Pirates! is set in the Caribbean around the 17th century. You’ll have a choice of starting the game in 1600, 1620, 1640 or 1660, determining your game’s difficulty level [the later the harder or easier???]. You’ll also need to align yourself with one of the 4 European powers (English, Dutch, Spanish, or French) of that era. War between these nations is a common thing throughout the game. Having said that, you’re not compelled to stay loyal to the country you started with either.