Name:    La Versailles (France)

Card:    DJC #081 (Uncommon)

Points:  12

Masts: 2

Cargo: 2

Moves: S+S

Guns : 2L,2L

Hit %: 133 (S), 133 (L)

Ability: This ship's cannons may not be eliminated (masts still may be).

If derelict, she cannot shoot.

When I picked five 12-point ships at random to review this week, I kind of hoped a couple of them would be excellent. Positive reviews aren't quite as fun to write as negative ones, but I feel better after saying nice things. Sorry, but we can't end this week on a high note.

La Versailles isn't a bad ship at all. She's your basic support fighter with two good cannons and not much else; just add Captain and Helmsman, and go shoot somebody. But if that's what you want, Le Coeur de Lion has identical stats except for better cargo and a more useful ability, for only 7 points. Why does this one cost 12? Because WizKids thought her ability was worth way more than it is. On a four- or five-masted ship, maybe that's the case. But on a two-master, it only works if the enemy scores exactly one hit. Two or more, and it buys you nothing. So unless you can guarantee that this ship will face only enemies with two masts or less, and cannons that are 3-rank or worse, then you're throwing your points away.

La Versailles gets below-average ratings across the board. The first three ratings can be overlooked if the last one, value for points, is good. But it isn't. As I said, France has a slightly better ship for five points less, and those five points could let you add Le Pique or L'Intrepide to your fleet. The price of Versailles is too high.

Goldship rating: 2.7 / 5

Gun Ship rating: 2.8 / 5

Boarding rating: 2.5 / 5

Value for points: 2.6 / 5