GameSurge Mainpage Find out more about us GameSurge community pages GameSurge hosting information Game news from around the web. To the GameSurge Mainpage To the Computers Mainpage To the Home Console Mainpage To the Arcade Mainpage To the Strategies Mainpage To the Features Mainpage
To the Home page
Home
News, and the latest updates.
Archives
Stories from the past...
Submit News
Got a item of interest? Here's the place to go.
Feedback
Your opinion always counts on how we can make GameSurge even better.
Mailbag
Comments on our features, by you, the viewers.
To computer site map
Hardware
Tweaks, reviews and a handy driver index highlight our newest section
Reviews
Looking to buy one of the hottest games? We have it covered.
Previews
Get a advanced look at the games of tomorrow.
Interviews
Find out more about the people behind your favorite game.
Strategy
Need Help? We have a very large selection of walkthroughs now up.
Gallery
A special section featuring the best in artwork and images.
To Features site map
Editorials
The written word, by staff and viewers.
Game Guy
A bi-monthly column contributed by Mark H Walker, an independant writer in the Gaming community.
Gallery
Pictures from around the web.
Hosting
Our current hosting plans and features.
Site Information
Who we are, what we do, our policies and job positions.
To Strategy site map
Strategy Index Guide
The resource for the best articles for the best games. Now with support over 55 games
Strategy Menu
  • Arcade/Pinball
  • Dreamcast
  • Files
  • GameBoy
  • GameGear
  • Genesis
  • N64
  • PC
  • PlayStation
  • Strategy Indexes
  • To Console site map
    PlayStation
    The Sony PlayStation, and beyond...
    Nintendo 64
    Currently Down.
    Dreamcast
    The Dreamcast resource, and more. Home of the DC Technical pages.




    Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 14:38:22 PDT


    Pirate's GOLD (made by MICRO PROSE)
    FAQ
    made by Raymond A. Colerick



    Avast there! Prepare to set assail for Pirate's Gold. Ye have chosen
    a perilous living. Adventure, blood, treachery, and death lie afore ye.
    But so too do glory and treasure beyond the dreams of avarice--if ye be
    brave enough to take them! Pirate's Gold is a game of swashbuckling on
    the Caribbean Sea in the 16th and 17th centuries. You are a piratee
    captain, seeking to make your fortune in the world's most dangerous
    profession. You start out in command of a tiny ship crewed by a small
    but loyal group of sea-dogs; your goal is to retire rich, powerful, and
    famous. You may end up respected and happy; or you may end your days in
    a dark, damp dungeon or sleeping forever in Davy Jones' locker! Good
    luck to ye Mate an' may your days be filled wi' adventure and glory in
    Pirate's Gold.

    I. Basics

    Main Menu (this comes after you push the start button from the starting
    screen).

    You have numerous selections:

    Start a New Career
    Continue a Saved Game
    Command a famous expedition



    1. Starting a New Career will have you in a duel with a failing
    captain.

    As you travel along you will have the chance to ally yourself with one
    of the popular countries at that place in time (it may be ENGLAND,
    SPAIN, the DUTCH, FRANCE, ECT). NOTE: You do have the personal
    opportunity not to associate yourself with any particular country, but
    it does help to have allies (especially since they have reward systems
    and DAUGHTERS they want to have married, AGR.!)


    The Controller:

    Start- pauses the game.

    A button- this is the menu selector in the game. It also serves as the
    attack button.
    B button- this is the secondary selector in the game.
    C button-this pauses the game and sends you to the Captain's cabin.


    Directional Pad-
    This controls your movement. It also changes the highlighted selection
    on the menus. NOTE: When sailing if you press the B button it will rise
    the sails and lower the them as well. This depends mostly if there are
    clouds around to give you some wind for movement. Hold B for a
    temporary turbo.

    Fencing or sword fighting:

    This occurs: in the beginning of the game, when you board an enemy's
    ship or town, and when you track a villain down.

