Review of Freebooter's Fate Ocean Mat

Blurb from the publisher: 'Pirates fight it out in the sea!'

What you get: Your EUR 44,90 will buy you the Freebooter's Fate Ocean Mat, a 122 x 122 cm PVC gaming mat for Freebooter's Fate, the diceless, pirate-theme miniatures wargame from Werner Klocke. The mousepad quality mat has a thickness of almost 3 mm, and it is sold within a carton box. It depicts the sea from above in what are light blue and light green hues. Even though it is called the Ocean Mat, the imagery is reminiscent of the sea near Carribean islands, probably near shallow waters.

The strong points: Freebooter's Fate, pirates, boats and a sea mat. All these fit together like a glove for all the scenarios that relate to boats and naval skirmishes. There are no islands on the map, that's however what the Freebooter's Fate Islands or the Freebooter's Fate Jettys are for. I actually enjoy the customization possibilities that I get out of these products combined, instead of having to put up with a fixed map that I cannot alter.

The map is extremely pleasing to the eye. Even in the dead of winter, it makes me think of carefree summers next to the beach, never mind the onslaught between the opposing crews when I use it. The colours are calm and relaxing. The image is unique, without repetitions or patterns, something that makes it come alive. Owing to the colours and shadows, it can be used in two ways: either as deep sea water with a pleasing seabed, or as shallow waters where miniatures can actually walk on. It goes without saying that it can also be used as a backdrop for air combat above the sea, a combination of navy and aerial combat etc.

The weak points: There's nothing really wrong with the map itself. Some might complain about it not having rounded corners, which admittedly can make a mat look used after it sees minor action only. Others might complain about the the Freebooter's Fate logo in the corner; I find it rather inconspicuous, and unlikely to distract in case you are playing another game. Most miniature games use rectangular maps as opposed to square ones, so this might be an issue. Even having a map which depicts only the sea can be seen as restrictive. All this however are part of the mat's nature. They are all very clear before one decides to invest in it.

For me the product's biggest shortcoming is that the mat is not sold in a reusable plastic case with a zipper. It might not be that hard to procure one, yet until you do that, the mat's storage and transfer as not as easy as you would have liked them to be.

Conclusion: The Freebooter's Fate Ocean Mat is a solid choice not only for the game of the same name, but for every game that may require the backdrop of the pleasant sea. Taking its price and versatility into account, it is certain to see use on your gaming table irrespective of whether you are into fantasy piracy in the Atlantic, the Opium Wars in the Pacific or intense WWII naval combat anywhere on the globe.

For more info on the Freebooter's Fate Ocean Mat and Freebooter's Fate overall, visit the company's website at www.freebooterminiatures.de.

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