Sid Meier's Pirates! Gold [Genesis] review - Segadrunk

Thanks to Daniel for the request via Patreon. Might be a top 10 Sega Genesis game...
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[@MegaHarv]

He's passed now, but I watched my father play the NES version of Pirates! all the time growing up, his favorite would have been this or Shingen the Ruler. This version is breathtaking compared the NES version, which I have a lot of nostalgia for. It would have been cool if we knew about it back then, because I'm sure he would have gotten a kick out of it. Makes me want to hunt it down myself so I can take a crack at it!

[@journeyman1218]

Raspberry pi + rom and you're sorted 😁

[@joe_schmoe_420]

The sega version was my cousins favorite. He passed away a couple years ago but i cant forget all the great games we played together

[@kevcole3333]

its worth looking for. the stormy weather can be a chore, but other than that, seriously one of the most fantastic games ever.

[@milkapeismilky5464]

It's literally one of my all-time top 10 favorite video games. I maxed out the game at least 6 or 7 times. I loved the character progression, the random encounters in an open world setting, fencing, digging for buried treasure and especially, the ship to ship combat! Just hearing the soundtrack brings back incredibly good memories! I played it so much I drove my roommates nuts and they would walk around saying: "Land ho!!!" and "I surrender!!"

[@Mintcar923]

Never played this version as I started on Amiga and now have it on PSP.. I may even put it in my top 5.. But all Sid Meier games or the like are of startlingly high quality and have almost endless replay ability..

[@husstaingames677]

When we got the Sega Channel I discovered this game. Definitely the game we played the most as kids.

[@davidscritchfieldds]

This is one of my favorite Genesis games! I wish this game got more love, because it's amazing. I spent many hours playing this when I was a kid, and I can still sit down and enjoy it to this day.

[@chrislowe2793]

I remember playing that on SEGA CHANNEL. I love how every time period was different.

[@colinconsidine5209]

Pirates gold was probably my favorite Sega game. First played it on my sega channel in the day which was amazing for the time.

[@kirbyhero256]

When I was younger, my neighbor had a Sega Genesis with this as their only game. No manual unfortunately, which meant we just bumbled around without really knowing what to do. However, with some gameplay tips and a little luck, you can amass huge piles of treasure with ease.

[@jacobwebb2623]

I found this game at a local flea-market waaaaaay back in the day and I have LOVED it ever since! Awesome, awesome game! Great review.

[@kirasullivan8202]

This was my grandmother's favorite video game

[@MerkhVision]

Ur gramma played video games?? She sounds awesome haha

[@Ragesauce]

I played this as a kid, it was badass then, and still badass now.

[@Jayce_Alexander]

It's true that Pirates! looks just about the same on the Genesis as the Amiga CD32, but it's worth mentioning that most games released on the CD32 do not take full advantage of the system's capabilities, this one included. Nevertheless, it's a great looking and fun game on either system. And one of the few actually worth booting up on the Amiga CD32. :P

[@duffman18]

Didn't the amiga have very similar specs and processor to the Genesis? I've heard that's the reason why the genesis had way better ports of amiga games than the SNES

[@youdontneedtoseehisidentif4939]

I can't comment on the quality of Mega Drive/Genesis ports of Amiga games, but it's true that the Mega Drive/Genesis had the same processor as the earliest entry-level Amiga (the Amiga 500), both having a 68000 (although the Mega Drive/Genesis was actually clocked very slightly faster); but a _lot_ of platforms of that era used that family of processors: the Mac', Amiga, Mega Drive/Genesis, Atari ST, NeXT, and various arcade machines, as well as a lot of failed and/or obscure platforms, from the QL to the Thor.

[@Jayce_Alexander]

The Amiga 500, yes, but the CD32 had a much more advanced processor (the Motorola 68EC020) that was twice as fast as the one in the A500, had four times the RAM of an off-the-shelf A500 (2MB vs 512KB), and the advantage of a storage medium that could hold much more data than the A500's 3.5 inch floppies. Nevertheless, most of the games on the CD32 were identical to their A500 counterparts. So little effort was put into CD32 ports that in platform games, jumping wasn't even mapped to one of the face buttons; you had to press up on the D-pad, a leftover from the A500/600's single button joysticks. The CD32 came with a six button controller out of the box (albeit a horribly awkward one, with a D-pad that was even worse than a Master System controller), but even THAT wasn't used to its full extent. :/ A shame too, it had pretty good specs for its time.