    Early Tactics:

    First remember that a is the slash (attack), b button is for
    parring(dodging or blocking), and the c button+the direction opposite of
    your enemy is the retreat.

    When the fighting begins be sure to block first to prevent him hitting
    you right off the beginning of the duel. Or, if you are fast enough,
    then strike first and aim for the mid-portion of his body--- the
    direction of your enemy (which could be either left or right) and a
    button. NOTE: It is a matter of opinion whether turbo controllers are
    appropriate for dueling. Some people use them, some do not.

    One-to-One combo

    Press the direction of your enemy and up (so it would be up-right
    diagonal button on your directional pad) the press that same direction
    (left or right) and the A button. So the end motion would be striking
    the head and then the main body. As you are attacking this way you will
    be pushing him toward a corner and eventually a surrender. But beware
    he will try to counter you and push you into a corner and a surrender.
    NOTE: a minor cheat would be to just save a game before you go to a
    battle that is coming. Once it is saved you can always go back to it.
    This applies to all fighting- both on ship and on shore.


    Getting into the Towns:

    There are two ways: either by land or by sea. Just simply sail your
    ship onto the land to exit out of the ship. Or if the town is close to
    sea, just sail directly to it.









    Towns:

    At the port towns you can repair your ships for a price (just head to
    the right side of the screen and the craftsman will be waiting for you.)
    You can also sell off cannons to get some cash (a good last chance when
    you are low!) Aside from that you can sell one of the ships you acquire
    (make certain it is a badly damaged one, it may not sell for much, but
    in the end you earn what you can out of it). NOTE: Before selling ships
    off be sure to plunder all you can out of it.


    Inland Towns-

    These have no ports and must be walked to, obviously. They, like, the
    port towns have a bank, tavern, mansion for the governor, and Shop.

    Go to the Bank to cash in any booty for the crew, retire, advance to a
    harder level (for the most part just run the game as usual Easy through
    the whole thing, then medium difficulty and then Harder). NOTE: As far
    as the crew is concerned they will eventually get paid. Yet, you can
    keep going and when get angry just take them into battle and let the
    hardcore sea dogs meet their doom (But this tactic should only be done
    when your are far out in the sea and run into a fair amount of ship
    traffic turn the tide!>) Or a much complicated task can be done in the towns.
    When the crew becomes angry or unhappy some of them will jump ship. They
    will mostly do this around the towns, so you can try to carry on with
    your business and let them leave on their own when you get to town.
    NOTE: When you do this, it is hard to say how many will leave at a
    given time (it could be 10 or it could be up to 50.) Just try to keep
    the crew happy with good battles (if you lose by retreat then you will
    lose some of their respect, this obviously affects their attitude.)
    When you go to the Shop you can buy/sell goods. Use the same principles
    about cannon selling here as well. The tavern offers bits of
    information you might be able to use, sometimes even a pirate will offer
    to sell you a treasure map (buy it only if you can already afford to pay
    off the crew). Other than that sailors there will offer to join you on
    a regular basis (the number varies). At the Mansion the governor you
    sign allegiance to (of which you can merely go to a neighboring country
    land to get the same results) will be ready to assign you certain tasks
    to do. These could be tracking an infamous pirate down, secret mission,
    or destroying another country. Follow his instructions to receive a
    good promotion later on.







    Ship battles:

    When you begin the game you will have a small ship (possibly a barque,
    sloop, or pinnace). These type of ships are very maneuverable. Though
    the pinnace is the weakest of the group and is not recommendable because
    it can be sunk after a couple of cannon shots!! Other ships include
    galleons (three types, fast, war, and regular), frigates, merchantman,
    and cargo fleet. These are very good ships (on a defensive scale), yet
    they lack the skill that can be applied to the smaller ones. The
    smaller ships are more recommendable. When attacking ships be sure to
    sail your ship in a 180 degree motion (literally circling the enemy).
    Then keep away from the sides that fire the cannons (that would be the
    starboard and port sides)

    EX. *-----*
    +
    |-------these center sections on both sides fire cannonballs.
    The corners do not, therefore; sail perpendicular around the ship.


