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The Settlers of Catan
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Brand | Mayfair Games |
Material | Cardboard |
Theme | Strategy |
Genre | Strategy |
Number of Players | 4 |
About this item
- Players: 3-4, Time To Play: 90 Minutes
- Dimensions: 9.25" H x 11.5" W x 3" D, Ship Weight: 2.098 pounds
- The Settlers of Catan is fun, easy to learn, and keeps advanced players on their toes
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 3.12 x 11.62 x 9.38 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 3 pounds |
ASIN | B000W7JWUA |
Item model number | MFG3061 |
National Stock Number | 7820-01-628-9433 |
Manufacturer recommended age | 10 - 14 years |
Best Sellers Rank | #116,679 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games) #3,738 in Board Games (Toys & Games) |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Release date | November 8, 2007 |
Manufacturer | Mayfair Games |
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Product Description
Product Description
How fast can you match? That's the key to BLINK. Shape, count, or color - any way you can match it, do it fast to get rid of your cards. You need a sharp eye and a fast hand to win this lightning-fast game! Play all your cards to win Rapid-fire matching action Great travel game, too Includes 60 symbol cards and instructions for regular and quick play.
Amazon.com
The Settlers of Catan from Mayfair Games is an award-winning strategy game where players collect resources and use them to build roads, settlements and cities on their way to victory. The board itself is variable, making each game a little different from the next. Each round of The Settlers of Catan is intended to keep three or four players ages 10 and above engaged for up to 90 minutes.
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The game map changes every time for an endless variety of play. View larger.
Settlers of Catan engages both children and adults, garnering best-seller status in both Germany and the US. View larger. What We Think
Fun Factor:
Durability:
(what this means)
The Good: Engaging strategy game that's different each time you play
The Bad: Requires three or four players
In a Nutshell: The Settlers of Catan is fun, easy to learn, and keeps advanced players on their toes At a Glance
Ages: 10 and up
Requires: Three or four players
On the Road to Settlement
The game rules and almanac booklet sets out four pages of guidelines for getting started. Don't worry, the rules are straightforward and the four pages include plenty of illustrations. There's a starting map that shows a well-balanced set-up for beginners to follow and directions that allow more advanced players to lay out the map of the island at random. You'll have to pop the die-cut components of the game out of their cardboard holders before you play your first game.
The almanac portion of the booklet is laid out alphabetically, so while playing you can find answers to specific questions quickly. Useful entries remind you exactly what role pieces like the robber play, how actions like maritime trade work, and how to set up the board or finish the game.
Exploring and Developing Catan
The board consists of 19 terrain hexes surrounded by the ocean. Each type of terrain produces a different type of resource: brick, wool, ore, grain or lumber. There's also a desert hex that produces no resources. As the game progresses, players use resources to build roads along the edges of these hexes and settlements or cities on the intersections where three hexes meet. Each player begins the game with two settlements and two roads.
Each player's roll of the dice causes certain hexes to produce resources, which you collect if you have a settlement on one of them. On your turn, you'll use various combinations of the resources you've acquired to build new roads and settlements, upgrade settlements to cities, or purchase development cards. The ability to trade resources with other players adds a new level of strategy and ensures that the game includes lots of interaction between players. You can also trade without worrying about other players using an unfavorable maritime trade rate. Elements including a robber piece that lets you steal from other players and a variety of development cards add intrigue to the game.
The objective of The Settlers of Catan is to be the first one who collects 10 victory points. Each settlement is worth one victory point and each city is worth two victory points. You can also earn victory points by holding the "Longest Road" card, the "Largest Army" card, or special victory point development cards.
Best-Selling Game of the Year
It's easy to see why The Settlers of Catan has been recognized as a best-selling Game of the Year in both Germany and the U. S. We found this game to be fun and engaging for both children and adults, and the variable nature of the playing field really made us want to play again and again. When we started pausing to contemplate our opponents' strategy and factoring the probability of different dice rolls into our moves, the game sometimes took longer than expected, but we were so engrossed we didn't even notice until it was all over.
Due to the widespread popularity of the original game, several expansion sets (sold separately) are available that allow you to explore new aspects of the game or add more players. The only downside to this game is that you need to have either three or four players to play, so it's great that expansion sets are available that will allow you to add players.
What's in the Box
Six sea frame pieces, 19 terrain hexes, nine harbor pieces, 18 circular number tokens, 126 game cards, 16 cities, 20 settlements, 60 roads, two dice, a robber and a rules and almanac booklet.
