Pirateology product reviews

I found this game to be quite a bit of fun. A little more complicated than Dragonology but far less convoluted than Wizardology. The board is laid out in a manner similar to Dragonology, which allows for the whole 'wind factor' to kick in. Speaking of the wind factor... I have to agree with the other players that it complicates the game to such a degree that the game actually loses a bit in the fun factor. We spent more time discussing whether the arrow was pointing close enough or not close enough to allow movement, whether the speed bonus stayed in effect if the route took your piece in another direction, and whether it should actually apply to a pirate, or only after you get a ship...

However, the tasks were fun and suitable for a wide range of age groups, the battles were a LOT of fun, especially when you sail up to a lone pirate and stomp them for a bit of extra bootie, and it was a guilty pleasure sailing around swiping the buried treasure left by other pirates. The only island no-one wanted to visit was Castaway Island... not a good place, especially is there is another pirate within range of your marker on the board... if they get there before you roll yourself free... you're broke in one easy step!

Overall, I would rate this a close second place to my favourite -ology game, Dragonology-. Though in some regards this game excels over Dragonology, it has too many 'fiddly bits' to really allow me to enjoy it to the fullest. So saying, I dare say that if played with the same group of people for half a dozen games or so, you would soon be playing it without too much discussion and more strategy.

I found this to be a really cool game. When I heard about it, it seemed similar to snakes and ladders - first to the finnish wins - but I was gladly mistaken. When we opened the box I first noticed the detail in the pieces - different facial expressions, positions and weapons. The boats were cool too, they have woodgrain detail and onboard bits and pieces, but they were a challenge to keep them upright while playing. You may need bluetack to keep them sailing happy. The rules were a bit hard to follow but I found it easier, as with most games, to play until you need to consult them. The highlight for me was the battles you can have with other ships, blast them with your cannons or get closer and throw your boot at them, real fun. One rule I would add to the game would be that pirates can fight other pirates, because you can't do battle until you upgrade your pirate piece to a ship - and waiting for a crew card to get your ship while getting shot by cannons does become torment.
A good chance to put on your Jack Sparrow stagger and throw out some quotes from Pirates Of The Carribbean movies too.

Pirateology is a mixed bag for me. Hot on the heels of Captain Jack Sparrow coolness this game allows for some fun piracy fantasy. I'm so channeling Elizabeth Swann, as I end up stranded on Castaway Island. The basic elements of this game are pure fun. Who doesn't want to play the Pirate sometimes? Stashing treasure on nearby Islands is always fun, as is looting off other players when the opportunity arises.

However, I wasn't too fond of a couple of aspects of this game.
The wind direction piece that each player is required to spin on each turn seemed a little pointless to me. A kind of overkill that was unnecessary. Though if you like added bits and bobs in your games then why not?
I also found myself suffering a sense of ambivalence with the two player pieces, Pirate and Ship. It wasn't bad per se but I like games to be a bit more simplistic. This is really a matter of personal taste. I'm the kind of person who thinks less is more when it comes to games. And I felt like there could maybe be a little less in Pirateology while still retaining the all important fun factor.
Mind you, the unfairness of being able to level the competition if you have a ship and others do not is kind of fun.