Age of Pirates 2: City of Abandoned Ships is one of the most famous and influential games in the Sea Dogs series. For many players, it became their first entry point into complex pirate RPGs, where freedom, risk, and deep systems matter more than fast-paced action.

Even years later, City of Abandoned Ships remains a benchmark of the pirate RPG genre — a title still referenced by developers, modders, and long-time fans.

The Game’s Place in the Sea Dogs Series

Formally, it is a continuation of Age of Pirates: Return of the Legend, but in practice it represented a major leap forward for the entire series:

• a significantly expanded Caribbean archipelago
• a deeper economy and reputation system
• non-linear storylines
• more advanced naval combat and boarding mechanics

It was after City of Abandoned Ships that the name “Sea Dogs” became associated not just with pirate themes, but with a hardcore RPG system where every decision has real consequences.

City of Abandoned Ships as the Story Hub

The game’s defining feature is that the City of Abandoned Ships is not just another location, but the central narrative core of the entire story.

According to the game’s lore:

• the city was formed from the wreckage of hundreds of ships lost over the years
• it exists outside the laws of European empires
• pirates, outcasts, and adventurers from across the Caribbean gather there

Reaching the City is difficult, but it is there that the player makes key story decisions that directly affect the ending. In essence, the City of Abandoned Ships serves as the culmination of the entire narrative.

Gameplay That Made the Game Legendary

Age-of-Sail Naval Combat

Age of Pirates 2: City of Abandoned Ships offers one of the most detailed naval combat systems ever seen in pirate RPGs:

• real dependence on wind direction and strength
• multiple cannon types and ammunition options
• damage to hulls, masts, and crew
• boarding actions with seamless transitions to land combat

This is not an arcade experience — the game rewards planning, positioning, and experience.

Role-Playing System

Character development affects nearly every aspect of gameplay:

• effectiveness in sword fighting and firearms
• ship and crew management
• trading, charisma, and reputation

A poorly planned build can make the game significantly harder, and this demanding nature is exactly what earned Sea Dogs its cult following.

An Open Caribbean World

The Caribbean in the game exists independently of the player:

• colonial powers wage wars against each other
• trade prices constantly change
• reputation opens or closes quests and opportunities

This level of systemic depth later became a defining standard for the entire Sea Dogs franchise.

Technical Legacy and Influence

The game was built on an engine developed from the technological foundation of Sea Dogs 3, becoming the technical backbone for future entries in the series.

Without City of Abandoned Ships, there would have been no:

• Sea Dogs: To Each His Own
• later remasters and reconstructions
• a powerful and long-lasting modding scene

For this reason, the game is often regarded as the core of the classic Sea Dogs era.

Sea Dogs Today: Legacy and a New Path

Love for Age of Pirates 2: City of Abandoned Ships remains strong today, but the evolution of the series has taken different directions.

One of them is Corsairs Legacy, a modern pirate RPG developed by Mauris. Like the classic Sea Dogs titles, this project focuses on:

• system-driven gameplay
• player freedom
• the atmosphere of the age of sail

At the same time, Corsairs Legacy reimagines the series formula using modern technology and a new approach to world design. In this way, City of Abandoned Ships remains the point of origin, while newer projects represent its evolution.

Why Age of Pirates 2: City of Abandoned Ships Still Matters

Despite its age, the game remains relevant thanks to:

• the depth and interconnection of its mechanics
• a genuine sense of pirate freedom
• the absence of simple, universal solutions
• an active and dedicated fan community

For many players, it is not just an old game, but a true gold standard of pirate RPGs.

Conclusion

Age of Pirates 2: City of Abandoned Ships is a cornerstone of the Sea Dogs series and a game that defined the pirate RPG genre. It established the canon, laid the groundwork for future titles, and continues to influence modern projects.

This is not just another entry in the franchise — it is the heart of classic Sea Dogs.