Highly Anticipated Free-to-Play Massively Multiplayer Online Game Launches for PC and Mac Platforms

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – October 31, 2007 – Disney Online today announced that Pirates of the Caribbean Online (www.PiratesOnline.com), an immersive massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) and virtual world inspired by the popular film franchise, has launched for the PC and Mac platforms. Pirates of the Caribbean Online allows thousands of players to fully experience the adventures made famous in the films and explore beyond these boundaries in a quest to become the most legendary pirate on the high seas.

“The launch of Pirates of the Caribbean Online opens up an entirely new world of pirate adventures to thousands of fans who can now play alongside their favorite characters in a fully-immersive environment that builds on and goes beyond the epic stories created in the films,” said Paul Yanover, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Disney Online. “We believe the game’s focus on action and adventure, combined with many customization options will appeal to a broad audience of both gamers and fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise as they set out on their own course to live the legend.”

In Pirates of the Caribbean Online, players create and customize their own pirate, captain their own ship, and assemble a crew of their fellow rogues in an effort to become the Caribbean’s most legendary Pirate. Along the way, players will interact with characters made popular by the films, like Jack Sparrow, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, and will also encounter a host of new characters and enemies unique to the game. To become the most notorious pirate, players must forge alliances, hunt for buried treasure, battle evil undead forces, and use cunning and strategy to outwit their foes.

Game features include:

• Create your own Pirate character – Players choose from over a million combinations to fully customize their own Pirate (body type, face, hair, clothing, names, etc.).
• Set sail on your own Pirate ship – Captain your own ship then recruit a crew of fellow players to set sail for the adventure of a lifetime.
• Quest for adventure and treasure – Embark on ship and land-based missions to locate buried treasure. Explore lush jungles, volcanic caves, and vast tropical islands but beware of traps, ambushes, and double-crosses which are an every day occurrence when keeping company with Pirates.
• Use advanced weaponry – Players engage in epic battles using a variety of weapons such as cutlasses, grenades, pistols and cannons and can unlock more powerful weapons as they improve their reputation as a fighter to be reckoned with.
• Become a legend – Master a variety of skills, including sword fighting, card playing, and treasure hunting to become the most notorious pirate in the world.
• Work your Voodoo Magic – Voodoo magic is used to heal, travel and cast curses on enemies.
• Get some Booty – Earn extra loot by competing in parlor games such as poker and blackjack.
• Build a notorious crew or guild – Players band together with others for expanded adventures and added power, forming a crew for quick battles or joining a guild for longer-term strategy.
• Grow your wealth with money and rare items – Hunt for buried treasure including gold, precious gems and mysterious artifacts.

The successful Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, including Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006) and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007), has grossed close to $2.7 billion at the worldwide box office.

Pirates of the Caribbean Online, developed and published by Disney Online, is rated E10+ and features lower PC and Mac system requirements than most other games in this genre, allowing for easier access to a broader audience of players.

Players can download the game directly and access additional information at the game’s Web site, www.PiratesOnline.com. A portion of the game is available for free and players can get unlimited access for a monthly subscription fee. At launch, Disney Online is offering new players subscriptions to Unlimited Access for a first-month fee of $4.95 and continuing with a $9.95 fee for following months

I had previously blogged about this almost a year ago. I hope they got it right considering how long it took them.

It looks like their is game play footage from all three movies. Could be a great game.

Dance Dance Revolution Disney Mix Plug N Play

• Concept Art
• Caves.jpg
• Shanty_Interior_2.jpg
• Volcano_rocks.jpg
• Screenshots
• Jolly_Roger.jpg
• Jungle_Skeletons.jpg
• Moonlight_female_pirate.jpg
• Video Trailer
• Pirates_Online_Video_Insider_3.mpg

The video clocks in at 3:31 and 41 MB but it’s definitely worth watching.

Disney has always been masterful at two key initiatives: producing memorable children’s entertainment and marketing that same entertainment with overwhelming force. In this promotional board game, players attempt to move a family around a Disney theme park, stopping at various points along the way including Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Frontierland, and the Country Bears. Mickey, Donald, Peter Pan, Snow White, the Lion King characters, and various other familiar characters make appearances. As a game, it may deepen a child’s love for their Disney brand friends or simply reinforce the feelings that child already has. The game is also a bit complex and may be too tricky for younger children although if they play on a team with older kids or adults, they should be fine. Parents considering this game should be prepared to answer the question “when can we go to a REAL Disney park?”

The game is made up of mini games and piston cup races. It’s fun but a little easy. As Lightning McQueen, you get to drive all over Radiator Springs and collect trophies. I’ve also been able to drive as Mater, Sally and the Sherif. For a full review check out VGGen.com.