Pirate101 Date Release and Bundle Feature

Not too long ago, KingsIsle announced their first Pirate101 pre-sale bundles and a rough estimate on the release date for the game. Well, all of the fog has cleared - the exact date is here, for both the one-week head start, and the live game release. As if that weren't enough, I've got a short bundle feature with exclusive Pirate101 bundle photos - coming soon to your local stores! Take a look!

Author Dean Takahashi at Gamesbeat shared the following with us today:

KingsIsle Entertainment scored big with its Harry Potter-like Wizard101 online game, launched in 2008. The title generates more than 20 million unique visitors a month. Now the company is going all out with its launch of Pirate101, which debuts for early preorder consumers on Oct. 8 and the general public on Oct. 15.

It's official. Just one week until the launch of Pirate101 to beta players and anyone who purchased a pre-sale bundle. And, if you're not included in that group, don't worry too much, you'll be on your way just one week later.

Now wait a minute... MORE Pirate101 bundles? How about $10, $20, and $39 bundles - soon to be available! I can verify this using another excerpt from the article above!

Because of its success, KingsIsle has some big partners helping with its launch. GameStop, the world’s largest game retailer, will sell bundles of prepaid currency cards for Pirate101 at each store’s front desk. Players can buy cards in packs worth $10, $20, or $39.

Now let's see some pictures!

Check out this first, $39 bundle. While it's covered by another card, this exciting card gives us a good look at what's coming. We can make out the following (words in brackets are inferred):

Cutthroat B[undle]
Sharktoo[th Ship/Boat/Pet/Mount?]
Cutthroa[t Ship/Boat/Pet?]
Skullcutter [Weapon?]
Shark Co[mpanion]
Castawa[y Cove]
1 Month or 5000 [Crowns]

We can verify Castaway Cove, because Pirate101 used it as the name for the Boochbeard Bundle house before changing it to Volcano Island. We also recognize that their ought to be a companion, and possibly a pet and mount. However, I'd guess that, instead of the mount (hence the Pirate without a ride), there's a ship, as pictured above. Also, take a look at that house - I think I need that one!

Take a look at this next card. It looks to be your basic two-month/10000 crown card. It depicts Avernus Skyway, and shows a free pet - some sort of spotted octopus. I wonder if it has any useful talents?

Here's the final card - a $10 card, showing Flotsam. It likely offers a free pet as well, but is covered by the previous card.

One way or the other, I'm very curious as to what these cards will offer - and I might just have more information coming up! So, what are your thoughts? Are you considering purchasing any of the bundles?

I'm also curious as to how many people are purchasing the Boochbeard bundles, and how many beta vs. non-beta players are buying.

As a quick note, Pirate101 also had a quick fix and update today, and several items have changed in price. The companions, most notably, are now between 2000 and 6000 crowns each - check out the full update highlights at http://www.home.p101/free_game/update_notes!

Wow! Lots to think about purchasing - so, what's in your wallet? Thanks for reading and see you in the Spiral!