Comments on: The Settlers of Catan http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/ Between Two Worlds Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:31:29 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Matt Stephens http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53739 Matt Stephens Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:37:40 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53739 Best board game in the recent history of board games. Once the basic version gets too boring or predictable, the Cities & Knights expansion takes the strategy & fun several levels higher. Don't bother with Seafarers. Best board game in the recent history of board games. Once the basic version gets too boring or predictable, the Cities & Knights expansion takes the strategy & fun several levels higher. Don’t bother with Seafarers.

]]> By: Mitch http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53545 Mitch Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:34:44 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53545 Settlers is actually the flagship of a whole genre of games known as German games, which promote indirect competition, and usually allow each player to participate at every point in the game (rather than waiting for their turn). Other good ones include Puerto Rico and Carcassonne. My only complaint is that they are far too expensive ($40 for the base set), and their expansions get crazy expensive ($240 for all Catan Extensions and Expansions). Settlers is actually the flagship of a whole genre of games known as German games, which promote indirect competition, and usually allow each player to participate at every point in the game (rather than waiting for their turn). Other good ones include Puerto Rico and Carcassonne. My only complaint is that they are far too expensive ($40 for the base set), and their expansions get crazy expensive ($240 for all Catan Extensions and Expansions).

]]> By: Chris Funkhouser http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53492 Chris Funkhouser Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:56:12 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53492 There is actually a version called "Settlers of Canaan" that is fun based on the original Catan, designed by some friends of mine. It is a bit of a mix between monopoly and Risk. It is a little easier to set up and get going on than Catan, but it has a static game board that cannot be changed each game like Catan. Check it out at http://www.cactusgamedesign.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=32 There is actually a version called “Settlers of Canaan” that is fun based on the original Catan, designed by some friends of mine. It is a bit of a mix between monopoly and Risk. It is a little easier to set up and get going on than Catan, but it has a static game board that cannot be changed each game like Catan. Check it out at http://www.cactusgamedesign.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=32

]]> By: Tim Costine http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53483 Tim Costine Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:10:16 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53483 I LOVE this game. a friend of my wife's introduced it to us and we love it! We're always looking for couples to play it with and even though the game says its for 3-4 players, you can still do it with two. the strategy changes because its quicker, and you can play a game in about 30 minutes, including set up time. The best thing I like about the game is that the board is always changing, so strategy is always changing. many different ways to win and its always a fun time. Perfect mix of strategy and luck. I LOVE this game. a friend of my wife’s introduced it to us and we love it! We’re always looking for couples to play it with and even though the game says its for 3-4 players, you can still do it with two. the strategy changes because its quicker, and you can play a game in about 30 minutes, including set up time.

The best thing I like about the game is that the board is always changing, so strategy is always changing. many different ways to win and its always a fun time. Perfect mix of strategy and luck.

]]> By: Heather http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53450 Heather Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:24:08 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53450 Not a favourite here. Why is it that new games are designed for 4 players? (unless you buy the expansion set). We have a family of five. In general we've found it to be dull and uncompetetive. Not a favourite here. Why is it that new games are designed for 4 players? (unless you buy the expansion set). We have a family of five. In general we’ve found it to be dull and uncompetetive.

]]> By: Matt Foreman http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53438 Matt Foreman Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:43:33 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53438 Some friends introduced my wife and me to Settlers about 7 years ago. Along with its expansion versions, it's become one of our favorite games to play. Definitely worth it. It holds your interest without dominating your interest, so it's competitive but also good for hanging out with friends. Some friends introduced my wife and me to Settlers about 7 years ago. Along with its expansion versions, it’s become one of our favorite games to play. Definitely worth it. It holds your interest without dominating your interest, so it’s competitive but also good for hanging out with friends.

]]> By: Jason Cheung http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53430 Jason Cheung Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:06:40 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53430 Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun!

]]> By: Brian Current http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53424 Brian Current Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:33:44 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53424 Never heard of it. Now, planning to get it. I would be willing to bet that most if not all that see this post and are involved in (missional) community groups will be getting this game! LOL. Sounds much more fun and relational than "poker night" or "movie night." Never heard of it. Now, planning to get it.

I would be willing to bet that most if not all that see this post and are involved in (missional) community groups will be getting this game! LOL. Sounds much more fun and relational than “poker night” or “movie night.”

