When I bought the game it was easy to get the hang of, and was really enjoyable. Working out how best to build your roads and which goods to start near also proved . I haven't played with the expansions, but after a while it does get a bit easy to work out what people are going to build through what they try to trade for.

As a stand alone game its really enjoyable, and is fun to play now and again, but after 10+ games you pretty much know what to expect.

(Posted on 11/12/12)

Settlers of Catan is one of those games that is easy to pick up but difficult to win everytime. Three to four players will spend turns gathering resources, building roads/settlements/towns and trading with each other.

There is lots of player interaction in the form of resource trading and lots of replayability due to the random layout of the board.

If the game does become stale then there are many expansions available that allow for additional players or new mechanics such as boats.

A true classic that will never get old.

Score 10/10

(Posted on 16/11/12)

The Settlers of Catan provides a next level gaming experience for the whole family, it is accessible for all ages and interests and still contains a good element of luck to have you excited and deflated within a matter of turns.
The rules are simple enough to teach to all players as you progress through the game, however the gameplay contains more strategy then your stock games on the market, players are required to decide which resources are priority and what odds the you are of getting these resources when placing there settlement making the start of the game critical.
As far as replayability goes this game is like no other i have seen before due to the creation of the map you will never have the same map twice. Also i found when i first played the game wheat was a critical resource so the next game i set up so i would have plenty of wheat, starved of lumber i finished dead last, your strategy requires refreshing for every map you rarely win with the same strategy.
The dice make the game great for casual gamers and hard core gamers as it allows the casual gamer to get a lucky break and crush the hard core gamer leaving him wanting more next time he plays.
All and all the game is the perfect step up from your boring stock standard games and introduces many players into a love of strategy and civilisation games

(Posted on 23/10/12)

The Settlers of Catan has quickly become a favourite amongst family and friends. It is, quite simply, a wonderful interactive experience and I'd advise anyone reading this review to just go ahead and buy it - money well spent.

It has the same feel as Monopoly without the "here we go again" cyclical movement round and round. And that feeling in monopoly when you land on a hotel is here too... in the form of a robber who can disrupt production of resources or empty your hand (ruining your plans). This nasty fellow doesn't move about by himself though... the players decide who he targets each time he's activated.

Player interaction is essential to the game, with strategic trading, surprise events and the ability to 'block' others from achieving their goals. This interaction is really ramped up in the expansion Cities and Knights, which I must recommend for anyone who enjoys the core game (along with Seafarers, which gives you more variety in terms of map setup).

It is worth mentioning that Catan is not really suitable for 2 players, despite the printed 2 player variant (which introduces an imaginary third player). 3+ players is the best way to experience the game (4 feels ideal). For a good 2 player version try Rivals for Catan - same game but made for two.

(Posted on 11/10/12)

I now consider myself a fairly serious gamer these days but I still feel like Settlers of Catan was the game that started it all for me. I have introduced this game to countless friends and not one has ever left the table without proclaiming their love for Catan.

Its the perfect level of strategy that allows for creative play styles and out of nowhere victories.

(Posted on 9/10/12)

I have introduced many games to friends and family who have only ever played the old classics such monopoly, cluedo and many other similar games. This is always the one which I start with and am asked time and time again to get back out of the games cupboard to play with them again.

The thing I love is that no two games I have played are ever the same, with one way being that the map is always randomly setup (apart from the pre-built scenarios). It always seems to add a breath of fresh air, and there is so many ways in which to change up each game so that it doesn't get old.

This games is one of my family and friends all time favourites and is one that we will keep playing for years to come. This is one which I believe should be a must in your games collection.

(Posted on 3/06/12)

The Settlers of Catan has all the makings of a classic. The gameplay is simple enough that you will learn the game within the first couple of turns, but has enough room for strategy that you'll want to play it over and over trying different styles each time. I love the fact that the board is randomised every game, and the fact that the game is balanced by the alternating of town placement so that you are not considerably advantaged going first or last.

This game is very polished, and this is no doubt down to the fact that it is now in its fourth edition. The game also has that awesome family feel that you often get in other family games such as "Monopoly", especially when trading with others. You'll soon find yourself trying to bluff other players into swapping their wood for wool or ore for brick, trying to gain enough to buy a city or development card and hoping that the dreaded 7 won't come up meaning you'll lose half your resources!

Probably one of the most ingenious systems in the game, despite there only be 5 resources, is that as the game progresses you will need to use all of the resources. You'll find wood and brick are especially important early on in the game, but not necessarily as essential towards the end of the game. The addition of bonuses for longest road and largest army make for another level of strategy. This game is full of depth, and with the large number of expansions now available, "The Settlers of Catan" never gets old!

(Posted on 23/05/12)

Settlers of Catan is an iconic board game, and with good reason. It might seem a bit complicated at first, but once you understand the concept of resources and production, you get quite involved in strategizing. It actually isn't that difficult-- my seven-year-old nephew plays it, and plays it well.

One of the things I love most about Settlers is its replay value. The map changes every time, so new strategies are required every game. There are many ways to win. You could ensure balanced production of all resources, focus on a few and bank on trading or harbors, or sprint for the Longest Road and Largest Army. I try to play it a different way each time. Trading features heavily in the game, which makes it less competitive and more cooperative... at least for the beginning stages of the game.

Overall, a solid addition to your board game collection. The expansions (notably Cities and Knights) also add quite a bit more complexity to it once you've got the basics down.

(Posted on 17/04/12)

This is a great game, primarily because everyone is involved no matter whose turn it is. When it's your turn, it's time to trade, expand, and build an army. When it's not your turn you can still trade with the player who is at play and it's important to think ahead because your next turn will come around quick, even with 4 players.
Pretty easy to learn and great fun as you're in the game until the end. The trading system makes for a heated game. Relationships will be tested!

(Posted on 6/04/12)

A great game suitable for the whole family. Fairly simple to learn and lots of fun to play. Settlers is a favorite among many board game enthusiasts. I would definitely recommend also purchasing the expansions & add-ons to make the game a little more refined and allow more people to play. While at times it an be lots of fun to play, it also has it's times of frustrations. Winning the game requires the combination of some key placements of your settlements, a good overall strategy and a little bit of luck to go with it...
Definitely a fun game to play with your friends and family...

(Posted on 8/01/12)