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Within the realm of game development, the notion of "building in public" is a rare sight to behold. Most gaming endeavors remain shrouded in secrecy, concealed by a veil of NDAs and cryptic codenames. However, one studio is embracing this unconventional path with unshakable confidence. That studio is Proof of Play, and their flagship game Pirate Nation, has set sail into uncharted waters.

Crafted by industry veterans hailing from the titans of Electronic Arts and Zynga, Pirate Nation stands as a pioneering masterpiece. Yet, despite its innovative nature, this game offers a warm embrace to gamers, beckoning both seasoned adventurers of Web3 and those taking their first plunge into the high seas.

Overview:

Embark on an exhilarating voyage as Pirate Nation unfolds before your eyes. This browser-based pirate RPG invites players to harness their pirate digital collectibles to assemble a fearsome crew, conquer daring quests, and emerge victorious in fierce battles against enemy ships. Your first glimpse of Pirate Nation will leave you mesmerized by its stunning voxel world, where every detail, from the swashbuckling pirates to passing vessels and soaring seagulls, is meticulously rendered in voxel artistry.

Powered by Unity, Pirate Nation stands out as a unique gem in the gaming cosmos, fully integrated with the Arbitrum Nova blockchain. What sets this game apart is its commitment to being a fully on-chain game, where every in-game action, from the growth of your pirates to the construction of a tiki bar, is etched into the blockchain. This translates into a level of transparency and adaptability not seen in traditional gaming. Pirate Nation isn't bound by the fleeting nature of servers or the whims of a corporation; it thrives eternally, thanks to its foundation on smart contracts.

But let's not get lost in the technical marvels; what exactly does Pirate Nation have in store for you as a player, especially in these early stages?

The Game:

Once you've acquired your Gen 0 or Gen 1 pirate, a world of possibilities unfolds before you. Each pirate brings with them a unique set of attributes: Captain status, pirate level (XP), elemental affinity, and expertise. The latter two are paramount in ship-to-ship combat, as expertise encompasses facets like accuracy, health, and speed, while elemental affinities introduce strategic intricacies reminiscent of Pokemon battles.

At this stage, Pirate Nation beckons you to dispatch your crew on a diverse range of quests and bounties, promising rich rewards in the form of resources and coveted items. Basic quests yield precious spoils like gold coins, XP, or pieces of cotton. Venture into the realm of advanced quests, and you'll unearth rare, un-craftable treasures such as rum, a vital elixir to reinvigorate a weary pirate, or blueprints essential for the construction of a fleet of pirate galleons. The art of crafting in Pirate Nation often involves an element of chance, adding a touch of unpredictability to your endeavors.

Moreover, your amassed resources can be channeled into crafting items for your own starter island. These secluded havens serve as personal sanctuaries, offering a canvas for you to exhibit your rarest acquisitions and in-game triumphs. Notably, everything created within Pirate Nation, whether consumables or cosmetics, takes the form of digital collectibles forged on the blockchain, granting you the power to trade or sell your treasures. 

Bounties, akin to quests but spanning durations from mere hours to a full day, ensure you're never at a loss for adventures, allowing you to seamlessly switch between quests and the thrilling realm of ship battles—the crowning jewel of Pirate Nation.

Combat:

At present, Pirate Nation immerses you in captivating PVE encounters where your mettle is tested against an array of adversaries, from menacing sea monsters to rival seafarers. Engage in heart-pounding combat, driven by a card-based system that keeps you on the edge of your seat. As the battle ensues, you'll draw five action cards and possess five action points to command your vessel. The cards at your disposal encompass a rich array of abilities, spanning healing and manipulation to offensive and defensive tactics.

The composition of your card deck hinges on several factors: the ship type, your pirate's level, and the ship attachments. The choices you make, both before and during combat, wield immense influence over your chances of emerging victorious. Your pirate's level and expertise directly impact the cards that grace your hand during these high-stakes encounters. Triumph in battle, and you'll be rewarded with a coveted treasure chest, concealing invaluable loot that will fuel your ongoing adventures.

Final Verdict:

The main thing I love about Pirate Nation is its fun, pirate theme and narrative. Often, pirates are portrayed as salty dogs, looking to pillage unsuspecting ships. However, in Pirate Nation, the voxel pirates and world make the game feel more lighthearted. It’s truly a visually pleasing game, with a catchy theme song that is sure to have you humming a tune away from the game.

I was also a massive fan of how you don’t have to dedicate a ton of playtime to questing and combat. It’s really a game you can play at your own pace and spend time outside the game pondering recipes for crafting and the perfect strategy to win a ship battle against a more powerful foe.

The Pirate Nation universe is still in its infancy, and while it wasn’t a drawback for this player, I can see how aspects of the game can feel repetitive. Higher-tier resources are also difficult to obtain without a bit of luck. Ship combat while fun, does require a pretty decent ship to be competitive, which can take some time to craft. Smaller ships can only go so far in the gauntlet. I feel some changes may come to the combat system as it moves closer to PVP combat.

Despite these few shortcomings, Pirate Nation is sailing towards a promising future. For me, the game's elegance lies in its simplicity, art, and casual fun. Pirate Nation truly has an enchanting ambiance.

In an era dominated by major AAA studios relentlessly churning out live service games, Proof of Play introduces a new paradigm. Pirate Nation enables players to not merely play an early game build but to actively participate in the game's evolution, savoring each new update, every turn, and enhancement as this virtual world sails ever closer to its ultimate form.

Score: 7/10

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