Introduction
The original Sea Dogs combined elements of role-playing, strategy and action but didn’t go too deep into any one style of play. Sea Dogs 2 looks to expand upon each type of game play but not go to depths of a game based upon only one type. Akella is also going to use their new 3D engine called STORM 2, the original being called STORM. Now let’s get on with the details!

Graphics
Akella is using it’s new STORM 2 engine for Sea Dogs II and if you want to judge 3D renders then you can say it’s looking great. However final judgment should be made when actual in-game screen shots are taken. STORM 2 does come with some nice features though since it has everything the original had and much more. There won’t be anymore clumsy animations because STORM 2 is equipped with a skeletal animation system and Akella is doing all the character animations via motion capture. They also promise that STORM 2 will render the sea with greater physics and precision than the original and that should be something to set your eyes on. True color textures, improved lighting system and much higher polygon counts will all help to immerse you in the Sea Dogs II game world. Soon as Akella releases in-game screen shots, we’ll let you know. Meanwhile you can drool over the pre-rendered screens.

Gameplay
One of the biggest improvements in my opinion over the original is the ability to explore the islands instead of only being able to explore the small towns. The towns are placed realistically so you’ll actually be able to sneak into enemy towns to finish up a quest or kill an important person. The Islands themselves are vast landscapes composed of tropical jungles, sandy shores or Rocky Mountains. You’ll be able to blockade an Island to weaken its defenses however by doing so you take the risk of being destroyed by a powerful fleet sent to help the Island. Players will also be allowed to take slaves and hold them for ransom to accumulate wealth. Sea Dogs II features an enhanced version of it’s economic system and allows players to command a squadron of four ships, which means you’ll be able to carry and sell much more cargo than before. The game takes place thirty years after the original however it does take place in the same area. However there are now more Islands than in the original. Twenty-five Islands now make up the archipelago and each with a town, five of them being completely new. One-hundred-fifty different characters, fifty historically accurate ships to control with six different types of cannons to install on these and twenty-six different goods to trade. The game will only have one story line; however it will be very detailed and doesn’t depend on your nation of choice any longer. Also included is a system that automatically creates smaller quest for the player that doesn’t interfere with the main story. Sea Dogs 2 does go deeper into each element of game play than the original, however it doesn’t go very far as Akella feels that would scare away a lot of casual gamers with too much complexity. For instance you can now create your own character for playing the game, to further enhance the role-playing element. This character can be male or female and be customized further with a specialty which will affect their skill growth. Players will also be able to manage a party of four members, allowing you to manage their experience points and control their evolution. Another cool feature Akella includes in Sea Dogs II is the ability to switch between a more simulations oriented sailing system that allows you to control each sail individually or you can choose to have all of that handled for you. This game is destined to steal many hours of my time!

Final thoughts
Wow, this game looks like it’s going to be one of the most diverse games to ever hit the market. I believe it’s similar to Black and White because of the way it combines different genres of gaming. Akella impressed me with the original Sea Dogs and it’s looking to impress me much more so with the sequel. Sea Dogs II has all the elements to be a smash hit and I’m really hoping it will be or my hopes will be crushed.