[@DoppelgangerShockwave]

I used to play the hell out of this game back in the 16-bit era. I had almost forgotten about it 'til this video showed up. Thanks for reviewing it. It is definitely a great game. :)

[@CaptainMauser]

And a follow up to this review would be the awesome Kings Bounty.....on the genesis....If you like Pirates then you would love Kings Bounty.....should be your next review!

[@kevcole3333]

one of my all time favorite games. throw in shadow run and you got a party.

[@thomasdinkelspiel1098]

Shadowrun was so good!!

[@mutoneon]

It does look like an excellent port, but it's probably a lot easier to acquire on Steam. I can say for certain that even just a few minutes with this game will leave you both entertained and impressed by the quality given its 31 years of age.

[@jonmcfarland1209]

I immediately we went and bought this game. I played all the other versions and didn't even know a Genesis version existen.

[@madrox8]

recent starting playing this and was a great time for sure, was even listening to alestorm as I played to get into more of a pirate mood. yar tiss good game

[@ChazTheYouthful]

I played this on PC as a child, it was a lot clunkier than the version shown here. Definitely one of the best games of the period, one of the best pirate simulators period. I learned about naval ranks, colonial history, trading concepts, and strategic combat.

[@Alianger]

Noice, I just started playing the 2004 version yesterday.

[@osurpless]

“Pirates Gold has to be one of the top ten Genesis games ever!” Definitely not drunk to think that...

[@michaeloffgrid]

This is the best game that ever came out for the Sega Genesis! Great choice, drunk!

[@retrosoul8770]

I wish I could have played this as a kid, I imagine I would loved it. Too much into action games nowadays though to feel inclined to try something like this. Great review though, and as usual I appreciate your diversity in taste and effort for which I kind of lack.

[@youtubesuresuckscock]

It's not that great. These types of games were always overhyped. The actual gameplay in them was trash. The dueling control is so bad.

[@cyberdemon7694]

The remake in I think 2004 or so on PC kicked all kinds of ass as well.

[@mrpleasy]

One of my favorites, I love getting a pirate letter from every country but Spain and just plunder Spain while English,French and Dutch pay you.

[@Golden12500]

I'll try that next time I start a new file, Spain is fuckin everywhere so that'll make things simpler

[@clone701]

Dude your videos are awesome I love them since I discovered this channel. Did you know that you have fans all over the world like me, that I’m from Colombia and you have enlightened me with such delicious games that I’ve never seen before. Once again thanks a lot for your videos your the best.

[@maximumacannona]

Good review, but it would be nice if you incorporated some of the aspects you discuss. For example, when you mention the cannon sound effect, could you not play a clip of it?

[@thejoe_snotbombsskateboarding]

AWESOME!!! This game looks Cool! Great Work as ALWAYS brotha

[@elbitxo5945]

One of my personal favourites. Amazing port that aged great, despite being a slug sometimes... not a big deal, tho.

[@rpghero46]

no good rest of your day. guess i can expect a pirate attack today.

[@YukaTakeuchiFan]

~walks up with a black flag~ I accept gold, trade goods, and .mp3 files.

[@rpghero46]

@@YukaTakeuchiFan you SEE DRUNK! (HANDS GOLD) this is what happens when you dont wish a GOOD REST OF OUR DAY!

[@Snotnarok]

One other open world PC port/remake the Genesis got is Starflight. It's visually vastly better than the DOS port (understandably since it's years older) and the controls are a lot easier to wrap your head around. The interface is also a lot better. The only thing superior about the DOS version is it's planets are 99% randomly generated in many ways. That said, the Genesis version has better visuals representing the planets, a full screen visual vs a small low-res window with a text box describing the weather, terrain, and such. Even with them refining and fine tuning controls and interfaces, the game is still very deep where a guide would really, really help a first time player. It's just mind blowing they managed to get an open world SPACE game where you not only explore space, but can land on nearly every planet. I say nearly, because landing on a gas giant isn't going to end well. There's tons of solar systems, nebula to disrupt shields, space battles, a terrain vehicles and there's even diplomacy- which is ENCOURAGED. Weapons are not what you want to be using on a lot of encounters as other races will provide a lot of insight to the story or even planets to chart. Even how to deal with other races, or where their claimed space is. Super deep game, insane they ported it and even more insane what they crammed into the cart.

