Pirates of The Caribbean: Master of the Seas Strategy Game

May 15, 2011

While browsing the aisles at Toy’s R Us this weekend, I came across a game in the huge Pirates of The Caribbean section that caught my eye. It is called “Pirates of The Caribbean: Master of the Seas Strategy Game”, published by Jakks Pacific.

You play as one of the infamous captains from Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, including Blackbeard from the new “On Stranger Tides” movie. Six islands are placed randomly around the main island of Port Royale to create a unique, table filling play area. The ships are large cardboard/plastic stand-ups with spaces for up to 8 counters in the base. The 12 prize cards are distributed around the islands, each player needs to find the three specific prizes listed on their captain’s character card to win the game.

Players roll dice and use the included movement caliper to move from island to island where they can collect prizes or add new crew members to give bonuses to their ship. The players use the map card deck to gain prizes or gold from the islands. If they get another player’s prize, they can either sell it at Port Royale, or keep it and use its special ability for themselves. Beware though, the other player can attack and attempt to steal their prize back.

There is additionally a Captain’s deck of cards that can earn many rewards, or cause much grief for the other captains, including letting loose the dreaded Kracken. Finally some islands will allow you to hire new crewmembers to add to your ship, such as a gunner or sailor. These can add either 1, 2, or 3 to your movement or fight rolls depending upon their level.

The game takes up a lot of space. It is intended as a children’s game, but has a lot of mechanics you typically don’t see in kids games. It almost seems like an introductory miniatures game. The ships are accurate to the movies, so you get to play with the Black Pearl, and the Flying Dutchman too!

I bought it, but haven’t played yet. I haven’t seen it anywhere else online, a review will be forthcoming.

This thematic game includes simple, full color rules and high quality components. It’s time to plunder the seas. Arrrgh…

Update: You can find the game at the Toys R Us website