Pirates of the Mysterious Island
From: Wizkids, Inc
Reviewed by:Ron McClung
Pirates of the Mysterious Islandis a new Constructible Miniature Gamefrom Wizkids, Inc.
One of the more innovative games to come out is the Pirates constructible miniature games. The Pirates constructible games have been a mainstay at the conventions and game store events I have been involved with.
From the back cover : “The Seas just get stranger with the Pirates of the Mysterious Islands.”
The Game: The Pirates overall game is comprised of game packs thatcontain a number of ships, perhaps some islands and some gold, as well as specialtycounters sometimes. Upon opening the packets, you build your shipsaccording to the instructions. Any variety of historical and fantasy ships may be inthe packages, depending on the series, from a number of nations.
The game comes with quick start and advanced rules. In the game, players build fleets of ships based on a point value agreed upon at the beginning. The game suggests a 40-point fleet. Each player has home islands and a goal to get the most treasure than their opponents. Players use the card provided to determine range, one side being the “long side” and the other being the “short side.” Each boat uses a variety of weapons, some have crew and other special features to get them across the sea (table) to the “wild” island where the treasure is and back.
Placement is fairly simple. First the islands are placed by each player in random order, and then each player picks a home island. Any remaining islands are wild or treasure islands. There are specific rules surrounding where and what can be placed, and they utilize the long and short side of a card for measure.
Combat is rather ingenious. Each mast has a cannon rank. It is either in red or white signifying range (red being L or long and white being S or short). It uses a single 6-sider for each attack. Line of site is drawn from mast to target. An attack action allows the player to fire all cannons within range. Masts not only signify the number of cannons but also the life of the ship. One hit takes out a mast, and when all masts are gone, the ship sinks.
To pick up treasure, all one must do is spend an action exploring. There are other actions one can take including ramming, docking and towing. Crew add special abilities but take up cargo space. There are a series of special terms that apply to certain special instances of ship, ability or crew that add further depth to the game, like Mercenary, Broadside Attack, and Fear.
Pirates of the Mysterious Island brings in a few new keywords including a new type of ship – a submarine (theNautilus)and the Mysterious Islands.Mercenaries can not dock at home islands, but in any other way is a normal ship. Ex-patriots are like Mercenaries but help with Mysterious Island effects. Mysterious Islands can be used as either normal islands or their special effect can be a part of the game. This new effect is a table of random events that happen when one docks on the mysterious island. These can include a good thing or a bad thing or nothing at all.
In conclusion,I’ve always been a big fan of Jules Vernes story,Mysterious Island. The fact that they tapped it to add a little fantasy to the Pirates game is very cool. As I have said in previous reviews of this game, I find it rather innovative and elegant. I can see why it is so well liked.
For more details on Wizkids, Inc and their new Constructible Miniature Game “Pirates of the Mysterious Island” check them out at their website http://www.wizkidsgames.com, and at all of your local game stores.
Pirates of the Mysterious Island
From:Wizkids, Inc
Type of Game:Constructible Miniature Game
Written by:Wizkids, Inc
Game Design by:Wizkids, Inc
Developed by:Wizkids, Inc
Game Components Included:Booster packs containing ships, terrain, crew and dice.
Retail Price:$ 3.99 (US)
Number of Players:2+
Player Ages:8+
Play Time:30+
Website:www.wizkidsgames.com
Reviewed by: Ron McClung