Avast, me hearties! 'Ere be a great time to shiver those timbers, hoist the Jolly Roger and prepare to repel swabs with a yo ho h...hang on a minute; this is going to get awfully tedious if we keep going with all this crazy pirate talk, isn't it? It's just so difficult to resist. Because thanks to a great new board game everyone aboard the good ship Firebox has gone completely nuts for pirates!

Dread Pirate is a beautifully made game that will transport you back to the golden days of piracy and have you yo ho ho-ing the second you set sail. Indeed, the attention to detail is so acute, you can almost hear the clash of cutlasses, the discordant drone of accordion-playing swabbies and the squawk of circling seagulls as you work your way around the gorgeously detailed cloth treasure map.

Choose from the quality bookshelf set or the stunning deluxe wooden treasure chest - each edition features cast iron playing ships, replica doubloons, three knucklebones (dice), pirate cards, treasure bags and treasure, and is a swashbuckling slice of adventure gaming for the entire family. (We were about to say they don't make 'em like this anymore, but obviously they do).

As you've probably guessed, the aim of the game is to become top scallywag by amassing the greatest fortune and crushing your enemies. But here's the good part: although you can win by legitimate trading, you can also plunder booty from rival sea dogs. It goes without saying we prefer the latter cut-throat option, but whichever method you choose you're guaranteed a right rollicking voyage.

To 'set sail' simply choose a destination, roll the die and move forward. Along the way you can raid ports and ships, trade treasure, and perform various salty activities dictated by the pirate cards. Playing Dread Pirate really is a totally immersive experience as the whole game is so beautifully put together. So avast y'lily livered scurvy bilge rats, hoist yer skull and crossbones and prepare to do battle across the big ol briny with Dread Pirate! Arrr!

(Parrot, eyepatch and daft accent not included)