Space Pirates (2009) Board Game

Space Pirates is a board game that was released in 2009 by designer Christophe Boelinger and published by Ajax Games. The game combines elements of action/dexterity, miniatures, pirates, and science fiction, making it a unique and exciting gaming experience for players.

Game Components of Space Pirates

Pirate ships and police ships

Freighters with different types of cargo

Energy cards for ship movement

Templates for setting up moves

Barricades and obstacles

Special power cards (e.g., fuel tank upgrades, speed boosts, hacking abilities)

Newton’s Laws-based movement mechanics

How To Setup Space Pirates

To set up the game, players divide into two groups: pirates and cops. The game board is set up near Jupiter, featuring four of its largest moons. Each player places their ships and freighters on the board. The pirates aim to capture freighters and return them to their base, while the cops try to hinder their progress by placing barricades and chasing them.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dexterity Mechanics: Players flick discs (freighters) to move them around the board.

Strategic Planning: Use of energy cards and templates to plan ship movements.

Newton’s Laws: Ship movements are determined by the application of Newton’s laws, such as inertia and collision.

Team Play: Cooperative and competitive elements with players divided into teams.

Game Objective

Pirates: Capture freighters, return them to their base, and accumulate 20 MegaCredits to win. Optionally, higher goals are recommended for longer games.

Cops: Prevent pirates from escaping by placing obstacles and chasing them. If a pirate collides twice with cops, space habitats, or barricades, they lose.

Player Experience

Space Pirates offers a unique blend of strategy and dexterity, making it an engaging and entertaining game. Players must combine tactical thinking with physical dexterity to navigate their ships and capture freighters. The game is straightforward yet challenging, suitable for both children and adults.

Pros

Neat Pieces: Cool pirate ships and freighters add to the game’s aesthetic.

Fun Combination: Tactics and dexterity mechanics make for an exciting gameplay experience.

Educational Value: Incorporates Newton’s Laws in a practical and fun way.

Versatile: Suitable for both family and casual gaming sessions.

Cons

Short Game Length: The base game objective can be achieved quickly, making the game feel over too fast.

Limited Depth in Base Rules: Higher goals need to be set to extend gameplay and add more strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Space Pirates

Space Pirates is a great game for those who enjoy a mix of strategy, dexterity, and science education. It is ideal for families, science enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fun and interactive game that also teaches practical physics. However, players seeking deeper, more complex strategy may find the base game too short and might need to adopt the recommended higher goals to fully enjoy the experience.

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.