Sea Dogs

 PC
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
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  1. Game Over Online
    85
    The RPG elements are far from groundbreaking, but they provide a very entertaining quest structure that serves as the game's backbone. After that, it's up to you how you want the game to play out, and it works very well. The total package is a lot of fun, and hell, you get to be a pirate.
  2. IGN
    85
    An epic swashbuckling adventure that's sailing on mostly smooth, but sometimes turbulent waters.
  3. Voodoo Extreme
    83
    After playing SD for what seems like an eternity, I can confidently state that it is one of the more enjoyable RPGs I've played in a long time, even with its plentiful bounty of bugs.
  5. PC Gamer
    81
    A surprisingly fun genre-bending pirate game, equal parts RPG and strategy. [July 2001, p.70]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. GamerWeb PC
    80
    A potentially great game marred by bugs and funky play balance, Sea Dogs is still not a failure. Visually, sailing around is breathtaking, and the gameplay has moments of brilliance.
  7. GameSpot
    79
    More than the sum of its parts, and its effective combination of three genres makes for an adventure that can be enthralling despite its many problems.
  8. GameSpy
    77
    If you like genre-benders, sure. If you like naval combat games, definitely. If you get bored easily or don't care for the setting, save your money.
  9. Electric Playground
    75
    A very fun--yet flawed--RPG at sea with lots of gameplay to keep you sailing for weeks (if not months) on end.
  10. Computer Games Magazine
    70
    The game is so addictive that it's difficult to put down—even though a bug could strike out at any moment, or the screen could turn black, locking up your keyboard and forcing a reboot.
  11. Adrenaline Vault
    70
    Despite its flaws, Sea Dogs is the best game of its type since Pirates!. With superb graphics and music, and multifaceted non-linear gameplay, the title offers a lot to a variety of gamers.
  12. All Game Guide
    70
    The most striking aspect of Sea Dogs is the 3D sailing and combat system. The feeling of being on board one of these 17th century vessels is almost perfectly captured, save for the lack of crewmembers being shown on deck.
  13. TotalGames.net
    64
    The sea battles are great, but they do take quite a bit of time, and it is a shame that the rest of the game does not live up to the high standards they set.
  14. CNET Gamecenter
    60
    Frequent and unexplained crashes, constant lockups, myriad bugs, and an insane difficulty level mar what otherwise could have been an outstanding and addictive adventure on the high seas.
    All this publication's reviews
  15. Daily Radar
    50
    Though occasionally enjoyable, endless game crashing bugs, bouts of tedium and a few badly designed elements make it a miss.
    All this publication's reviews
  16. Yahoo!
    40
    Aome awfully big albatrosses around its neck in the way of major bugs, repetitive gameplay and interface nightmares weigh it down.

Awards & Rankings

83
#83 Best PC Game of 2000
43
#43 Most Discussed PC Game of 2000

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 48
  3. Negative: 5 out of 48
  1. Slybot
    Jan 26, 2016
    9
    That is amazing game that freaks you out with a tons of bugs, really bad on land animation and controls. But despite of everything you'll loveThat is amazing game that freaks you out with a tons of bugs, really bad on land animation and controls. But despite of everything you'll love this game, for it's outstanding atmosphere, music, and open world.
    Actually the fact that it's favorite game for many people with so many bugs and irritating moments, proves that it's fine piece of video game that will take a lot of time from your life.    … Full Review »
  2. Sergey_Nabrusko
    Nov 13, 2013
    10
    One of the best games on the pirate theme even now. Feel like a corsair, rule ship and enjoy your game life in spite of age of the game.One of the best games on the pirate theme even now. Feel like a corsair, rule ship and enjoy your game life in spite of age of the game. There is no more game like this!… Full Review »
  3. Babutto
    Oct 4, 2022
    10
    It's a legendary game. Finished it in 2000. Played again later. Played Pirates of the Caribbean, Sea Dogs 3 (was a raw piece of **** andIt's a legendary game. Finished it in 2000. Played again later. Played Pirates of the Caribbean, Sea Dogs 3 (was a raw piece of **** and Legendary Edition (finished right now, even though it started 7 years ago).

    Pity we don't have that many games like this. Except for Port Royale (more trade there), and Black Flag (more action).

    I think it was the only game back in a day when I liked to just sail and watch the sea. And the pirate quest was cool. The balance was neat. Legendary Edition lacks balance and forces you to have an armada of ships if you want to storm colonies. But to get to that point you have to suffer a lot of routine that kills the joy. Sea Dogs didn't have that flaw.    … Full Review »
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