Bermuda Pirates (2019) Board Game

Bermuda Pirates is a board game released in 2019, designed by FoxMind and another designer. It falls under the categories of Action/Dexterity, Children’s Game, Pirates, and Transportation. With a runtime of 20-30 minutes, it is suitable for 2-4 players aged 7 and above. The game incorporates various mechanisms such as Area Movement, Modular Board, Pick-up and Deliver, Point to Point Movement, and Push Your Luck.

Game Components of Bermuda Pirates

Magnetic boats

Interchangeable game boards with concealed metal disks (whirlpools)

Treasures (crystals of different colors)

Buoys (to mark whirlpool locations)

Player docks

How To Setup Bermuda Pirates

To set up the game, players place the play area over the interchangeable game boards, which contain hidden metal disks that act as whirlpools. Each player chooses a boat and places it at their dock. The treasures are placed on the center island. The game is ready to play once all components are in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dexterity: Players use one finger to push their boats towards the center of the board.

Memory: Players need to remember the locations of whirlpools.

Logical Thinking: Planning routes to avoid whirlpools.

Social Interaction: Optional Plunder variant allows stealing treasures from other players.

Game Objective

The objective is to collect a full set of treasures (one of each color) and return them to your dock.

In the Plunder variant, players aim to collect multiple sets of treasures and earn points; the game ends when a player reaches 8 points.

Player Experience

Playing Bermuda Pirates is a fun and challenging experience that combines physical dexterity with mental strategy. Players must navigate their magnetic boats through perilous waters, avoiding hidden whirlpools that can send their treasures into the sea. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The Plunder variant adds a competitive twist, allowing players to steal treasures from each other.

Pros

High Replay Value: Over 6,000 different board configurations keep the game fresh.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 7 and up, making it a great family game.

Innovative Mechanics: The use of magnetic whirlpools adds a unique and engaging element.

Develops Skills: Enhances memory, dexterity, and logical thinking.

Awards and Recognition: 2021 Mensa Select Winner and 2020 Spiel der Spiele Hit für Familien Recommended game.

Cons

Frustration for Younger Players: Hitting whirlpools can be frustrating, especially for younger players.

Potential for Luck: The game includes elements of luck due to the random placement of whirlpools.

Personal Thoughts on Bermuda Pirates

Bermuda Pirates is an excellent game for families and casual gamers who enjoy a mix of physical and mental challenges. It is particularly great for introducing children to dexterity games while also providing enough complexity to engage adults. The game’s innovative mechanics and high replay value make it a solid addition to any board game collection. However, younger players may need some patience and practice to fully enjoy the game without frustration.

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