From the Manufacturer
One of the most successful games of all time, Settlers of Catan is a trading and building game set in the mythical world of Catan. Players roll dice to determine which resources are generated each round and then must strategically trade those resources with other players to get what they need to build their settlements, cities, and roads. With multiple ways to gain victory points and a board that changes in every play, Settlers of Catan is a game that can be played hundreds of different ways. The base of a hugely successful franchise, with multiple engaging expansions, Settlers is the core game of many collections, and is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. For 3 to 4 players.
Important information
Legal Disclaimer
All pieces are included and all contents are in excellent condition. Box has light wear around the corners. Ships within 24 hours. T-80
What's in the box
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3:16
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Super competitive but slow enough to enjoy conversation.
Emily Philip
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HONEST board game review - Settlers of Catan
Leo and JT's Likes
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1:34
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Classic roll, trade, build, all while avoiding the robber
Sam
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CATAN Board Game Review With Family Of Five
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the content of the board game, saying it helps them learn the art of strategy. They also appreciate the customization, saying the board changes every game. Customers also say the game is fun, interesting, and easy to play for all players. They mention that the rules are simple to learn and not overly complicated. Customers appreciate the value of the game. However, some customers have reported issues with the fit of the hexagon pieces.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the game fun, interesting, and enjoyable for all players. They also say the gameplay is novel and attractive, and the special rule adds a lot to the game. Overall, customers recommend the game as a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
"...Despite this great simplicity, there are several different paths to winning the game, with a variety of overlapping strategies...." Read more
"...Overall I am very pleased with the the quality and playability of the game, and we are enjoying playing it together as a family...." Read more
"...that add depth and variety, the base game itself provides a thoroughly enjoyable experience. A classic game that stands the test of time." Read more
"...Play time is generally about 1-1.5 hours. It is a great way to interact with friends and family members, alongside snacks, drinks and with a sports..." Read more
Customers find the rules of the board game really simple to learn. They say it takes a few minutes to learn and a lifetime to master. Customers also appreciate the ease of mixing the game up, so it never gets old. They also mention that the concept of the game is simple, but with a fun group you can liven up the game. Overall, customers find the game to be easy to pick up and play.
"...time I read about it, it is touted as a very good game, with a simple rule set but engaging strategy...." Read more
"...The learning curve isn't that steep, but it takes a keen trader and strategist to come out on top...." Read more
"...the interlocking border is a welcome addition, and we had no trouble connecting the pieces...." Read more
"...The rule book covers all of the basics you'll need to know to start playing, and, after giving it a good read through, you should be ready to play,..." Read more
Customers like the value of the board game. They say it's worth the money, has great replay value, and is repayable.
"...Very Euro. It can be tricky to get everything back in the tray after unboxing, but when isn't it?..." Read more
"...It's not the cheapest game, but well worth the price.It should be noted that you need at least 3 but no more than 4 people to play...." Read more
"...We've owned this game for about a month now and it has excellent replay value because the board and starting positions can change every time...." Read more
"...So it is quite pricey with a price tag of about $40 for such a board game...." Read more
Customers find the board game offers remarkable variability from game to game. They say it's adaptable, and different every time they play. They also say the board is different each game, so there's no definite strategy that will always win. Customers also enjoy the fact that you can change the board with every game.
"...Play benefits from careful planning, but requires constant adaptation...." Read more
"...The game includes a "beginner" layout, with the game "hexes," dice roll markers, and even player starter positions in specific locations...." Read more
"...Another shining quality of this game is its variable setup...." Read more
"...Still, everyone's had fun with it and there are ways to adjust the game to make it suitable for kids to play too without hurt feelings...." Read more
Customers find the game play helps them learn the art of strategy, thinking ahead, and working with others. They say it teaches negotiating skills and the danger of going back on a promise. Customers also say the game is educational and fun, and rewards further study. They mention that it allows everyone to move towards winning without having to make fellow players. Customers say the board game forces the kids to really think about how they want to play the game, and builds their social skills.
"...board game which offers tons of fun, and is also a good way to teach basic economics...." Read more
"...The rules of Settlers are simple. Each island tile provides a resource: ore, clay, grain, sheep, or wood, and each tile has a number...." Read more
"...Resources are used to build settlements, upgrade settlements to cities, build roads, and buy development cards...." Read more
"...You have to adapt as the game progresses, which is a great lesson for life...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the board game. Some mention it's well made, while others say the board's construction is flimsy and the pieces can rip or tear if not treated carefully.
