Pop Up Pirate Review

Pop Up Pirate is right up there with a Mr Frosty machine as a toy I really wanted as a child, but never got. So it was only natural that I would use the excuse of having kids of my own as a reason to buy it.

What is Pop Up Pirate?

For those of you who aren't sure about what the game entails, Pop Up Pirate is a game where you stick swords in a barrel and try not to be the one who makes the pirate pop up. The barrel has a spring loaded mechanism that changes the position of the sword that will make the pirate pop out every time, so it is entirely a game of chance. The manufacturer recommends it for ages 4 and up, but we've played it with the Tiny Toy Reviewers since they were old enough to push the swords into the little slots (around age 2, with some help to make sure the sword goes all the way in).

Why is Pop Up Pirate such a great game?

The wonderful thing about Pop Up Pirate is that it is competitive, simple and winning is entirely down to chance. Even the youngest members of the family can join in (you can play with up to 4 players), but the competitive element means that the adults in the family will get stuck into the game too and really enjoy themselves. It's strangely tense and exciting sticking the little plastic swords in and wondering if the pirate is about to jump out, and results in a lot of shrieks and giggles all round.

The game stands up to repeated playing without getting boring, and comes out regularly when we want a fun family activity. It's quick to set up and a single game doesn't last long, so it is a good way to occupy a free 10 minutes before bedtime. We prefer to play by the rule of "whoever makes the pirate pop, wins" and this game has been a good way to teach Tiny Toy Reviewer #1 about not being a bad loser. We're currently using it to help reinforce Tiny Toy Reviewer #2 knowledge of colours, as it comes with different coloured swords.

Are there any bad points?

I found the stickers that came with the game a bit pointless, as they don't stick on very well. Also, the barrel doesn't actually attach to the plastic base so you have to hold it in place as you slide the swords in. But it's a minor niggle.

Verdict

Pop Up Pirate is a simple, well designed and hugely enjoyable game that should be part of any family's toy collection. And bonus points for not requiring batteries.