Al ‘Xyphoe’

Combat is somewhat limited with only really two attacks available, and you can get through the two islands of 8 levels by spamming the same kicks and punches repeatedly. There are no weapons, and somewhat frustratingly, you can’t use the cutlass hanging from your side! Pirate themed games tend to fare better as hack ‘n’ slash affairs with corsairs not known for their high kicks! Sprites move about reasonably quickly, but the scrolling is jarringly slow and rough. Controls can be a little unresponsive, and slow down can occur. Buccaneers will hold little long term interest as a game, but as an interesting rare piece of Amstrad history in utterly fabulous packaging, it’s a must for collectors.