| | | | | | | | | |

Pirates vs. Dinosaurs (2013) Board Game

ByMichail

Pirates vs. Dinosaurs is a board game released in 2013 that pits pirates against dinosaurs in a thrilling adventure. Designed by Josh Cappel, this game combines elements of exploration, fighting, and hand management to create an exciting gameplay experience for 2-6 players.

Game Components of Pirates vs. Dinosaurs

  • Board: Represents the island with various zones (beach, grassland, jungle, mountains, swamp).
  • Pirate Maps: 5 maps for each player.
  • Landmark Tiles: 10 tiles.
  • Treasure Tokens: 60 tokens.
  • Map Fragments: 10 fragments.
  • Curse Tiles: 15 tiles.
  • Envoy Tokens: 15 tokens.
  • Island Cards: 76 cards.
  • First Mate Cards: 6 cards.
  • Crew Weapon Cards: 10 cards.
  • Relic Cards: 8 cards.
  • Item Cards: 35 cards.
  • Crew Pawns: 85 pawns.
  • Location Markers: 5 markers.
  • Time Markers: 5 markers.
  • Special Dice: 5 dice.
  • Giant T-Rex Pawn: 1 pawn.

    How To Setup Pirates vs. Dinosaurs

    To set up the game, players start by determining the first player. Each player then chooses a relic and a first mate, with the last player selecting from the remaining options. Players allocate 20 points to hire crew, select a weapon, and choose items. Each player receives a mat, location marker, time marker, item deck, and crew weapons deck. Players draw seven cards from the Island deck and place their location marker in a chosen zone on the board. Landmark tiles and map fragments are distributed based on the number of players, and some may be removed accordingly.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Stage 1: Outfitting Your Party** – Players select relics, first mates, crew, weapons, and items.
  • Stage 2: Explore the Island** – Players draw island cards, resolve encounters, explore zones, battle other players if necessary, and play encounter cards.
    – *Draw Island Cards*: Draw two cards and resolve encounters.
    – *Explore*: Roll dice to progress through the zone and potentially reveal landmark tiles.
    – *Battle*: Engage in combat with other players in the same zone.
    – *Play Encounters*: Use encounter cards to hinder other players or aid yourself.
    – *Discard*: Manage your hand limit of seven cards.

  • Stage 3: Digging for the Cursed Treasure** – Players dig for treasure, battle other pirates, use envoys, or return to their ship.
    – *Dig for Treasure*: Roll dice to draw treasure tokens, which can include treasure, ghosts, dinosaur attacks, or volcano eruptions.
    – *Battle*: Fight other pirates to steal their treasure.
    – *Envoy*: Gain additional crew.
    – *Return to Ship*: End your turn and tally your treasure, requiring two crew to carry each treasure.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Pirates vs. Dinosaurs** is a thrilling adventure filled with dynamic interactions and unexpected challenges. Players navigate a treacherous island, managing resources, battling dinosaurs, and sabotaging their rivals. The game’s three stages create a progression from preparation to exploration and finally to a frenzied treasure hunt, all while avoiding the looming threat of the island sinking due to volcanic eruptions. The game’s mix of luck, strategy, and social interaction makes it engaging and fun, especially for those who enjoy a bit of pirate-themed chaos.

    Pros

  • Engaging Theme: Combines pirates and dinosaurs for a unique and exciting setting.
  • Dynamic Gameplay: Multiple stages with different mechanics keep the game fresh.
  • High Replayability: Random elements like island cards and relic choices ensure each game is different.
  • Social Interaction: Players can sabotage each other, adding a fun competitive layer.
  • Variety of Components: numerous items, relics, and encounters provide depth to the game.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup: Initial setup can be lengthy and complex.
  • Luck-Driven: Dice rolls and card draws can significantly influence gameplay.
  • Long Playtime: The game can be quite long, especially with more players.
  • Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the rules and mechanics overwhelming.

    Personal Thoughts on Pirates vs. Dinosaurs

    **Pirates vs. Dinosaurs** is ideal for players who enjoy thematic, adventurous games with a mix of strategy and luck. It is particularly suited for families or groups of friends looking for a game that combines exploration, combat, and treasure hunting. However, due to its complexity and length, it may not be the best choice for younger children or those seeking a quick, simple gaming experience. For fans of pirate and dinosaur themes, this game offers a wildly entertaining ride filled with surprises and challenges.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *