"Virtual Skipper 5: 32nd America's Cup" Review (PC)

Pros:

• Online play
• Game modes for beginners to advanced players
• Hours of gameplay

Cons:

• Steep learning curve
• Not all computers meet the minimum requirements
• Slow moving gameplay - dull at times

• Compete in sailing races in a fully 3D world.
• 12 official boats of America's cup included.
• Over 14 different courses to race.
• Use the editor to create your own single and multi-player races.
• Multi-player action complete with player rankings.
• Learn the controls by completing a multi-level tutorial.

"Virtual Skipper 5" starts you off with tutorials. You'll be guided through the controls one step at a time. Learning the very basics of sailing and then moving on to obstalcle couses. You cannot pass a lesson without meeting the objectives. By completing all the lessons, you can be pretty sure that you'll be all set when it comes to participating in races.

With 14 races and online play, there are plenty of hours of gameplay in "Virtual Skipper 5" to warrant a purchase. That's if you don't mind the slower pace of racing. It's not high speed races you'll go on. The pace is realistic. Time goes by slowly. The scenery does not go flying by you. I'd say for the majority of gamers the pace will lead to boredom. For the small group who loves realistic simulations and the sea, it'll be a treat.

"Virtual Skipper 5" is the "Microsoft Flight Simulator" of the sailing games. Be sure to try out the demo before making the purchases. Excellent choice if you like the genre, but not a game for casual gamers.