WizKids® Pirates Constructible Strategy Game

This is a hoot.

I saw an internet ad for this game right before the holidays, and decided to add a couple of packs to my kids' stockings (well, and a few for Dad too).

From the www.wizkidsgames.com website:

Pirates of the Spanish Main is the world's first constructible strategy game! Mateys, there's danger and treasure to be found -- so build you ships, sharpen your cutlass, and set your sails for open waters.

While you're there, they've done a really, really nifty job of putting the rules into a cute flash presentation. 5 minutes, tops, and you've got the gist of the game.

Packaged like collectible cards (think baseball or even Pokemon or Yugioh), the plastic (yes, styrene - more sturdy than other cards!) cards can be punched apart to construct 3-D sailing ships. Players get to control stealthy pirate ships, majestic Spanish galleons, and speedy British schooners through treacherous waters collecting as much gold as possible while fending off enemy attacks.

Each pack contains everything one player needs to start playing including

• 2 sailing ships
• 1 treasure or crew card
• 1 cardboard island card
• 1 rules sheet
• 1 die

Each expansion set (there are currently 4) has over 60 different ships to collect and construct in addition to dozens of treasure and crew cards.

Game play can be adjusted. Each ship and crewmember has a point value. Basic two person games are interesting in the 30 - 40 point range, and can last 20-60 minutes. Longer, more complicated scenarios can be played by increasing the point value of the game, or by adding additional players.

Or, you can change the rules by introducing different goals (ie instead of getting the most gold or sinking the other player's ships, try finding and retrieving a secret treasure).

WizKids calls this a Constructable Strategy Game. It is fun to make the ships, but two warnings are in order. First, small hands (or larger ones too!) can easily break a mast while trying to fit it into its slot on the deck of a ship. Go slow, and remember that a little plastic model glue might help to save the day if an accident happens.

Second, while you can play with one pack apiece, the fun of this game might start a collecting craze ...

And check here for tips for new Pirates

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