Sewer Pirats

Sewer Pirats is a delightful surprise. I was initially drawn to it because of the whimsical theme and the colorful miniatures. I expected a simple, light-hearted game for a quick play, but it turned out to be much more strategic than I anticipated. The game mechanics are deceptively simple. You collect cards to move your pirates onto one of three ships, with the goal of reaching the captain's chair to claim treasure. But the game is actually very tactical, with a surprising amount of depth hidden beneath the surface.

I really enjoyed the different crew members and their special abilities. The rat captain who takes two treasures instead of one is a real asset, while the snail who can swap positions with the person in front of him can really throw a wrench in your opponents' plans. The crew auction variant adds another layer of strategy and makes the game even more engaging.

I especially appreciate the different levels of difficulty. The "landlubber" rules are a great introduction to the game, while the more advanced rules offer a real challenge. The game components are well-made, with beautiful artwork and sturdy miniatures. I found the game easy to learn, but with plenty of room for replayability. Sewer Pirats is a great choice for families and groups of friends looking for a fun, quick-playing, and strategic game.