]]> By: Marit http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53422 Marit Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:15:23 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53422 I cannot play Settlers with a lot of people, the game brings out the worst of me. But a lot of my friend likes it. I prefer the Ticket to Ride games, you can use different strategies there depending on what you like and still win. I cannot play Settlers with a lot of people, the game brings out the worst of me. But a lot of my friend likes it. I prefer the Ticket to Ride games, you can use different strategies there depending on what you like and still win.

]]> By: Daryl Little http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53420 Daryl Little Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:48:20 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53420 I've only played it a couple of times, and never really liked it much. The main reason is that inevitably you start out with experienced players and, as has already been mentioned, if you start out behind, you're done. It's tough to enjoy a game that you have no chance at from your 5th turn. Having said that, it is an intriging game which would probably be a blast if you started out with other starter-outers. I’ve only played it a couple of times, and never really liked it much. The main reason is that inevitably you start out with experienced players and, as has already been mentioned, if you start out behind, you’re done.

It’s tough to enjoy a game that you have no chance at from your 5th turn.

Having said that, it is an intriging game which would probably be a blast if you started out with other starter-outers.

]]> By: Paul Butterworth http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53419 Paul Butterworth Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:34:30 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53419 I have Catan and two expansions for it. Many wonderful late nights have been spent playing it. I stole a tradition from a friend of mine. Each game winner signs and dates the top of the box. Our "Louisville Catan Tour" is starting to rack up a good amount of names. I have Catan and two expansions for it. Many wonderful late nights have been spent playing it.

I stole a tradition from a friend of mine. Each game winner signs and dates the top of the box. Our “Louisville Catan Tour” is starting to rack up a good amount of names.

]]> By: Sam H http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53417 Sam H Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:17:27 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53417 Have played it several times, and found it different each time played, and with the various extensions to the playing board, more variety was added. Am trying to find it in excellent shape used... Have played it several times, and found it different each time played, and with the various extensions to the playing board, more variety was added. Am trying to find it in excellent shape used…

]]> By: threegirldad http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53410 threegirldad Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:41:14 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53410 <em>Maybe I should have changed the question: anybody out there besides me who has</em> not <em>played it?</em> Never even heard of it -- or any of the similar ones being mentioned. Maybe I should have changed the question: anybody out there besides me who has not played it?

Never even heard of it — or any of the similar ones being mentioned.

]]> By: Jo Charles http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53408 Jo Charles Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:24:44 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53408 Absolutely. We are a missionary family of 6 (4 kids 13,11,9 and7) living in Chile, and Catan (along with Carcasonne, Puerto Rico, Ticket to Ride and Alhambra) is one of our favourites. Great option for family time, and a lot of these games don't need English language so are good for sharing with non-English speaking friends. Great for character-building too!! Absolutely. We are a missionary family of 6 (4 kids 13,11,9 and7) living in Chile, and Catan (along with Carcasonne, Puerto Rico, Ticket to Ride and Alhambra) is one of our favourites. Great option for family time, and a lot of these games don’t need English language so are good for sharing with non-English speaking friends. Great for character-building too!!

]]> By: MatthewS http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53407 MatthewS Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:10:41 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53407 This is my first post here. IMO, Settlers is a fine game and an introduction into a whole genre of games ("German board games"). I think sharing life together, around a dinner table, laughing, talking, eating, playing can be a very community-building, body-building exercise. A game like this can be a catalyst for such time together. "Puerto Rico" is better, to my taste. It moves along and you don't know until the final revelation who is actually the winner. In Settlers, sometimes you can get locked out and the rest of the game will crawl by. Puerto keeps everyone in the game and allows for a little more conversation and I think it is a little easier to learn but that is totally subjective. If there is value in playing together with friends, and I believe there is, then these games will help encourage time well-spent. This is my first post here.

IMO, Settlers is a fine game and an introduction into a whole genre of games (“German board games”). I think sharing life together, around a dinner table, laughing, talking, eating, playing can be a very community-building, body-building exercise. A game like this can be a catalyst for such time together.

“Puerto Rico” is better, to my taste. It moves along and you don’t know until the final revelation who is actually the winner. In Settlers, sometimes you can get locked out and the rest of the game will crawl by. Puerto keeps everyone in the game and allows for a little more conversation and I think it is a little easier to learn but that is totally subjective. If there is value in playing together with friends, and I believe there is, then these games will help encourage time well-spent.

