I was able to order my copy online for 30 dollars, a few of us from the guild are going to be checking it out. I'm curious to see if it really does come with the 30 day free pass, but I do know that it comes with 3 15 day free passes to hand out. I'm assuming, although I don't know for sure, that it will be a free download for that free pass period, then you have the option of continuing the game if you'd like and paying for it then.
From everything that I have been reading on this game it sounds amazing. It makes you think, it poses a challenge, and it doesn't treat its players as if they're all ten years old. This is definitely a more adult game as it involves strategy, keeping an eye on the player market, establishing your foothold in the world, etc.
The idea of having some 4000 quests spread out over the four various careers is really appealing to me. And I doubt that it will have us doing something as mundane as fetching pints of grog. I also like the idea of picking sides and declaring allegiance, giving us something to truly fight for. Also, it looks to me as if Burning Sea is a unique experience for everyone who plays it - meaning, the choices that you make with the quests that you take on determine your direction in the game; I've been saying that this really reminds me of those Choose Your Own Adventure books that I used to read when I was younger.
The choice to explore another game outside of Pirates was a really difficult decision for me, especially being GM of my guild. And in a way, I feel a touch of disloyalty in doing so. But for me, Pirates has unfortunately grown dull. I have a fully mastered lvl 40, and now I have my second Pirate who is a lvl 30 - and I just don't think that I can keep grinding away at the levels with no real goal to work for other than to say that I have done it...again. Right now, the only reason that I've been playing Pirates is for my guild, to interact with them, help them, talk with them. But, as I have mentioned to them - this game isn't Vonage, I shouldn't be paying a monthly fee only to talk to people. For $15 a month, I can still play with my friends and enjoy what looks to be a great, mentally stimulating, challenging, and exciting game, well, it looks well worth it.
Of course, like here on Pirates, there are people over there on their forums who either love or hate the game. They praise it to the heavens or they damn it to hell. I think that it's just a matter of getting on the game and seeing for yourself. So, if you're hesitant to plunk down the money, see if you know anyone who has any guest passes available that they can give you. I'd offer one, but my guild has already snatched them up.
Happy 4th!
