Sid Meier's Pirates! sets sail for PSP

Here's a challenge: write a news story about the PSP announcement of Sid Meier's Pirates!, a fine strategy adventure style game already out on PC and Xbox, without falling into the typical trap of using an assortment of pirate clichés.

It's by no means impossible, of course. We can easily tell you about the fact that players can expect to take on the role of a pirate captain in the 17th century within a three-dimensional Caribbean world and attempt to amass fortune and infamy in equal measure as a way of securing a place in history as one of the greatest sea bandits the planet has ever known.

You do this by exploring the high seas, engaging in naval battles and getting involved in death-defying duels whilst on land.

It's equally safe to mention the original PC game was praised for its innovative gameplay, and while no official word on this has been spoken, common sense suggests this will be incorporated into the PSP version. As will a wireless ad hoc multiplayer mode for up to four individuals and additional content such as new treasure hunts.

Sid Meier's Pirates! is currently scheduled for a February 23rd 2007 release, but we'll obviously uncover more news before then.

There, it was a thin plank to walk on but shiver our timbers we've done it – not a cliché within 20 paces. Ah-har, surely some grog is in order. Shot of rum, mateys?

Ah. Bugger.