check out the review on gamespy.com......i think he hits the nail on the head.....
exerpt:
"Despite the `open-endedness` and multiple difficulties, Pirates! may grow repetitive after a few days of play. Still, something this fun and polished can easily remain on your hard drive, ready to be picked up for quick games whenever you need a fix. There's something to be said for superb execution of a straightforward design. Pirates! has that kind of polish. You'll have fun with it from the moment you finish installation."
exerpt:
"Despite the `open-endedness` and multiple difficulties, Pirates! may grow repetitive after a few days of play. Still, something this fun and polished can easily remain on your hard drive, ready to be picked up for quick games whenever you need a fix. There's something to be said for superb execution of a straightforward design. Pirates! has that kind of polish. You'll have fun with it from the moment you finish installation."