There is rarely a game nowadays that’s a throwback to the old days when playing one is like opening up a new world where magic and mystery fill the void within one’s heart. If you’re not one for metaphors, which is typical of gamers nowadays, then it’s just about a well-narrated story within a game. These days, it’s all about mechanics and winning, and games thought to be “linear” are tossed aside for being “unoriginal”. Crimson: Steam Pirates shakes its head upon this notion of an adventure story being unimaginative in today’s world.

Perhaps it’s the notion of games being merely “finished” and not “played” is what sets people off nowadays, but take this particular title into consideration. Crimson: Steam Pirates is a game that caters to both casual and hardcore gamers alike by combining a good story full of pirates and some steampunk goodness along with a turn-based combat system that some RPG players may be familiar with.

As it has already been said, there is great emphasis on the story in Crimson, which is something that has been neglected in games that have come out in recent years. Not only does it give the game a theme and flavor, but it also drives everything else in it for the player. Without this story, it’s just another tactical game with no soul. This story works for Crimson, and it’s the reason why you should play it, like how you should read a novel like those written by Stephen King or R.A. Salvatore.

The story is written like prose, being the journal of an adventurer, Thomas Blood, who is travelling across the sees. There is also Captain Blackheart, a female pirate with an eyepatch and voluptous curves. The pages of this journal have photos and other elements that bring this story to life in the only way that books can. Apparently, you can reproduce this effect with an iOS game, which is great.

The challenges in the game add to the replay value, working almost like those of recent iOS games where you can finish one, then try for a higher score or achievement. Sadly though, there is no online multiplayer, which could’ve made this game even better than it is already. But the singleplayer is already quite a handful by itself. The gameplay compliments well with the story and everything else in the game.

Of course, the best thing about this game is that it’s a free download, so you’ll have a great time without any expense. This game is only for the iPad though, so iPhone and iPod Touch users are sadly left out. Nonetheless, this game looks great for the iPad, and that somehow justifies its exclusivity. The visuals are fit for the bigger screen of the iPad, so it should be great for those who do have the device. If you don’t, then do try to borrow or buy one.

With both a good story and a fairly brilliant strategic gameplay, this free iPad game is definitely a required download for mobile gamers everywhere. There is no good reason to not have this as it’s a highly recommended download.