Port Royal – When old love gets even better in a new guise
There are those games that you loved years ago but then lost sight of. Too many new releases, too little time, too many other game groups. And then the moment comes: you pull an old box off the shelf, open it up – and you’re right back in. That’s what happened with Port Royal, or rather: the Port Royal Big Box from Pegasus Spiele (item number 18148G). A small, big comeback.
The game: Push Your Luck in the Caribbean
Port Royal is a classic “Push Your Luck” card game by Alexander Pfister that was originally published in 2014. We sit as soldiers of fortune in a Caribbean port, trying to intercept lucrative ships, trade, hire people and fulfill orders. Sounds like a lot, but it plays quickly – and involves addictive decisions: Do I draw another card from the harbor pile or would I rather stop before I draw two ships of the same color and lose everything?
The principle is as simple as it is brilliant, and that is precisely its strength: Port Royal is a perfect gateway game that appeals to both frequent players and beginners. And with the Big Box, the whole thing gets a general overhaul that is really worthwhile.
That’s inside: Everything. And a little bit more
The Big Box contains everything that has been released for Port Royal so far – including the co-op campaign, the mission cards, the solo version and even the stand-alone game “On the road!”, which is also integrated as a variant. There are also new illustrations in a more modern, atmospheric style. The old design was functional, but not exactly a feast for the eyes. The new edition is much more visually appealing with stronger colors and more details – without losing the clear overview.
Particularly commendable: the box comes with a practical inlay that makes it easy to store all the modules. No bag orgy, no sorting frustration – that’s how every Big Box should be. The rules have also been revised and formulated more clearly so that beginners can find their way around easily.
Who needs Port Royal as a big box?
- Fans of fast, but not trivial card games
- Players who love Push-Your-Luck
- Groups that want to play both competitively and cooperatively
- Collectors who value complete versions
Gameplay: Fast, exciting, addictive
Fortunately, little has changed in the game principle: There is still that crisp pull-and-play feeling that makes a game of Port Royal so appealing. The expansions add more variance and strategy to the game: characters have new abilities, missions provide long-term goals, and the campaign even adds a small story component.
The co-op version is particularly strong, giving Port Royal a completely new direction: Instead of playing against each other, you play the game together – ideal for families or cooperative groups. And for those who prefer to play alone: the solo mode works surprisingly well and remains true to the core principle.
Our conclusion: tried and tested in top form
“Once again brought out” is perfect here: Port Royal has always been a little gem among card games. The Big Box not only brings all the content together, but also polishes the game to a high gloss in terms of graphics and organization. Whether as an introduction to the genre, as a filler between two heavyweights or as a quick round for two – Port Royal always works.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A modern classic that finally arrives in the premier class with the Big Box.
