Settlers of Catan

Settlers of Catan is a game where each player has just landed on a new island called Catan and each is looking to expand to become the largest “nation” of Catan. This is achieved by collecting resources by dice rolls and trading with other players to get the resources needed to build a settlement, a city, a road, or a development card (which can be useful in the later game). Settlers of Catan involves skill in both expansion and negotiation. Each player starts by placing two settlements on the map and when a number is rolled on a resource that is adjacent to one of their settlements that player collects the appropriate resource. The point of the game is to achieve 10 Victory Points by expanding your “nation” (Settlement = 1VP, City = 2VP, Longest Road = 2VP, and Largest Army = 2VP). The first player to do so wins!

I want to play this game over and over! It's addictive, fun, and just a good time with friends!

Just a warning to those reading this review that a few people I have talked to think Settlers is overwhelming and too much thinking, but their preference is more into party games, quicker with less thinking required. This game is kind of like Monopoly. It takes a few hours, requires thinking, but overall a lot more fun, challenging and addictive. The competition for space and the ability to trade with players gives it a more cutthroat edge. It is overwhelming at first, but people I've played with learn it after the first try and love it!

I love this game. I have played it numerous times at the homres of my friends. However, when I went to purchase it I was shocked at the price of the game. Although I enjoy playing this game a price tag ranging from $42-$59 (range of prices I have found) is excessive. I realize this is what the game goes for, but considering the accessories that come with the box, it is unrealistic. I will continue to play the game at others homes but will refrain from purchasing the game myself. I find this disappointing.

You say the name and people comment, what? Never heard of it. Play it once and fall in love. My brother introduced the game to my husband and I a couple of years back. It is a rival to the best video games on the market. This board game never gets boring. You can play it for hours and hours. The expansion packs are okay, but not necessary. If you liked this game you might also like Carcassonne. We bought the big box edition (all the expansions.) When friends come over for board games and look through our 30+ collection. It always comes down to Catan or Carcassonne.