Pirates! Gold is an enhanced version of the 1987 hit Sid Meier's Pirates!. The original game was designed by Sid Meier who was not involved in this enhanced version. Before beginning you can choose to either begin a new game or command a famous expedition. Famous expeditions put you in control of a historically based mission. Beginning a new game offers a variety of options, such as time period, nationality, and skill. Select from six time periods that range from 1560 to 1680. Nationalities available to play as include English, French, Dutch, and Spanish. Players must choose a primary skill as well: fencing, navigation, gunnery, medicine, or wit + charm.
Your main objective is to find fame and fortune while exploring the Spanish Main. Command a fleet of ships, hire sailors, attack enemy ships, invade towns, and purchase treasure maps. Advance through the ranks of your home country and possibly others. Side objectives have you searching for four lost family members who provide you with pieces of a map to lost Inca treasures.