The latest iPod game, Pirates of the Caribbean: Aegir’s Fire, runs aground immediately. Like nearly every other licensed videogame, this sailing adventure feels like a cash-in, looting unsuspecting iPod fans. While the first few ship battles are briefly fun, Aegir’s Fire is mostly tedious, repetitive, and frustrating.

Short missions usually ask gamers to run errands, like retrieving an object or sinking enemy vessels. Ships maneuver with almost no relation to the wind; you might slow down slightly, but it’s no problem to steer directly into gusts. We wanted a deeper challenge, forcing us to tack while attacking. As-is, you just drive the boat like it has a motor, positioning an enemy broadside before firing the canons with the center button. Players will be able to easily beat any enemy just after beginning, especially with powerful canon upgrades.

The bottom line.Tedious, minute-long routes and never-challenging ship battles make Aegir’s Fire ideal only for OCD Pirates collectors.

COMPANY: Disney Online Studios

CONTACT: http://disney.go.com/disneyinteractivestudios/

PRICE: $4.99

REQUIREMENTS: iPod Nano (3rd generation), iPod Classic, or iPod Video (5th generation)

Briefly fun before it grows repetitive. Weapon and boat upgrades gives sense of progress. Certain ships and tiny character photos true to movies.

Even wind direction has little affect on unrealistic sailing. Boring pacing between waypoints. Easily sinkable enemies pose little threat.