At first, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End appears to be yet another mindless melee slog. You can get away with just swinging the Wii remote rapidly from side to side for several levels. Things begin to look dire as far as fun goes.

Thensuddenly you encounter a pirate who will block every single one of your thoughtless swings. In a single moment the game has transformed into a true swashbuckler. You’ve got to block attacks, time your lunges and swings, and use special defensive moves if you want to survive. Enemies constantly try to flank you, and so you must watch your back whenever you are focused on one opponent. Often you have to break off the attack to gain a better position.