Who doesn't love a pirate-themed game, especially one that involves racing ships around an archipelago of islands? And it's even better when that pirate game is on sale! Glory Islands, brought to you by Rio Grande Games, usually retails for $45, but Amazon is currently offering it at the specific price of $32.17. That's a 28% discount, which is quite a steal!
In Glory Islands, you'll be navigating your ship and dropping off your scurvy crew onto the spaces to win treasure and score points through a delightful mix of mechanics. The game's ship movement is controlled by playing numeric cards from your hand, which also feature special powers. For instance, playing a five card allows you to pause and drop a second pirate. However, be cautious as using too many high-value cards will cost you points at the game's end. Occupying an island space can earn you small bonuses, but once an island is full, the player with the most crew members there bags a significant number of points.
Glory Islands is a fast-paced, fun, and family-friendly board game. While it may not have the depth to keep hardcore hobbyists engaged over multiple plays, it's incredibly enjoyable, especially at this sale price. Striking the right balance between excelling in the race and strategically placing your crew to score points without incurring penalties for reckless sailing can be challenging. There's real tension in observing where other players position their sailors, as islands you think are secure can quickly shift out of your control.
The game includes beautifully crafted wooden ships and sailor pieces, along with miniature barrels of rum, adding to the immersive pirate king experience.