This game is simply a small booklet, 36 pages. The players need to supply miniatures, terrain, dice, etc. This game is strictly for skirmish wargaming, meaning one figure represents one person.

The game contains rules for miniatures gaming with 17th-century swashbuckling pirates and musketeers, as seen in the movies. Rules are given for movement, ranged combat, melee combat, morale, etc. The most interesting rules are the "cinematic" rules, however. Figures are defined as either Leading Players, Supporting Actors, Bit Parts or Extras. A Leading Player can mow through a lot of Extras without even slowing down, but combat between two characters of the same level is tense and more drawn out.

Rules are also given for two types of stunts: Deeds of Derring-Do and Dramatic Entrances. Very entertaining!

The rules not only deal with figures, but also cover ship-to-ship combat and boarding. The ship movement system is very simple and completely ignores the wind even though these are sailing ships.

Finally, the game provides two scenarios - "Scripts," they call it, in keeping with their cinematic theme. One scenario is for pirates and the other for musketeers.

This is a light, easy, not too detailed set of miniatures rules aimed at fun rather than historical accuracy. It doesn't require a lot of miniatures to get started - even four figures per side makes for an entertaining game.

[Note: there is a companion volume, Once Upon a Time in the West Country, set in the English Civil War. Similar rules system, somewhat less cinematic.]

Write Comment

We currently have no price data for this game.