Pirates of the Revolution is a collectible table game where the players actually get to assemble their own tiny ships out of die-cut plastic cards. The game makes for an excellent stocking-stuffer or Easter-basket gift, as it comes in a little packet no larger than a deck of playing cards and retails for only $3.95! Make sure you buy at least two, though, as the game is not playable unless there are two players. The game does come with an itty bitty die, but we ended up using a full-sized die because my eyes are so bad I couldn't read the numbers on the sides of the die. The die was terribly cute, though.

Game play is relatively complicated, as are many strategy games of this type, but the instructions included in the package are thorough and carefully written, and it won't take you long to figure them out.

Even kids who might not understand the game will love the teeny-tiny ships. Be careful when assembling them, though, as you may break the plastic (I was rough and slightly impatient and broke one of my sails). Inserting the sails and masts first and the ship sides second is the easiest way to do it.

As I said before, this game makes a great stocking stuffer. If the Christmas rules in your house are anything like those in my house, where you're allowed to open your stocking as soon as you wake up, but no presents until after breakfast, this game is even better, as assembling the ships and playing will keep the kids occupied for a good long time.

PIRATES OF THE REVOLUTION AT-A-GLANCE:

GAME INCLUDES: Cards with punch-out ship pieces to assemble your own ships, punch-out crew pieces, a punch-out island, game directions, a very tiny and cute die

YOU'LL NEED: Some floor or table space on which to play, a full-sized die if your eyes are bad like mine, something to store the parts in (we used an old cookie tin).

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $3.95 per packet, you'll want to buy at least two.

TRY IT IF YOU LIKE: The Original Pirates By WizKids, Model Kits, Strategy Games

PERFECT FOR: Stocking Stuffers for kids who like to build and assemble things.

RATING: Four treasure chests out of five