[@devast2]

Used to love this game on pc. Lots of fun

[@JamesRDavenport]

Sid Meier's Pirates in ANY form is a good time!

[@WorldWithOEnd]

Wish we could of played this in school instead of Oregon Trail😅😅

[@Paul-hw7kc]

I wish we could had played Sid Meier Civilization instead of the Oregon Trail

[@BigGleemRecords]

I’m from Oregon and I wish we played Spider-Man and X-men instead of Oregon trail

[@GOLVEL]

Wish you could HAVE taken advantage of grammar.

[@BigGleemRecords]

@@GOLVEL instead of playing the Oregon trail

[@LanEXHikari]

I'm genuinely surprised this game got a Sega port, so many fond memories playing with the Windows Version which was based on the same premise. Good review!

[@thekillerpillow]

I sunk sooooooooo many hours into this game emulating it. Fun really trying to make your own character’s legacy becoming notorious and getting married and all haha

[@mega8kun]

I saw and absolutely fell in love with Sid Meier's Pirates! the PC remake, didnt knew about the sega genisis version though there is a psp version as well, hope you review them as well.

[@Orutra621]

I had the NES port. I was too young to appreciate it though.

[@Lverty]

Thanks Snes drunk, another really good video

[@DwayneCunningham]

This was a fave of mine, so fun! The only annoying game dynamic was the wind while heading East, it could be stupid slow, and frustrating. Do "Starcontrol" (Genesis) and Starcontrol 2 (Turbo Graphic 16), possibly my fave game on any console ever.

[@mrpositive506]

Pirate's gold is gold one of the first RPG games and it's was amazing and still is..

[@daneast]

I really liked the Amiga version of this game, even though it was simpler in various ways (especially the graphics and animations - the storage limitations of trying to fit it all on 2 floppy disks...). It was very immersive and detailed. Something about it really brought that feeling of exploration.

[@spiwolf6998]

This game's music brings back so much of my child.

[@DarkSektori]

Love your channel and videos, I actually have a few suggestions in terms of game reviews. These in my opinion are games that have been forgotten about unjustly and even if they had a positive reception, still became forgotten gems that are worth playing even today. Ecco the Dolphin(Sega CD) I know it's a well known classic but the Sega CD version with it's enhanced gameplay and amazing Soundtrack is just that much more special. Considering that the Genesis version was more well known and the Sega CD has always had such a negative reputation. Soulblazer (SNES) A true gem if I ever played one, again well received when it came out but somehow still you never hear about this game. Flashback: Quest for Identity (1992, Multi Platform) "Another World" and "Prince of Persia" always seem to overshadow this masterpiece in terms of cinematic platformer Games. While most of the ports we're good, the SNES version was my favorite, it didn't help that it got a crappy sequel (Fade to Black 1995) and an Equally forgettable remake in 2013. Starfox Assault, (GameCube, 2005) Maybe not the best of the Series but good enough especially if you're a hardcore fan of the entire series. Starwars Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader (GameCube, 2001) Damn impressive considering the limitations of the GameCube (not exaggerating) this game pulled off things that StarWars games of today don't do, more notably the impressive graphics and epic Endor Space Battle from "Return of the Jedi" seriously the epic scale, chaos and intensity is done so freaking well in my opinion there isn't a better video game recreation of this battle aside from mods that I've seen since then, although the Voice acting was not great. Final Fight 3 (SNES, 1995) It wasn't common to have a game that allows you to team up with an AI partner that actually helps more then not, especially for games of this Generation that's an impressive accomplishment. Guerrilla War(NES, 1987) It's not often when an Arcade classic gets bested by a home console port, and the NES version did just that, with unlimited continues, 2 player Co-op and faster pace gameplay, this version was a hell of an impressive accomplishment. Platoon(NES, 1987) Yes it was very difficult, but ambitious and yeah it's no CoD or Halo but for retro gamers like me I liked the unique approach they took with this game, if I could use one term to describe this game it would be "Variety" again for an NES game that's impressive, and it was quite immersive for it's time.

[@syncmonism]

My friend, who used to mercilessly make fun of Genesis games, loved this game.