    EX. *-----* - you
    *
    |
    |
    | -them
    *
    If you sail parallel next to the enemy ship he will be able to shoot
    you.
    Ex. *-----*
    *
    *-----*

    Also, if you are injured ship, sail a small area away and fire from a
    distance so you can get your revenge, AGR.! Practice this distance
    shooting, it helps when you foe has more cannons and men, because he can
    reload more faster and stronger than you can.
    THE END OF THE BATTLE?!

    This will be when either you or the enemy ship surrenders, sinks, or the
    sunsets and then both of you will be able to fight in the darkness.

    When you have damaged your foe enough (which will be when he has less
    than a hundred men and 20 cannons) ram him and board ship for one-on-one
    combat. Note: the more men you have, you have more fighting strength
    against his men. Use the fencing tactics mentioned previously to make
    it a good fight.





    Traveling across the oceans and seas:

    For a start, make sure you have plenty of food (BUY ABOUT AS MUCH AS
    YOUR SHIP CAN HOLD, or less if you want more gold). Then when you
    recruit men--be sure to have at least 100 men abroad your ship. For the
    most part they will be pleased until they do not see any action, gold,
    or the chance to get their share of the gold. But in the meantime
    keeping spanning the globe attacking enemy countries, searching for
    treasure, infamous pirates, and lost relatives.

    Historical Campaigns:

    John Hawkins and the Battle of San Juan De UllA (1569)

    Your Forces: One galleon, one merchantmen, four pinnaces, and 308 men.

    Political Situation: You have a formidable squadron, but your flagship
    is slow and it is difficult to control. You must decide on peaceful
    trade or warlike raids. Peaceful trade means you can use smaller
    Spanish ports to restock your supplies, but you will not make much
    money. Warlike raids offer greater profit, but you will be hard-pressed
    to find a friendly town where you can recruit men and sell booty.

    Historical Chronicle: John Hawkins was an English merchant-privateer,
    who made a number of trips to the Caribbean.

    In '57 Hawkins was surprised and attacked at anchor in Vera Cruz by a
    large Spanish force of galleons. He eventually made his way back to
    England on the pinnace Minion with only 15 survivors.

    Francis Drake and The Silver Train Ambush (1573)

    Your Forces: One merchantman, one pinnace, and 73 men

    Political Situation: Spain is at war with England.

    Your Prospects: Only a man with foolhardy bravery like Drake would dare
    attack the mighty Spanish Empire--at its peak of power--with just 73 men
    on two small ships. A more cautious man would adopt a trading strategy,
    building his wealth and crew before turning to piracy.

    Historical Chronicle: Drake made many daring attacks against the Spanish
    in the 1570s. During his colorful career, he sacked Nombre de Dias,
    captured the Silver Train, and numerous Spanish ships, and
    circumnavigated the globe. The grateful English government made him an
    Admiral of the Fleet.




    Piet Heyn and the Treasure Fleet

    Your Forces: Four fast galleons, two sloops and 700 men.

    Political Situation: Holland is at war with Spain and is allied with
    England. France and England are at war with Spain.

    Your Prospects: You command a powerful if cumbersome squadron. The
    Treasure Fleet is an excellent goal; it's late in the season: you'd
    better start hunting the Fleet off Havana or in the Florida Channel.
    Otherwise you might want to pick on some medium or large Spanish towns.

    Historical Chronicle: In 1628, the Dutch captain Piet Heyn sailed for
    the West Indies with a powerful war fleet. After a terrible battle, he
    captured the Treasure Fleet off the coast of Cuba. He took 46 tons of
    silver, bankrupting the Spanish government.

    L'Ollonais and the Sack of Maracaibo (1666)

    Your Forces: One sloop, five pinnaces, and 400 men.

    Political Situation: France is at war with England and Spain, and
    allied to Holland. England and Holland are at war.

    Your Prospects: Your force is strong in men, but weak in ships.
    Therefore, like L'Ollonais, your best prospects lie in attacking towns,
    not in sea battles.


