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Settlers of Catan is extremely addictive – there are not many games that you want to play several times in a day! I got this at Christmas for my family having had it recommended by a friend. It took a while to get the rules straight (there is a lengthy booklet) but it is definitely worth while. The real beauty is in the fact that every game is different due to the random board set up and there is a fantastic balance of luck and strategy with so many different tactics that can be pursued. The only shame is that it can only be played by 3 – 4 people. I am now coming back to buy the expansion set!
Rating: 9.5
Reviewed by:
jamiewilliams
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This is the best board game I have ever played!
It is easy to learn the rules and can be picked up quickly (I came second on my first attempt!). It’s a good mix of luck (rolling the dice) and strategy (collecting and spending resources). It is often a close game and can be won by any player. Young and old will like it and it’s a great family game.
The game usually lasts about 1 hour depending on how quickly people complete their turn and how many people are playing. It’s a 4 player game, but an expansion pack can be purchased to make it suitable for 6 players.
I recommend you buy this game.
Rating: 10.0
Reviewed by:
joeuk
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The game is easy to learn, encourages interaction through all the trading and the development cards allow for more varied routes to victory.
Some may hate the existence of dice and the resulting luck factor, though. Another point of caution is that the jigsaw-style board can be slightly bent, meaning that the tiled board doesn't fit snugly.
Allowing you to manage the probabilities, acquiring a 'portfolio' of numbers or just choosing more likely numbers, the game does reward skill over the long run but a run of unlucky rolls in the early game can leave a player cordoned off and practically eliminated from the game. This becomes a serious issue when playing with more folk.
Trading is such a large part of the game that the success of the game will depend more than usual upon the players. By forcing interaction, it can be ideal for a table that's usually short on table talk.
Personally, I've enjoyed the game repeatedly and consider the luck factor an inseperable element. A succession of horrible rolls is never fun, though.
Rating: 8.0
Reviewed by:
Bezman
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Introduced this game to my friends and they were hooked within hours. This game is fantastic, and very strategic, so no 2 games are ever the same as you can change your strategy from game to game. It's definitely for people who like to think and plan their moves, and with a competitive spirit as there's a certain element in the game that allows you not only to progress but to slow down your opponents by the use of the 'robber', which prevents them from gaining any resources.
This game can be played by 2-4 players but worry not, there is an expansion set that allows you to play up to 6 players if you so wish. Takes about 5 minutes to set up and game play can take around 1-1.5hours, depending on number of players. There is a trading element to the game as well so sharpen your bartering skills!
All in all, a totally recommended game!
Rating: 9.5
Reviewed by:
skeptical
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I loved Settlers of Catan from the first play and it quickly became a firm favourite in our house, my sister’s house and best friend’s house. Yes – we all have our own boards now so that we can play with other friends.
Never got on well with Citys and Knights, but I enjoyed the seafarers version.
However when my sister and I play online on games.Asobrain.com we always play on the standard board. Online play is quicker than on a board, but time saved is not as much as with Ticket to Ride (for example)
Saying that, it is always a pleasure to handle real wooden pieces and the combination of strategy and luck is just about right.
Rating: 9.0
Reviewed by:
bluekitecoach
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