Pirates Outlaws (Cross-platform, 2019)

Release date: Tuesday 5th March 2019

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, iOS

Published by: Fabled

Developed by: Fabled

Genres: Strategy, Roguelite, Deck-Building

Story Driveđź“– 1/20
Accessibility🚪 16/20
Depth🤿 11/20
Challengeđź’€ 16/20
Duration⌛ 15/20
Freedom🌎 11/20
Review Scores
3xABB
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 3
Given the inherently low scope of deck-building games, Pirates Outlaws doesn’t push any boundaries. It plays it safe, closely following in the footsteps of genre giants like Slay the Spire, aiming more for faithful imitation than innovation. While it executes the formula competently, it never really attempts to carve out its own identity, instead opting to align itself with established mechanics rather than introduce anything bold or ambitious.
The Flair: A
The card and sprite design is minimalistic yet charming, effectively serving the game’s pirate theme. Some cosmetic additions — like character skins — aren’t particularly necessary but add a bit of personality. On the UI and menus side, things feel slightly undercooked and, while not game-breaking, some lack of polish is noticeable. Meanwhile, the soundtrack is functional but limited, offering very few distinct tracks and doing just the bare minimum to set the mood. Overall, while nothing here particularly stands out, the art and presentation are decent enough to support the gameplay.
The Feel: B
If you’ve played other deck-building roguelites, you know exactly what to expect. Pirate Outlaws succeeds in capturing the roguelite addictive cycle of attempting new runs, experimenting with different builds, and striving to overcome difficult battles. However, the reliance on RNG is excessive, even by roguelite standards. While risk management is an integral part of the experience, the way certain mechanics, such as ammunition, turn order, and card draws, interact with one another can create situations where success or failure is dictated more by chance than by strategy. Despite this, the core gameplay remains enjoyable and consistently rewarding, even if occasional moments of frustration emerge.
The Fuel: B
A good variety of cards, heroes, and scenarios ensures the game doesn’t feel stale too quickly. The progression system — where you farm XP to unlock new content — is a strong hook, making each run feel like it contributes to long-term progress. However, the game mode variety leaves something to be desired. While the main mode is well-designed and engaging, the Arena mode feels incredibly lackluster — offering very little incentive to play it beyond sheer repetition. It may make sense as an “endless mode” for hardcore players, but its implementation is uninspired and too similar to the main game mode but with fewer engaging elements.
Good
76
Classic Score
Conclusions
Pirates Outlaws is a well-executed card-based roguelite, but one that follows the genre’s blueprint a little too closely. It delivers all the core elements expected from a deck-builder, making it a great entry point for newcomers while still offering enough depth to keep veterans engaged, even if luck sometimes overshadows strategy. If you’re looking for a competent, accessible roguelite deck-builder, Pirates Outlaws is a solid choice.
Pirates Outlaws
Pirates Outlaws (Cross-platform, 2019)
Badge Cabinet
Release date: Tuesday 5th March 2019
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, iOS
Published by: Fabled
Developed by: Fabled
Genres: Strategy, Roguelite, Deck-Building
Trait Chart
Story Drive đź“– 1/20
Accessibility 🚪 16/20
Depth 🤿 11/20
Challenge đź’€ 16/20
Duration ⌛ 15/20
Freedom 🌎 11/20
Review Scores
3xABB
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 3
Given the inherently low scope of deck-building games, Pirates Outlaws doesn’t push any boundaries. It plays it safe, closely following in the footsteps of genre giants like Slay the Spire, aiming more for faithful imitation than innovation. While it executes the formula competently, it never really attempts to carve out its own identity, instead opting to align itself with established mechanics rather than introduce anything bold or ambitious.
The Flair: A
The card and sprite design is minimalistic yet charming, effectively serving the game’s pirate theme. Some cosmetic additions — like character skins — aren’t particularly necessary but add a bit of personality. On the UI and menus side, things feel slightly undercooked and, while not game-breaking, some lack of polish is noticeable. Meanwhile, the soundtrack is functional but limited, offering very few distinct tracks and doing just the bare minimum to set the mood. Overall, while nothing here particularly stands out, the art and presentation are decent enough to support the gameplay.
The Feel: B
If you’ve played other deck-building roguelites, you know exactly what to expect. Pirate Outlaws succeeds in capturing the roguelite addictive cycle of attempting new runs, experimenting with different builds, and striving to overcome difficult battles. However, the reliance on RNG is excessive, even by roguelite standards. While risk management is an integral part of the experience, the way certain mechanics, such as ammunition, turn order, and card draws, interact with one another can create situations where success or failure is dictated more by chance than by strategy. Despite this, the core gameplay remains enjoyable and consistently rewarding, even if occasional moments of frustration emerge.
The Fuel: B
A good variety of cards, heroes, and scenarios ensures the game doesn’t feel stale too quickly. The progression system — where you farm XP to unlock new content — is a strong hook, making each run feel like it contributes to long-term progress. However, the game mode variety leaves something to be desired. While the main mode is well-designed and engaging, the Arena mode feels incredibly lackluster — offering very little incentive to play it beyond sheer repetition. It may make sense as an “endless mode” for hardcore players, but its implementation is uninspired and too similar to the main game mode but with fewer engaging elements.
Conclusions

Pirates Outlaws is a well-executed card-based roguelite, but one that follows the genre’s blueprint a little too closely. It delivers all the core elements expected from a deck-builder, making it a great entry point for newcomers while still offering enough depth to keep veterans engaged, even if luck sometimes overshadows strategy. If you’re looking for a competent, accessible roguelite deck-builder, Pirates Outlaws is a solid choice.

Good
76
Classic Score