PotC New Horizons probably has the best naval battles.
For many years, that has been one of the main reasons that has kept drawing in our long term members.
There is also the Iron Man Game Mode for if you want those battles to be as realistic as possible.
Plus PotC has DirectSail, allowing you to bypass the worldmap if you want.
Of course I'm biased, but I do reckon that PotC basically does everything better with the sole exception of those things that are inherent in the game engine.
So graphics, sword fighting and worldmap encounters being saved are indeed better in the sequel games.
Whether that is a deal breaker for you is personal preference.
The PotC worldmap is pretty big as well. It was small before the modpack, but these days we have a pretty complete Caribbean.
If you have any preferences in historical time periods, PotC has you covered as it is the only game to have 6 fully realised and distinct periods.
So whether you want old caravels or more modern frigates, it is all possible.
Plus the latest modpack for it is still supported by us.
