Fluxx, the card game with ever-changing rules, is a proven commodity. Over the past few years, it has spawned several versions including Martian Fluxx, Zombie Fluxx, and Monty Python Fluxx. With over half a million total Fluxx games sold, Pirate Fluxx has some large footsteps to follow in, so how does this latest iteration stack up? Read on for the full review.

Just the Facts
Players: 2-6
Playing Time: 10-40 minutes+
Age: 8 to adult
Publisher: Looney Labs
MSRP: $16
Release: Feb 11th, 2011

Gameplay:
Fluxx is not your average card game. To start, each player is dealt a hand of three cards. On their turn, they will draw one card and play one card. Throughout the game, players will lay down four basic types of cards:
• Keepers –Played in front of you to show you have possession of them
• New Rules – Played in the center of the table to modify the rules of the game. It may institute a hand limit, increase the number of cards players draw or play on a turn, or change the game in more creative ways.
• Goals – Set the victory criteria for the game. Usually this will be some themed combination of two or more Keeper cards.
• Actions – One-time use cards that give the player the power to take some special action, such as stealing a card from another player’s hand or digging through the discard pile to bring an already-played card back into the game.

Play continues to the left, with player constantly manipulating who owns what, what it will take to win the game, and even the basic rules of how turns progress. It’s a lot to follow, but can be a lot of fun.

While it will never be considered a game of high strategy, Pirate Fluxx adds some new gameplay elements that hardcore gamers will appreciate. The first is the introduction of the “Surprise” card type. These serve as interrupts that can be strategically saved in a players hand and used at any time, regardless of whose turn it is. This also serves to keep players a bit more engaged in the game outside of their turn.

The second addition to the game is a series of cards focused at direct player interaction. There have always been the occasional one-time-use stealing actions, but the “Pillage” new rule allows the theft of Keeper cards on every single turn. Some of the Keeper cards are weapons-themed, which can be used to defend against pillaging. One Keeper into particular, “Captain’s Hat”, allows players to force the “Shackles” creeper onto another player, or to decide whose hand is dumped when the “Walk the Plank!” action comes into play. For the first time, sabotaging other players is a viable strategy in Fluxx.

Contents:

There’s not much to say about the contents to a Fluxx game, as it is really just 100 cards in a box with a sheet of rules. That being said, the rules are written very well. They do an excellent job of easing players into the concept of ever-changing rules, something that can be a bit of a mental hurdle for the non-gamer to get over. There is even a good deal of FAQs and clarifications on the reverse side of the rules sheet, guaranteeing you won’t get bogged down with rules analysis during what is meant to be a quick pick-up game.

Another positive regarding the components is that all cards are printed with the same exact back as all previous sets, enabling players to mix and match if they want to get a bit crazy with their Fluxx. Also, the box is no larger than it absolutely needs to be, keeping this an easily portable game.

Final Thoughts:
Fluxx is enjoyable, but never winds up being the meat of a gaming night. Instead, it is best served as a quick warm-up game to play as you wait for everyone to show up, or to introduce a group of unfamiliar players to each other. That being said, Pirate Fluxx, is particularly well-suited for that task. You’ll get a bit more humor in your game than in past versions of Fluxx, as the “Talk Like a Pirate” new rule card will force everyone to, well, talk like pirates! Others, such as the captain’s hat, will force you to refer to the captain only by their honorable title. Both help to keep the mood of the game light.

Overall, Pirate Fluxx is the most thematically tight version of Fluxx to date, and should therefore be on the top of your list if you are looking to get into the series. For more on this game, hit up the Looney Labs official website to watch a video of Chief Designer Andy Looney introduce Pirate Fluxx to his gang of pirate friends.

Disclaimer: MTV Geek received a complimentary review copy of this game

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