Pirate Fluxx review: A rollicking good time as Fluxx hits the high seas and raises the Jolly Roger

Pirate Fluxx is one of the most successful of the Fluxx games yet. The pirate genre doesn't have quite the same limited appeal as some of the other Fluxx titles, and almost everyone can get on board a game which has players walk the plank, or talk like a pirate! It's certainly a very fun version of the game, and it also adds some interesting twists that aren't part of the original Fluxx.

The concept of the Fluxx games is simple and easy to grasp: On your turn, you typically draw and play cards, ideally trying to get into play in front of you the two "Keepers" that match the current "Goal" or win condition. The rules will evolve as the game progresses, and the number of cards that can be drawn or played will vary, along with a host of other rule changes. The dynamic nature of the game and it's unusual feel make it much loved, despite it's very light feel and generous dollops of luck.

IMPRESSIONS

Fluxx-like: The Pirate Fluxx experience is a whole lot like the original Fluxx, and is unapologetic-ally indebted to it. If you didn't like the game system of the original, chances are you won't like this one either. It's basically the same engine, with a new coat of paint. Many of the cards are the same, which is partly the point, because it's a tried and true game system.

Pirate theme: Despite the Fluxx engine being the same, there's enough things different here that make it feel like a different experience, especially the pirate theme. This comes out with the artwork, the names of the cards, and these thematic changes already gives the game a different feel.

Pirate actions: I especially like some of the unique pirate-flavoured touches, like Plunder, Treasure Map, and cards like Speak Like a Pirate. These add real humour to the game, and as a result it feels like a whole new "skin" has been added. They also add welcome abilities and interaction that aren't present in the original Fluxx. Having Keepers which fall into categories like "ships" and "booty" also gives added meaning to your decisions about which Keepers to play, especially because there are actions that mess with various Keeper types.

Family friendly: Like Fluxx, Pirate Fluxx is high on luck - but I never feel that this matters too much. When I'm playing these games, I'm certainly trying my best to win, but I never feel that it's a battle of pure and calculated wits where the smartest player must come out on top. It's about the fun of interaction, and making the best of the cards you get. Regardless of who wins, it's usually a fun experience, which is helped by the fact that games rarely last longer than 15 minutes. This version of Fluxx also works particularly well with just two players, which is another plus.

RECOMMENDATION

So is Pirate Fluxx for you? If you've never played Fluxx at all, then this is a great entry point, given that it's generally agreed to be one of the best of the Fluxx iterations. And if you already enjoy the regular Fluxx, you'll almost certainly enjoy this one as well. In fact, after playing this form of the game, you may find that the original even seems a little too bland and vanilla!

Everyone needs a light and fun game to pull out at parties or with family, and Pirate Fluxx is an ideal candidate for this kind of filler. It's easy to learn, quick to play, and the theme and game-play encourages some silliness that helps prevent things becoming too serious. I'm glad to have picked it up! Arrrghh!

Author's note: For more details and pictures of the components, head here.