Pirates Of The Burning Sea

Those Who Put knives between their teeth will be more than catered for by Flying Lab's heftily original POTBS - an MMOG that props you up as a captain of a vessel (of either Pirate, Adventurer or Naval Officer leanings), and hurls you into the Caribbean of yesteryear.

It isn't a full-on nautical simulation, although clearly wind and real naval tactics play a huge role, but what really catches the eye is its interesting mix of PvE and PvP combat. Every day your nation (British, French or Spanish) will endeavour to take over computer-controlled ports which, once sufficiently populated and bombarded, will become full-on PvP areas in which factions duke it out for nautical supremacy. Victory points will be awarded daily to whichever European tourists have the most ports -each nation surging towards a target that makes them outright POTBS champions, after which the merry dance begins again in earnest.

Impressively, you'll also have your own personal quests, given to you by a string of NPCs who are cast as your long-lost loves, treacherous friends and favourite second cousins. Plus you can wear an eye-patch. Win all round then.