feuds that were left untied back in the original’s heyday.

To remind you, Corsairs was initially praised as one of the best pirate-themed strategy games on the monopoly, and not to mention one that boasted one of the most in-depth naval combat systems of all time. This, under the wing of Microids and Fishing Cactus, will be reintroduced to an ever wider demographic at some point next year on consoles and PC. About time, too.

So, with this rather exciting announcement finally out of the blue, what more do you really need to know about it? Well, here’s everything we’ve been able to collect on the matter since first hearing of its existence earlier this week. Corsairs: Battle of the Caribbean — what is it, and more importantly, how will it compare to the original that blessed the sands way back in ‘99?

What Is Corsairs: Battle of the Caribbean?

 

To put you in the picture, Corsairs: Battle of the Caribbean is a naval war and fleet management game, and a total reboot of the original, which released back in 1999. Its premise, running in a similar vein as the likes of World of Warships, Age of Empires, and Total War, revolves around various factions — all of whom are entrusted with the joint task of conquering the Caribbean and plundering its treasures for fame and glory.

“In the original Corsairs, released over 20 years ago, players played the role of a privateer in the service of England, France or Holland, seeking to gain fame and wealth for his country,” the elevator pitch opens. “In Corsairs – The Battle of the Caribbean, the strategy game reinvents itself in the ever-popular world of buccaneering, bringing with it a welcome touch of the modern world. The game features Campaign, Adventure and the new Skirmish mode (quick mode) against AI in solo, locally, or online with up to 4 players.” Exciting times.

Story

Corsairs: Battle of the Caribbean will let you take control of one of five factions: France, England, Denmark, Spain, or Holland. As one of the aforementioned alliances, you will have the opportunity to bring fame, fortune, and everlasting glory to your country over a series of epic maritime adventures, all of which will transpire across a myriad of watery playgrounds and large-scale seascapes.

“Your journey will take you to the exotic islands of the Antilles, where you can discover hidden treasures, recruit new crew members, and fight for your nation's supremacy in the Caribbean,” the description adds.

According to the guys over at Fishing Cactus, the reboot will include five unique campaigns to embark on, all of which will feature their own story arcs, crossroads, and flexible conclusions. So, certainly a lot of bang for your buck, it seems.

Gameplay

It’s a naval warfare game at heart, so expect plenty of riveting maritime battles over luscious seascapes and idyllic coves. As the overseer, you will have the opportunity to craft and control upwards of 17 vessels, all of which will have their fair share of buccaneers, captains, and purposes. It’ll be your role, basically, to take your country into the thick of the Caribbean waters, and with the power of a full-blown fleet behind your back, plunder the shores and wage war against any who dare to cross your path.

Corsairs – The Battle of the Caribbean combines tactical combat with management-oriented gameplay,” the description adds. “The revised and updated trading mechanics encourage you to intelligently manage your fleet and defend your trading positions, with the possibility of improving your ship and accessing a treasure map system… Not to mention the reworked “”Boarding” mode, expanded with several classes of soldiers… and a Captain who can now take part in battles.”

Development

It was bound to happen sooner or later — a revitalized version of Corsairs. It’s just a shame that, given the popularity of the ‘99 original, Microids hadn’t stepped in to reboot it earlier, to be fair. Nevertheless, thanks to Fishing Cactus, the project is now officially underway — phew. The only issue is, we don’t quite know when in 2024 it’ll release. If our senses are on to something, however, then we could very well see an additional announcement and gameplay trailer drop before Q1 2024. That is, of course, providing neither Fishing Cactus nor Microids stumble upon any unwanted development issues.

Trailer

The good news is, Fishing Cactus has already gone ahead and stapled a selection of in-game screenshots to the slate. And while we could’ve done with a release date or so much as a trailer, it has still nevertheless managed to suppress our hunger for the open seas. So there’s that, at least. If we’re lucky, a trailer should drop before year’s end.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Right now, we can’t say for certain when Corsairs: Battle of the Caribbean will be releasing. That said, Microids has been ever so kind as to staple a rough 2024 launch window to it, and has informed us that it’ll be heading to Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC via Steam. So, in case you ever had any doubts, rest assured that the game will be gracing every shore, if not this year — then at some stage in 2024.

As far as launch editions travel, it’s looking increasingly likely that Corsairs: Battle of the Caribbean will only come in the one standard copy. Don’t quote us on that, though; it could still come with a variety of special editions, though perhaps closer to the time of its release. Whenever that is.

Have the wisps of the Caribbean breeze caught your eye? If so, then be sure to check in with Microids for all the latest updates here. We’ll be sure to let you know just as soon as a release date comes about. Until then, be sure to add the game to your wishlist here.

 

So, what’s your take? Will you be returning to the Caribbean later this year? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

Jord is acting Team Leader at gaming.net. If he isn't blabbering on in his daily listicles, then he's probably out writing fantasy novels or scraping Game Pass of all its slept on indies.