[@2001mark]

Pirates! NES is great, hack added for my mini. RPG lite, really enjoyable in a board game kinda way.

[@Thomaniac]

Played the C64 and the Amiga version to death. Definitely have to go on a lookout for this version because it looks pretty damn awesome! Thanks for showcasing!

[@killerbee412]

Still love this game

[@tollban]

This one looks awesome... The kind of game I appreciate more. Gonna try it!

[@alexbloddrunk1875]

I feel you bro , this is also my favorite sega genesis game, ever!

[@boorhaave5880]

Enjoy the rest of your day

[@runningsuperska]

It looks great. I wish it was on snes

[@urkelheimer]

I used to rent this one back in the day, before I had a computer. Super fun and memorable.

[@nitefiend]

you really should think about making longer reviews, especially about such game as pirates gold. not just to give us more info but also more fun :)

[@AGoodJoe]

Easily the best Pirate game for my mind. I can't believe they havent made this into a mobile port.

[@JimmyBackbeat]

I loved it on the Amiga back in the day. Didn't even know that it had a port to consoles

[@gabemewell3643]

I thought there was going to be a segadrunk on Second Samurai today. This is pretty cool too.

[@Daniel.Hernandex]

One of my favorites on Genesis

[@neckbonejones1097]

There is an absolutely killer version of this game released in 2004 as well, with all the requisite graphic and sound upgrades, for those looking for a somewhat more modern looking take. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_Meier%27s_Pirates!_(2004_video_game)

[@klebbe1]

Classic game, I'm still hoping for another remake of it with better graphics and resolution, something like Assassins Creed Black Flag, but with the overhead view and style of Pirates!

[@tedlogan5628]

One Eyed Willy would be proud!

[@jaymethysell5111]

This was my favorite pirate game until Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. But as good as the Genesis version is, you're still better off playing it on PC.

[@Drinkabeerandplayagameofficial]

Wow, had no idea this port existed, looks great

[@JohnnyProctor9]

One of my favorites growing up...just as good as the PC version and no pesky copy protection!

[@megamarsonic]

I actually own a copy of the PC original and, while I don't have a PC old enough to run the thing, I did play use MSDOS to briefly play a ROM of it. Even for someone that usually doesn't play games like this, I had a lot of fun with it. I even got the PSP remake which is amazing!

[@jotabe1984]

i have to say... "This game" was already well ported into NES platform, the Sid Meier's Pirates! was a great game, but if you play both games, you'll find out that the "Gold" version was far superior in both Ship and sword combat... The 8bit original wasn't that great in those aspects, but this 16bit smoothed the ship engagements a lot and the sword combat (despite feeling easier and still being a little robotic) it is impresively better. I haven't tried the Amiga 32bit nor the PC version of Pirates! Gold, but i would suggest the Sega Genesis version to anyone trying to play a sail's age (pirate/bucaneer/corsair) RPG game, even over any modern game with XXI century graphics including Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004 remake). Don't get me wrong, they might be good or even better... but the Genesis version is easy to acquire (very easy and also free-of-charge in a Genesis emulator at this point) and will satisfy any need on that genre. The NES version (if you dig the visual limitation) it is also very good for those Nintendo fans, but i'd suggest the Genesis version better

[@drizzyrauvryar6992]

I still can't believe that this game is only a couple megabytes big.

[@ElBribri]

we need more Pirate games....there are not enough Pirate games and there have never been, current gen is passing on the opportunity to put out a good game like this one but with current graphics and gameplay improvement

[@khululyp]

The problem with pirate and western games is that they are both set in a fairly short time period for pirates it was 1650s to the late 1720s and it's easy to fall into tropes and clichés in these genres.

[@carlcouture1023]

Fair enough but look at how many games are set during Japan's Edo period. Compare it to the number of pirate themed games that exist. We've got Pirates and its sequel, Uncharted Waters, the Monkey Island series, The Pirates of Dark Water and... does High Seas Havoc count? I think that's all.

[@ElBribri]

its the tropes and clichés that we want, that what makes them fun

[@ElBribri]

@mathew NICE!

[@khululyp]

Don't forget Risen 2, Assassin's creed: Black flag, sea of thieves and several other games no one heard or care about and in a sense Dkc 2 is a pirate game as well and it's better than skulljäger or cutthroat island.

