| Product: |
Settlers of Catan |
| Date: |
16/01/08 (29 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Great game of skill and luck
Disadvantages: don't be put-off by the intimidating list of rules!
I received the Settler's of Catan as a christmas present. I had only heard of it from German friends before and wasn't aware that there was an english version, but it is a hidden gem, very competitive and enjoyable.
At a first flick through the rule book, the game does seem rather complicated: the board can be different each time to vary game play, and there are many different rules that must be adhered to. We decided to try and muddle our way through after getting very confused trying to work out what to do, but it is really not as hard as it first seemed, and we soon picked up on what to do. With each play it has become more exciting and involving.
The game is a mixture of skill and luck, and does require forward planning. It is based around settling an island, and trying to gain more property using trade and the building up of resources which you gather through luck, and by where your settlements are placed.
The rule book is helpful in that it provides an example of a setup that is relatively even luck-wise for all players, which is a good place for beginners to start. We still haven't ventured away from this suggested set-up, but will do as soon as we become a bit more confident with the rules.
It is really a game that can be mastered, and you can make it as easy or hard as you like, and it is like a completely new game each time with no one strategy to win. The trading feature is nice, and it is not as cut-throat as some other board games, though one feature - the robber - can provide some cause for conflict!
I would recommend this game to anyone who likes boardgames! A booklet also came with the game featuring all the ways it can be extended - the possibilities seem endless. The basic game is for 4 players, and you can extend it so up to 5 or 6 can play, there is an extended sea addon also. There is even a space version if you want to try something completely new!
Summary: A good fun game for all the family - competitive, but not overly so!
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Last comments:
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- 17/01/08 Good start here. You confused us a bit here since you talk first about the rule book and such, and only later tell us the object of the game. I would also have hoped you could give us some more examples of what goes on in the game and why this is so fascinating to play. This sounds interesting and I really want to know much more about it. |
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- 16/01/08 This sounds really interesting, I would have loved it when I was younger. The only board game I had that was in any way interesting was 'Atmosfear,' and only because it had a video. |
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