Pirates Ahoy! Xbox owners will be walking the plank soon as Atari and Firaxis announced today that Sid Meier's Pirates! is currently in development for the Xbox and has a tentative release date of spring 2005, while the PC edition is still on track for a November 16th launch.
"There has been great anticipation for the long awaited return of Pirates! and to see what the team at Firaxis has been able to accomplish with the franchise," said Nancy MacIntyre, vice president of marketing, Atari, Inc. "We are pleased to follow-up what is sure to be a great PC launch this holiday with an Xbox title next year."

"We're thrilled to continue our relationship with Atari to bring Pirates! not only to fans of the original game but to a new generation of gamers," said Jeff Briggs, President and CEO of Firaxis Games. "Pirates! is among the most popular and loved titles in gaming history and Sid and the team here are working hard to uphold the high standards of the franchise."
In the 1987 classic remake of Sid Meier's Pirates! you play the role of a Pirate Captain in the 17th century Caribbean, in search of game and fiortune attempting to seize a rightful place as one of the most infamous pirates in history.

In Sid Meier's Pirates! your skills as a sea captain will be tested as you explore the high seas and exotic ports. As your reputation and skills grow, so will the size and quality of your crew, your ability to take on larger enemy ships, raid and plunder heavily fortified ports, and locate ancient treasure.

Sid Meier's Pirates! for Xbox will include a versus mode and will take advantage of many Xbox Live! capabilities, high fidelity 5.1 Dolby Digital surround and will support HDTV.