"...As for the rest of the usual stuff: attractive, durable and simple components. Very Euro...." Read more
"...The die cutting was slightly off so when assembled the board has a slight bow to it, making it difficult to fit all of the hexes inside...." Read more
"...A classic game that stands the test of time." Read more
"...cheap implementations of games and game components and this one looks solid if a bit retro." Read more
Customers are mixed about the number of players. Some mention that the game is excellent for 3-4 players, and most enjoyable with 4 players. However, others say that the base game requires 3 or 4 players, which is a bit annoying.
"...In my experience, this game is most enjoyable with 4 players (there is an extension set to allow 2 more players to play)...." Read more
"...The big con-side is that the game suggests a minimum of three players and a maximum of four players for the game without any expansion packs...." Read more
"...A great game for 3-4 people, be sure to pick up the expansion if you want to play 5-6...." Read more
"...The only downside (which isn't really a downside) is that it's only 3 or 4 players. Not 2, not 5...." Read more
Customers find the fit of the board game pieces to be poor. They mention that the pieces do not fit together very well, the hex pieces for the board don't quite fit flush in the frame, and the map pieces donot fit well on carpet. Some customers also report that the frame pieces don''t click together and the corners do not stick together.
"...assembled the board has a slight bow to it, making it difficult to fit all of the hexes inside...." Read more
"...The initial position is very important and bad choice at the beginning will drag out for an hour or two." Read more
"...little light "breaking in" straight out of the box, i.e. the border is a bit too small for all of the land tiles...." Read more
"...Everything is lined up perfectly. The game pieces are made of stained wood which is a nice touch...." Read more
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Despite it's towering role in the recent history of the hobby, among serious gamers, it's fashionable to proclaim Settlers of Catan to be overrated, or a fun but shallow offering. Also, among American gamers, there is a rising contempt for the occasionally anodyne themes of Eurogames, and Settlers is practically synonymous with the style.
Nevertheless, I feel that all these criticisms are misguided, and Settlers of Catan is a once-a-generation classic for a reason. For a number of reasons, actually, which I will outline for you here:
1. Balance
Settlers of Catan is shockingly balanced for a game that relies so heavily on dice. The secret sauce of Catan - and this is going to come up again - is the social dimension. In any game of four players, the ability to gang up on a leader ends up flattening out a lot of the randomness.
By the way, and this is a quick aside, Settlers of Catan should be played with four players. Fewer players throws off the balance and flow a little, and two is barely tenable. I've played with five and six players via the expansion, and it does as good a job as it could, but the truth is that four-player Catan is the way to go.
2. Accessibility
Part of the appeal of Eurogames is that they are designed for a more family-oriented market. Settlers of Catan has extremely simple rules that can be explained to a child, or a tipsy uncle. There are no adult or controversial themes that could alienate any audience I can think of (dice haters?). Nobody is eliminated, and the balancing that comes with the social dimension can keep the race interesting until the final turn. Games are of a manageable length, and they don't interfere with more casual conversations between players and non-players.
3. Depth
I flatly disagree that Settlers is a shallow game. It is true that it's simple, but complexity and depth are not the same things at all. Despite this great simplicity, there are several different paths to winning the game, with a variety of overlapping strategies. Play benefits from careful planning, but requires constant adaptation. And again, the social element adds as many layers as you and your fellow players bring to the game.
4. Fun
I've had a hard time finding a game that provokes the same kind of experience in players, hardcore or casual, young or old, whatever. The fact that it remains a horse race till the end, and so much of the game is trading and interacting, keeps it totally engaging for the duration. It succeeds at the rare accomplishment of actually facilitating human interaction between players. Very few of even the most lauded games in the hobby are able to promote the same kind of fun socializing, unless we're talking about actual party games (a genre which is probably underrated by many serious gamers, anyway).
All that being said...
Put together, these are the ingredients of a true classic. You could play it with parents and children at Thanksgiving, in a college dorm room, in the lunchroom in the right kind of corporate environment...to be honest, I've seen it played in all these places and more. You can learn it as a child and still enjoy it as an adult. It's balanced, nuanced, and painstakingly designed to be fun for everyone in the universe. It's a goddamn work of art, so bow down to Settlers of Catan!
As for the rest of the usual stuff: attractive, durable and simple components. Very Euro. It can be tricky to get everything back in the tray after unboxing, but when isn't it? The rules could be organized a little better, but if you look for it, you can derive an unambiguous ruling for pretty much whatever happens. Only once did we have to resolve a debate by consulting the online consensus (I forget what it was about, but I think I was wrong).
