In the game, you can choose to sail the seas under the Jolly Roger. The other alternative is to become an officer in one of the English, Spanish, Dutch or French navies. Whichever you select, you'll build up your character through an advancement system with the appropriate title P.I.R.A.T.E.S; the initials stand for Power, Impression, Reaction, Authority, Talent, Endurance and Success. No matter which career you decide to follow, the story you write will be your own since the team has designed and implemented an open-ended campaign structure that's said to incorporate roughly equal portions of land and maritime adventures...

Before starting a quest, it's important to think about every step, prepare for the journey, buy supplies and hire crew as needed. The game is really is a role-playing pirate simulator...

Also there are perks, additional skills that become available as the character's level rises. There are personal and naval ones. Some of the latter are useful during battles; they decrease reload time, raise the chances of boarding successfully, etc. Others can help increase ship speed, help survive storms, and make officers learn faster. When the initial phase is over and the player has acquired crew, officers and supplies for his ship, it's time to set sail and find a big adventure. And there are plenty in City of the Lost Ships.​