    Historical Chronicle: A French pirate, L'Ollonais gained a reputation
    as one of the most ferocious and inhuman scoundrels who ever lived.
    During his career, L'Ollonais sacked Maracaibo and Gibraltar, tortured
    many and murdering many Spanish and Indians in the process. He was
    clubbed to death during a raid on an Indian village.

    Henry Morgan, The King's Pirate (1671)

    Your Forces: One frigate, two merchantmen, one barque, two sloops, one
    pinnace, and 600 men.

    Political Situation: England and France are at War with Spain.

    Your Prospects: You have a formidable force for land or sea fighting.
    Your immediate difficulties are procuring enough food to keep your men
    fed and enough plunder to keep up their morale.






    Historical Chronicle: Henry Morgan was the most successful pirate in
    the business. He sacked Puerto Principe, Gran Granada, Puerto Bello,
    Maracaibo, Gibraltar and Panama. Unlike most pirates Morgan was smart
    enough to quit while he was ahead. He retired to Jamaica where he died
    of too much drink at the age of 53.

    Baron De Pointis and the Last Expedition (1697)

    Your forces: Five Frigates, one sloop, and 1200 men

    Political Situation: France is at war with England and Spain.

    Your Prospects: Your force is the most powerful ever seen on the
    Spanish Main. You are free to select the target of your choice and
    strike. The real question is how much treasure can you carry off? This
    expedition is a pleasant romp.

    Historical Chronicle: In 1697, France was at war with Spain. De
    Pointis gathered a huge force of French soldiers and Caribbean
    buccaneers and privateers and attacked the wealthy town of Cartagena.
    Victorious, de Pointis sailed back to France with 20 million livres of
    treasure in his holds.
    This was the last great pirate expedition in the Caribbean.

    HISTORICAL TIME PERIODS
    THE SILVER EMPIRE---1560-1600

    The Spanish Empire reaches its peak in this era, built on mountains of
    silver bullion from New Spain (Mexico) and Peru. The other powers,
    England, and France are constantly at war with Spain. Holland is a
    Spanish province in revolt (and has no towns in the Carribean in this
    time period).

    Spain owns all of the towns in the Carribean, but one; the only
    non-Spanish town is struggling French colony of St. Augustine in
    Florida. A few additional French and English privateering bases exist
    at the Florida Keys and Bahamas, appearing and disappearing with the
    seasons.

    MERCHANTS AND SMUGGLERS

    Spain begins her slide into decay. France and England have become
    powerful naval forces, and Holland has wrested its freedom from Spain.
    A long period, of peace breaks out in the Carribean, making privateering
    difficult, but trade easier. (Tobacco is now an important good).
    The Spanish colonies are still rich and powerful, but England and
    France have growing colonies of their own in the Indies. Holland as
    trade throughout the Carribean, mostly basing their expeditions from the
    town of Trinidad.




    THE NEW COLONISTS (1620-1640)

    Europe is ablaze with a series of bloody civil and political wars,
    driving many refugees to the dubious safety of the NEW WORLD. The
    Carribean colonies have grown tremendously, and French and English towns
    begin to rival the older Spanish colonies. The Dutch have one colony
    now, Curacao, right in the middle of the Spanish Main.
    The Great Powers are more or less constantly at war with one another.
    Trade is good, but perilous, and there are plenty of opportunities for
    privateering among the warring nations.





    Your opinionTo the GameSurge Homepage


    " "



    To Reviews Mainpage
    Zalman: ZM-DS4F Headphones

    An affordable, ultra-portable headphone set.
    more

    To Previews Mainpage



    Affiliates

    >>
    » Contact Us » Top » Homepage

    All HTML coding are original and © GameSurge.
    Original Graphics and layout are copyright © of P.D.Sanderson and shivaSite Designs.
    No part of this site may be reproduced without prior consent.
    Site best viewed with I.E./NS 4+.
    Resolution is 1024x768 + / 16 bit+ color recommended
    -->
    Designed by shivaSite