15 years after being cancelled, pirate-themed action game Captain Blood is out now

Preservation is important for video games, but that often focuses on games that have been released. Here's a nice win for some developers though, as Captain Blood has managed to get released after being cancelled in 2010.

The game started development in the early 2000s, and then in early 2010 it was cancelled but publisher SNEG managed to help it cross the finishing line. Founded in 2021, SNEG, for those that don't know, is a tiny publisher started by former GOG staff. They're so small they don't even have a proper online presence but they work to bring back older games.

With the release they've even made sure it works well on Steam Deck. Valve have yet to rate it but they said "For those who want to play it on Steam Deck - do it. The game fully supports it. The interface, font size, controller support, and resolution have been adapted to provide the best possible experience from day one".

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The game is a peculiar mixture of God of War blended with a pirate ship battles like an early Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, and that might be enough to sell me on it. You just have to keep in mind the game design is very much rooted in the earlier 2000s with Xbox 360 era visuals. A proper old school hack and slash.

Highlights:

• Epic Pirate Shenanigans: As Captain Blood, live the life of the bravest and most fearsome pirate on the Spanish Main (or at least fake it convincingly).
• Intense Action: Dive into fiery hand-to-hand combat and show enemy pirates and landlubbers alike who's the boss with various slick combat techniques.
• Ship Deck Brawls: Fight off enemy pirates trying to board your ship with unique moves, combos, and executions while blasting enemy ships to pieces with your cannons!
• Arsenal of Awesomeness: Arm yourself with cutlasses, pistols, muskets, throwing knives, and hand bombs. Don’t forget those sneaky pirate tricks!
• Graphic Novel Vibes: Enjoy a unique art style that feels like you're flipping through a pirate comic book.