Name: Monaque (France)

Card: FS #005 (Rare)

Points: 14

Masts: 5

Cargo: 3

Moves: L

Guns : 3L,3L,2L,3L,3L

Hit %: 267 (S), 267 (L)

Ability: Other ships do not block this ship’s line of fire.

The Monaque, at first glance, looks like a first-rate ship of the line.

At second glance, she's still first-rate. I don't know what the curly designs on her sails are, but I know a fighter when I see one.

Her cargo is a little weak for a five-master, but that doesn't make her a bad ship. Her cannons are good, not the best you can get, but certainly good enough. Her ability can be surprisingly useful, especially in a confused "furball" where ships are jammed against each other like commuters on a subway. Getting line of sight to a target can be a problem, but not to the Monaque. A Helmsman and some kind of Captain crew is all she needs, but feel free to load her up; Capitaine Gaston de St. Croix and Mlle. Josephine Godiva would top off a fine fighting crew.

This review would not be complete without comparing the Monaque to an older, similar ship, Le Superbe. The old ship costs two points more, is a bit faster, has slightly better cannons, and adds two cargo spaces.

I'd say Le Superbe is the better value in every way (value for points = 3.4). But if you can't acquire that ship for your fleet, the Monaque is a fine substitute.

Goldship rating: 2.4 / 5

Gun Ship rating: 4.5 / 5

Boarding rating: 3.2 / 5

Value for points: 3.0 / 5