Ratings are based on a 1 to 5 scale
1 being the worst.
3 is average.
5 is the highest rating.
Date Reviewed -
July 14, 2009
Cadet-Captain Mike
Name: La Monarca (Spain)
Card: RV #043 (Common)
Points: 8
Masts: 2
Cargo: 4
Moves: S+S+S
Guns : 5S,5S
Hit %: 33 (S), 0 (L)
Ability: Schooner. Once per turn, this ship may move
S after loading treasure.
The Revolution release was not kind to Spain, who
got only four ships, a fort, and a handful of crew.
But two of those four ships are usually ranked among
the top-ten best gold ships in the entire game, and
this is one of them.
Four cargo is good for a gold ship, S+S+S speed is
superb, and getting another S after loading is icing
on the cake. Paying only eight points for all this
is a stunningly good value. This schooner almost has
the worst cannons in the game (only a few
one-masters are more awful), but that does not
matter. This is nothing but a gold ship, and she is
very, very good at what she does.
The other Spanish super-gold ship from Revolution
was La Santa Isabel, which we've already reviewed
(El San Jose isn't bad, either). Maybe WizKids
thought Spain had enough good fighters from the
first two releases. Regardless, the RV release gave
Spain some world-class gold collectors. La Monarca
should be on every Spanish admiral's "A" list.
S+S+S speed is such a useful trait, to me it's
almost a sure sign that you should use such a ship.
It's even better when it's actually combined with
other useful traits.
Powers: In addition to the Schooner keyword, the La
Monarca gets to move an extra "S" after unloading
cargo.
Cargo Space: You actually get quite a few spaces
here: 4. The only crew you even need is an Explorer.
Masts: Fighting was already something La Monarca
should avoid, but having just two 5S cannons for
protection seals the deal.
Base Move: The best you can naturally get (that
isn't a Sea Dragon): S+S+S.
Point Value: You are getting an amazing deal for
just 8 points.
You are getting an incredible deal with La Monarca;
she's one of the best gold runners I've seen and her
only weakness is that she's not good in a fight, but
who sends gold runners into battle anyway?