]]> By: Niles http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53406 Niles Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:01:16 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53406 SoC, that is. See, when I try to sound all "in", I completely flounder on the cool abbreviations. SoC, that is. See, when I try to sound all “in”, I completely flounder on the cool abbreviations.

]]> By: Niles http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53405 Niles Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:57:45 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53405 My best SoK story is the time that I was playing with my brother and his wife. It was getting pretty competitive. They then proceeded to drill me about perseverance of the saints whilst I was planning my next moves. I'm not sure if that was some weird distraction or what. But I all of a sudden cared more about the coversation that the game. I hope I succeeded at both. My best SoK story is the time that I was playing with my brother and his wife. It was getting pretty competitive. They then proceeded to drill me about perseverance of the saints whilst I was planning my next moves. I’m not sure if that was some weird distraction or what. But I all of a sudden cared more about the coversation that the game. I hope I succeeded at both.

]]> By: kevin http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53404 kevin Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:34:29 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53404 Settlers is a great "gateway" game. Once you learn it, then you want to get the expansion "Cities and Knights." Then you should learn all the other great Euro-games: Puerto Rico, Agricola, Power Grid, Caylus, etc. Generally speaking, the best games are ones that don't have dice :) Settlers is a great “gateway” game.
Once you learn it, then you want to get the expansion “Cities and Knights.”
Then you should learn all the other great Euro-games:
Puerto Rico, Agricola, Power Grid, Caylus, etc.

Generally speaking, the best games are ones that don’t have dice :)

]]> By: Matthaeus Flexibilis http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53403 Matthaeus Flexibilis Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:08:37 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53403 I have this and the expansion Seafarers of Catan. I like it a lot. The only problem is that my wife doesn't because it takes too long to setup and explain unless everyone knows (and remembers!) how to play. Nominally it can take 45-90 minutes, but IME it usually goes to 2 to 5(!) hours unless everyone is recent player. I have this and the expansion Seafarers of Catan. I like it a lot. The only problem is that my wife doesn’t because it takes too long to setup and explain unless everyone knows (and remembers!) how to play. Nominally it can take 45-90 minutes, but IME it usually goes to 2 to 5(!) hours unless everyone is recent player.

]]> By: John http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53401 John Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:50:54 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53401 There is a whole world of truly enjoyable board games out there, and Settlers of Catan is one of the best of them. Try Ticket To Ride as well. I absolutely recommend the game. There is a whole world of truly enjoyable board games out there, and Settlers of Catan is one of the best of them. Try Ticket To Ride as well. I absolutely recommend the game.

]]> By: Stephanie http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53400 Stephanie Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:39:03 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53400 JT, I've never heard of the game, much less played it. So you aren't alone! My oldest kids are 8 and 6 - are they old enough to play with my husband and me? JT, I’ve never heard of the game, much less played it. So you aren’t alone!

My oldest kids are 8 and 6 – are they old enough to play with my husband and me?

]]> By: Jeffrey J. Stables http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53397 Jeffrey J. Stables Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:21:58 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53397 Yes, I recommend this game. I started playing with college roommates and soon bought the game myself. If you want a simpler and potentially shorter game similar in concept (but different enough to warrant owning both), I also recommend Carcassonne. Yes, I recommend this game. I started playing with college roommates and soon bought the game myself. If you want a simpler and potentially shorter game similar in concept (but different enough to warrant owning both), I also recommend Carcassonne.

]]> By: Mark http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53396 Mark Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:15:56 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53396 Can't believe no-one has mentioned the train game yet, best entry boardgame ever! Can’t believe no-one has mentioned the train game yet, best entry boardgame ever!

]]> By: Matt Heltzel http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53393 Matt Heltzel Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:56:21 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53393 The game has taken off just down the road from you at Moody. Very popular here. If you buy it, get cities and knights expansion with it... You won't regret it. The game has taken off just down the road from you at Moody. Very popular here. If you buy it, get cities and knights expansion with it… You won’t regret it.

]]> By: Justin Taylor http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/08/the-settlers-of-catan/#comment-53381 Justin Taylor Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:34:57 +0000 http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/?p=6541#comment-53381 Maybe I should have changed the question: anybody out there besides me who has <i>not</i> played it? Maybe I should have changed the question: anybody out there besides me who has not played it?

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