The gameplay of Age of Sail II features a minimap, helm, and lists of vessels in play.

Damage inflicted on a vessel is determined by the type of shots fired (round, chain, grape, canister), and the target (hull/sail).

The game was accused by reviewers of the time of having an overcomplicated and sometimes downright broken interface, with unnecessary complication when directing crews to perform the various actions to keep a vessel in operation.

[4] John Lee of NextGen, however, said, "Young and old salts will find their timbers shivered mightily in this seagoing extravaganza, but landlubbers may founder.

"[11] Privateer's Bounty received average reviews, slightly more favorable than the original Age of Sail II, according to Metacritic.