Ratings are based on a 1 to 5 scale
1 being the worst.
3 is average.
5 is the highest rating.
Date Reviewed -
July 31, 2009
Cadet-Captain Mike
Name: HMS Albion (England)
Card: SM #ES-002 (Rare)
Points: 5
Masts: 1
Cargo: 2
Moves: L
Guns : 3S
Hit %: 50 (S), 0 (L)
Ability: If derelict, this ship gains a base move of
S.
Here's another lackluster little ship that's hard to
say something good about. At least it proves that
mediocrity wasn't limited to the later releases of
Pirates, since this one goes back to the very
beginnings of the game.
I'll be honest: I can't think of anything this ship
might be good for. She's too slow and too
cargo-limited for gold, her one cannon doesn't
recommend her for battle, and one-masted ships don't
board well. Even her ability, which isn't bad, isn't
much help, because the intact ship is only two hits
away from sinking, so the odds of her taking just
one hit aren't good. Her cost is low, but you get
what you pay for.
It was common in the early days of the USA to say,
"Beware of perfidious Albion," which meant that
England can't be trusted. Fortunately, that attitude
has passed, but I'd change it to "Beware of HMS
Albion," because it can't do much of anything.
The end of the week also gives up the cheapest ship
of the week.
Powers: If derelict, this ship gains a base move of
"S". It'll save you on a cheap oarsman, but anything
capable of making this boat a derelict is also
likely capable of sinking it unless it's a
slow-moving sea monster.
Cargo Space: 2 spaces isn't bad. A helmsman would be
a decent crew to make escaping a little easier, but
then you only get one treasure per trip.
Masts: A single 3S, just like the last two boats.
Base Move: A single "L" just like the last two boats
as well.
Point Value: 5 points is cheap and you won't need
crew if you can keep enemy fighters far enough away.
The HMS Albion is a fairly cheap boat, but it
doesn't really excel at anything. She's best kept
out of fights unless it's against something you
think won't be able to land two hits.