[@Burks2121]

Wish they had made a sequel to this. Really loved it on the Genesis and PC

[@carlcouture1023]

Pirates: Live the Life for PC and Xbox.

[@for8bitgamers]

Certainly looks better than how I played it on my c64 with a monochrome nec monitor.

[@lanceuppercut6168]

Huh, interesting. I'd heard of Sid Mier's pirates for PC/XBox but wow, there's even an earlier one, cool! :D

[@Don_Rodrigo44]

i loved this game

[@metalnerd1979]

i loved to play the original pirates on the c64 and later pirates gold on the pc. its really a great game.

[@blackenedwritings]

I loved that game but I didn't know about the Genesis/Mega Drive version. It looks really good, though. There's also a remake from ten (?) years ago which is pretty good.

[@Randhrick]

Yeah I remember renting this frequently the game is pretty legit on Genesis .

[@kelzfelder5354]

I would like to see u do a top ten swamp (1942, raiden..ect)games for both (snes and Sega) in one vid

[@kromokromo7136]

Have a nice rest of your day

[@DocFear]

I like the updated graphics of the new version... but gameplay might be a bit funner on this...

[@jordankelsey4501]

I loved Pirates! On the nes

[@jasonz7788]

Awesome thanks

[@alexanderdeburdegala4609]

YOU DIDN'T FEATURE THE DANCE OFFS!!! lol

[@HeroQuestFans]

the pc version's graphics look like watercolor paintings. these look like cartoons. I will say that the combat is a lot easier when mashing the controller than clicking around with the mouse. great game overall

[@torgogorgo1888]

I traded the cart away a while ago for some reason but still have the box and manual, ugh. Want this one, but not sure if there is a point going back as I have the Xbox version which is also a lot of fun.

[@matthewsommerville88]

“My dear Mr. Drunk...”

[@storerestore]

I had no idea this was ever released for the Genesis

[@thauptowngamer]

Great video I'm gonna give it a try

[@scooter_b123]

Wow I never played it. I'll be playing it soon though on my modded snes mini! Thanks snes drunk!

[@dvirarazi7351]

You can play Genesis games on a Snes mini? That's cool!

[@alexanderdeburdegala4609]

I bought a Genesis specifically for this game

[@carlosvidal6663]

Come on! I know I’m not the only one that at 1:03 immediately though of Spongebob

[@zulitesgaming3112]

love this game

[@billmillersdick]

I love this game

[@deanolium]

Absolutely loved the original on the Amiga; an amazing and addictive game from a legendary designer. Much better than the 2000s remake, which was alright but added some pointless minigames like dancing.

[@andybrinks3784]

Great vid! Ever thought about doing some Sega Saturn games?

[@Zoee_engelbert]

Is this game rated ARRRRRH ?

[@danielmccormick700]

So what did you think of the NES "Pirates" game from Konami/Ultra?

[@SNESdrunk]

Love it, I own it now

[@eiszapfenderwutendenwinde3233]

If you like these kinds of games, then you wanna give *High Seas Trader* a shot. Its an DOS-Box playable Abandonware game. Now if you excuse me, i gonna get dat shipment of Opium off ma gad damn boat! Arrrrrrrrr.........

[@boxerblake1]

Love the game. Just sad that it forces you to retire after a certain amount of time. (The PC version)

[@Utellglass]

could you make a is it worth to buy the capcom beat em collection for switch that comes out like next week?

[@truepatriot3768]

They could have made sea of thieves a great game like this , but no Microsoft don't allow studios to make games that people love , they just want money money & money ( so make it multiplayer ) such a potential totally wasted

[@soterioncoil2163]

I played Sea Of Thieves a few days and I was impressed with the sailing and ship mechanics but it appeared to be insanely repetitious so I quit. I don't have any friends to play it with anyway.

[@YouRSmalltime]

This happens way to often. A good team of developers, designers, sound designers you name bottle-necked by profit driven corporations. Sad! many such cases.

[@thebigcheese4453]

They apparently never played pirates gold or kings bounty. Shame, they should have incorporated things from these games.

[@SevenCompleted]

You gotta try King's bounty on the genesis as well it's better than the pc version and it might be an even better open world game than pirates gold although I do love them both a lot. King's bounty is the precursor to Heroes of might and magic on of the best. Pc game series ever.

[@brennenparker4781]

Anyone have any thoughts on the ps2 game?