Catan 5th edition

Instructions were easy to follow. It could be overwhelming at first because of the many different elements but things were smoothened out quickly after playing the first game. Variability of the board makes the game different every time and forces you to rethink strategies. Great fun.

I recently watched the documentary "Gamemaster" which got me interested to get Catan (once in for all). This is a good game for groups or families to get them introduced to table-top games.

It's been years since i last played boardgames; and this was the game that brought me back to loving everything about playing boards, cards, etc. Some say it's much like Monopoly in a different setting & with better replayability. But others will beg to disagree --that Catan is totally different & way better. Settlers of Catan is best played with 3 or more players (4 max for the base game; and allows 5-6 if you have the expansion).

It's been years since i last played boardgames; and this was the game that brought me back to loving everything about playing boards, cards, etc. Some say it's much like Monopoly in a different setting & with better replayability. But others will beg to disagree --that Catan is totally different & way better. Settlers of Catan is best played with 3 or more players (4 max for the base game; and allows 5-6 if you have the expansion).

People have described this game to me in the words of the title above. And after having played this game numerous times; and introducing it to my gaming friends (and even non-gaming friends), I am inclined to agree. Players take the role of a "colonizer" of sorts on an island made up of various hexagonal tiles of nice, durable cardstock. Players reap the island's resources to work towards building settlements and roads; and may also buy "discovery deck" cards that will grant them various benefits. There are several victory conditions that players may strive to achieve, and when you get enough of them you win! You can also score by building the longest road or the largest army: just beware the robber who steals resources! The game is very accessible, with simple rules and simple game play. There were never any situations where turn sequences got confusing, and there is even an online site which demonstrates the game. The rulebook itself is quite clearly-written; and even provides some strategy and tips. The game pieces themselves are very simply done, small wooden pieces of different colors; but they work (and look especially nice) when placed on the awesome hexagon - tiled board. All the cards and components are of excellent quality. I especially liked the player guide cards that help streamline game play. Games can get competitive, but players are also encouraged to trade resources. All in all, Settlers Of Catan is a superb "Gateway" game that will hook most gamers!