Ship of Fools is a seafaring roguelite co-op game where you play the Fools, the only creatures fool enough to brave the sea. The Great Lighthouse that once protected the Archipelago is broken and a storm of malice and corruption is coming. Together, you and your ship mate will jump aboard The Stormstrider and make your voyage across the sea. Man the cannons, ready your sails and protect your ship from sea monsters over multiple runs. It’s up to you to defend your home from the almighty Aquapocalypse...

Ship of Fools is riotous fun

The very first thing I want to point out about Ship of Fools is just how much fun it is... if you're playing with a friend (locally or online). Sailing solo is fine enough... but just nowhere near as much fun, not to mention how much more punishing it is.

You start the game with a brief tutorial that sets you up with the basics to tackle the main game. So you'll learn how to repel any seafaring beasties or any unwanted borders who jump onto your deck. You'll also be shown how to repair your boat and... well that's pretty much all you need to get started.

The game proper sees you sailing across a board game-esque map. Each "location" will have something different awaiting you, be it beasties, a mysterious island with treasure or some other surprise (nasty or nice). To help you in your quest you have four cannon spaces on your ship. You start off with a manual cannon on one side and an auto turret (which you can control if you wish) on the other. As your enemies surround your ship you'll have to move from starboard to port to ensure you take them all out. But be careful, if your vessel takes too much damage then it's game over. Your boat sinks, you're washed up on shore and you must start again in your never ending quest... but now you're a little bit stronger and have a little more cash to unlock useful items from vendors.

Plot your course on the map is part of the challenge... and fun

As previously mentioned it's fun alone, but it's insanely out of control with a friend. As you run around trying not to get in each others way trying to defeat your enemy, you'll be laughing uncontrollably as well as shouting helpful warnings to each other that a there's a beast on deck that needs to be wiped out.

Deciding where to travel on the map also presents challenges. Will you steer the safer path, hoping to get further, or the harder locations with a chance for greater rewards.

It's a cheap and thoroughly enjoyable game that will have you grinning from ear to ear.

8

Nick Smithson