We almost don't want to believe it, but it looks like Skull and Bones really will be launching on 16th February. After that long and difficult journey, Ubisoft's oft-delayed pirate action game is almost ready to drop anchor. Just before that happens, though, all players will be able to take it for a spin for free via an open beta test.

Yes, from the 8th to the 11th February — that's this coming weekend — you will be able to download Skull and Bones and see if it floats your boat. According to the official website, you will be able to play up until you reach the rank of Infamy Brigand (Tier 6 Rank 1), and any progress you do make will carry over to the game proper if you decide to buy it. It looks as though the whole game will be explorable in the beta, so this really does seem more like a free trial than a beta.

Anyway, will you be hopping aboard to test out Skull and Bones before release? Swab the poop deck in the comments section below.