Evening Telegraph: Activate

Although the main characters are back with a splash and action aplenty, the tale actually revisits the first movie’s plotline through the eyes and tale-telling talents of hero Jack.

The game swings into action with Jack and Will Turner teaming up to raid a Spanish fortress in search of a sought-after trinket. They make a good team but, unfortunately, they’ve been stitched up and are soon captured and strung up ready for execution.

However, Jack in his own inimitable way, is soon spinning a yarn in a bid to save his skin.

This is where the game really begins — in flashback style — as Jack’s storytelling provides gamers with the chance to relive key moments from the Curse of the Black Pearl, as well many more action-packed adventures from the pirate’s past thrown in to delight fans of the series.

The game’s a pretty standard fight-fuelled mix of crafty combat and slick sword fighting, but, thankfully, it has a real treasure of its own in Jack himself.

The developers pulled off a masterstroke when they persuaded Johhny Depp to provide his voice skills to partner his image in the game as, just like in the movies, he steals the show.

Unknown actors voice the other main parts, but it doesn’t really matter with Depp’s talents on board.

As you plunge into pirate peril taking on scallywags, scoundrels and the cursed crew of the Black Pearl, you’ll visit interactive environments including burning buildings, creepy caves and spooky ships.

Controls are simple and smooth enough over the piece, although there are some sticky moments where characters seem like they could do with a little oil in their joints. However, that’s soon forgotten as you battle your way through the dozen or so atmospheric settings with your trusty cutlass.

New combo moves and weapons upgrades are waiting to be uncovered at every turn, so there’s a lot to look forward to as you get stuck into tackling a dreaded mix of deadly foes playing as Jack, Will or Elizabeth Swann.

And, in co-op mode, you and a friend can also play side by side as a combination of the trio to explore a game that’s brimming with hidden passages, secret treasures and buried booty.

VERDICT: Sparrow fans will love it as Jack saves the day again — and the game.