Any game collection is incomplete with it. For casual gamers, it should be a go-to for board game situations. For more devoted hobbyists, it simply needs to be studied and appreciated, and dusted off when you need to remember how good it is. It's the closest thing we've seen to chess in quite some time (I'm going to avoid hyperbole by refraining from specifying a time period, here).
The game arrived a week ago, and my wife and I, along with our 9 year old daughter, have played almost every day, some days multiple games per day. The game includes a "beginner" layout, with the game "hexes," dice roll markers, and even player starter positions in specific locations. This creates a very balanced game where each player has access to similar resources throughout the game. Playing with this layout makes it a lot easier for beginners to learn the rules and introduce some strategy without a lucky roll of the dice creating a huge gap. We played this way 3 or 4 times, then we switched to completely randomizing the layout according to the rules for subsequent games.
The game is won by earning 10 "victory" points. This can be reached by a combination of building and/or upgrading settlements, building roads, raising armies, and using development cards. Each activity requires spending a different combination of resource cards. Players have a chance of receiving resource cards upon each roll of the dice. Players may trade resource cards with the bank at ratios determined by settlement positions along the ocean, or may negotiate trade among each other. Numerous strategies may be employed determining where to place settlements, how to spend resources, and whether or not to trade with other players.
Quality of the game itself is great. The game board consists of 6 "border" pieces, 20 "hex" pieces, and 20 "tokens." All are made of very thick and durable cardboard, as are several game cards made of the same material. When the game arrived, all of those pieces were in sheets of perforated cardboard that needed to be punched out. The perforations were done properly and none of the pieces were torn or damaged during the punch-out process. Also included is the instructions, a promotional flyer for expansion sets, a deck of resource & development cards, wooden structure and road pieces, and a pair of standard 6 sided dice. I was surprised to see the wooden game pieces when most every game piece is made of plastic these days.
The only complaint I have quality wise is the cardboard border pieces. The die cutting was slightly off so when assembled the board has a slight bow to it, making it difficult to fit all of the hexes inside. Over time it seems to be "breaking in" and is becoming less and less of an issue. It could also be fixed with a razor knife to trim a few edges down to make it fit better. We've also already lost one of the small wooden road pieces, which isn't a quality issue, but it would be a great bonus if a few extra pieces were included.
Overall I am very pleased with the the quality and playability of the game, and we are enjoying playing it together as a family. I'm likely going to buy the 5-6 player expansion so we can play with more players when we have friends and family over. I highly recommend this game for anyone who wants a fun and challenging game.
Top reviews from other countries
The slightly tedious point is that it takes around 15 mins to set-up. Otherwise, it is good time pass for nearly an hour.
Don't worry about the fact that this is meant for 10+ years. My daughter is able to comfortably understand the game and play it fine. She needs to be explained from a scenario and what action to take for the first few times and then it is all good. The only drawback that I see for her playing is that she will not know the theory or reasons behind some of the moves but would be able to do them as a matter of observation or practice.
You begin the game by setting up the board, this part I always find the most interesting as as soon as I see the numbers placed on the terrain hexes I start thinking about where my first settlement placement will be.
From the get go this is a strategic game, how you play in your first few moves could determine the outcome of the game. There are various ways to develop your strategy too. Initially it all comes down to placing your settlement and the possible outcome of resources from that. After that it divides as to whether you want to maximise your resources gained, to get the longest road (two extra victory points) or the largest army (two extra victory points).
You can plan your strategy in advance but it is always changing. The person beside you could completely mess up your plan in one move and you must adapt and think how to still get what you want.
You spend a lot of time thinking and planning during this game, it is really easy to get lost in.
However you need to play with good friends, people who are not easily offended as a lot of humour and friendly arguments can manifest especially when placing the robber or trading. "I have two sheep to trade, does anyone have any wood for my sheep?", a completely innocent statement but of course it always gets laughs, sounds childish to some I guess but it can be really fun and funny.
Due to how the game is set up and because quite a lot of it does rely on chance you never end up playing the same game twice. How the resources are spread out is always varied and you will find early on you have an over-abundance of some and lack of others but this changes game to game generally.
Game time varies on the number of players, breaks and the time players take to make their decisions. I have found it to be roughly 1-1.5 hours for a short game and 2-4 hours for a long game. You never know who will win until the very end.
I love strategy games and Settlers of Catan was one of those rare gem's that truly is great fun. (Not as many family arguments as monopoly!)
Good Points : easy to learn/teach, family friendly, board set-up varied, strategic, engaging
Negative Points : IMO needs a timer for some people trading :)