If a pirate pops up, bash it down again
This program can no longer be downloadedAaarrrgggghh! It’s time to take to the water, me hearties! Let’s crush the rival crews and take over the Seven Seas, in the free-to-play physics combat game Pirate Bash.
My pirates have worms
Captaining your crew to blast pieces-of-eight out of evil pirates is a rather jolly affair. You command three scurvy dogs as they square off against a brigade of brigands, and take it in turns to hurl all manner of nautical themed projectiles at each other. Whoever wipes out the opposing team first, wins.
It’s more than a little reminiscent of the old Worms games. You have to take trajectory, gravity, and environment into account if you want to ensure your attacks reach their mark. Also, like the Team 17 classic, as you wear down your landlubbing opponents they become less powerful, giving you the upper hand… or hook.
In the (angry) birds nest
The controls are lifted straight from Angry Birds. When it’s your turn, all you have to do is pull back on the active pirate’s boxy-body and release their attack on your unfortunate foes. A second tap of the screen then unleashes any secondary ability that the projectile may have, such as splitting, exploding, or crashing to the ground.
To further the annoyed avian analogy, later levels are filled with rubble and other environmental elements that must be blasted through to reach opponents. That said, often the damage caused by the collapsing debris is more than enough to make up for the challenge of smashing through it.
It’s a simple twist on a fun and familiar system, but the turn-based format does feel a little lethargic.
Of course, as a free-to-play game there are plenty of opportunities for you to spend money on energy refills and continues. Luckily, the pace of the game means that unless you are trying to play for extended periods (which would be a problem as the game requires you to always be online), you shouldn’t be exhausting your treasure chest any time soon.
Hoist the main sail
Each boxy character in Pirate Bash is a joy to behold, with their over-sized square heads bristling with gruff personality. Their distinct design also doubles as a handy shorthand for their role, with each character wielding their own unique weapons – including cannons, arrows, and even anchors.
The rest of the toy-like world maintains this playful vibe. Your ship is mounted on massive wooden wagon-wheels allowing it to cross islands, while your enemies face you from vibrant land and vivid oceans.
Bountiful bootie
Pirate Bash is a wonderfully simple game to get to grips with. So, batten down the hatches, swab your touchscreen, and prepare to fight in this effective little physics battler.
