The game is pretty fun, I've played it a handful of separate times at this point and each time I've played has been a blast. The part I love the most about the game is easily the fact that you literally build the ship with the cards. I think it's such a creative concept for a game. I've grown up playing pirate games so to literally have a pirate ship battle with someone else is just so cool to me. I mean you can literally put your ships next to eachother and have a battle. (making cannon sounds during a battle are optional but recommended).
It's really easy to learn - basically one quick read of the instructions and you're good to go. I figured out how to play within 2 minutes as did everyone I played with. It's not complicated, just draw 6 cards, each person plays 3 cards, draws 3 cards, repeat four times, then you each take turns attacking eachothers' ships.
Although simple, it seems like there's a lot of strategy that is possible, especially when pairing with the retreat mechanic. So it's basically a great game for everyone, both with a low level of experience playing games and plenty of enjoyment for those with a deep understanding of games. If you pair it with the expansion, you get 9 players (but you can also pair two copies of the base game together to get 10 players), so it really is an awesome game for parties. You can also fit all the expansion cards within the base game box, meaning it's easy to store - it's a well designed game for sure.
I think the bomb mechanic adds some cool depth and definitely causes some salty and hilarious moments and allowing the person with the most revealed treasure to go first also adds some depth and strategy.
I also love the extra flavor of adding the pirate phrase stuff, although goofy, it just adds to the fun element.
Overall it's a beautifully simple game that I would honestly recommend anyone to play. Definitely a stable for anyone's party game arsenal. I'd suggest getting the expansion since the monkey and parrots adds a bit more depth to the game that is strongly appreciated.
10/10 game for sure