My 3 1/2 year old son received this for Christmas and it got more play time than his big presents!The barrel doesn't sit perfect on the blue base, it doesn't keep it too still. That is my only complaint about this game. It gives the child just enough anticipation and then the pirate pops out of the barrel, but not too hard to where it flies far from the game. Its made of sturdy plastic.It did not come with formal directions, they are just on the box. Make sure the pirate is pushed down and turned or the same hole will release the pirate every time.I purchased this as birthday present as well because its a different and fun game for this age group.