Players hop aboard a tiny rowboat and set course for a maritime magnificence in this platform combat game from Bandai. Based on the popular pirate adventure series, brought Stateside in Shonen Jump's monthly manga compilation and as anime from the 4Kids Entertainment television syndicate, this game puts players in control of Monkey D. Luffy, the good-humored young pirate captain with the distinguishing ability to stretch and bounce like rubber. Aspiring to be hailed as the next Pirate King, Luffy seeks the fabled "One Piece," the treasure of the legendary Gold Roger.
Yet Luffy will need a ship, and a crew to help him sail it, if he hopes to get very far in his quest. Eventually, he is joined by friends from the series; the game offers a total of 16 playable characters, with many more who can be called on for support. As suggested by the subtitle, much of the action involves combat, which can take place in one of seven environments, all based on places featured in the television show. Each character can perform more than 20 fighting moves and special attacks, and found objects may be picked up and used in battle as well. Two One Piece fans can fight head-to-head in the game's "Versus" mode.