For more on LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean, check out our full LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean review. Or, for more of the best Xbox 360 games for an 8 year old, why not try our Family Game Finder
What is Lego Pirates of the Caribbean?
Lego Pirates of the Caribbean is a distinctly nautical themed adventure, taking in all four of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, including the newest On Stranger Tides - all told in the adorable, slapstick style developers Traveller's Tales are known for. Reliving all the key moments of the film, from Port Royal to the Isle of Tortuga and many more, you'll swashbuckle, bash and smash your way through an epic pirate-themed game, stepping into the shoes of everyone from Jack Sparrow and Will Turner to Norrington and Captain Barbarosa - not forgetting the illustrious Tattoo Pirate either.
How do you play Lego Pirates of the Caribbean?
Following much the same formula as all the Lego games that have preceded it, Lego Pirates of the Caribbean epitomises light-hearted fun. Levels are filled with bad guys to beat up and simple puzzles to solve, which mostly revolve around flipping switches to open doors, short platforming stints and tracking down buried keys in the sand. Each character has their own unique mix of abilities, and you and your co-op partner (or AI companion, depending) will need to combine your skills to proceed, whether it's using a pirate's sword to pull a makeshift switch, shooting targets with a character's gun or going for an underwater stroll as one of the cursed crew of the Black Pearl.
How easy is Lego Pirates of the Caribbean to pick up and play?
There's very little reading involved here, with the Pirates of the Caribbean stories told solely through shrugs, points and grunts - and everything that does involve reading is backed up with large, friendly icons that indicate almost exactly what you've got to do. About the only potential trip up would be figuring out which character's skills to use in which situation, but trying to use the wrong character will trigger a 'bonk' noise and a flashing portrait of the correct character will pop up above your head, prompting you to switch. Lives are unlimited, and getting 'killed' simply sees your character break into pieces before reappearing exactly where you were.
Although it does involve guns, swords, and fights involving both, everything in the game is thoroughly tongue-in-cheek and kid friendly. Enemies simply flash red when hit, and crumple into their component plastic bricky parts when you've "killed" them - it's thoroughly family friendly fun.
LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean has been designed to be played in co-op - if you go through in single player, you're really missing out. Each of the levels is filled with puzzles which require two players to complete them - whether you both have to dangle on a wire that pulls a switch, or you simply have to fire your partner onto a different side of the level using a giant catapult, it's a game that requires you to work together - and playing with the computer controlling the second player just isn't the same. Pull up a friend, your other half, or your children and get stuck in, because LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean is a game that anyone can play - and anyone will love.
Age Ratings
Format Reviewed: Xbox 360
