"Settlers of Catan" (also know as Catan) was originally a multiplayer board game designed by Klaus Teuber and first published in Germany in 1995. "Catan" now has a new lease of life on the Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360.
Overview Catan is based on the best-selling board game "Settlers of Catan". The player is placed in the role of a colonist on a newly discovered island. Through skillful negotiation, 3 or 4 players compete to take control of each and every territory and the resources each are holds. The island itself is laid out randomly at the start of each game from hexagonal tiles of different land types. Numbered tokens are then placed on each of the tiles, except for one desert hex. The player is then allowed to choose where he would like to build 2 settlements. This is where the game gets interesting.
Downloadable Content Available:
"Theme" pack
"Mayfair" skin pack
"Generals" AI expansion pack
"Generals" Picture pack 1
"Generals" Picture pack 2
Game Features:
"Learn As You Play" Tutorial
"Xbox Live Leaderboards"
"Multiplayer 3-4" (Xbox Live Only)
"Downloadable Content"
"Achievements" - 12 worth 200 points
The "Learn As You Play" tutorial is a must for first time Settlers.
Gameplay - 8/10
Catan offers Single Player gaming against 3-4 computer opponents locally or 3-4 players via Xbox Live. Gameplay is turn-based but all users are paced against the clock with the addition of turn timers which are used to prevent individual players from delaying the game. Easy to learn but hard to master. While playing "Catan" on Xbox Live or Offline you may notice that all characters can display emotions at anytime, towards anyone in the game.. This is a simple but great feature particularly when playing online and you want to get your mood accross. Overall the gameplay is just fun and simple to use. You wil find yourself trapped for hours playing Catan when you never thought you would.
Graphics - 8/10
The graphic in "Catan" are excellent and look great viewing on a High Definition Display but I have read that text can be a concern for those users who are using a standard definition display. With support for both HD and SD television's Catan is a what you see is what you get type of game. It's easy to use interface and simple but effective design make the game even more enjoyable. Dont forget "Catan" is a board game.
Sound - 7/10
The sound for "Catan" is nicely done with a variety of sound effect which will make the game just that little bit more fun. Ambient background music is constantly on loop which can get a bit boring but never fear, you can always run your own Custom MP3 Soundtracks from your Xbox 360 HDD or stream them over your network if it ever gets too much. Different sound effects will popup as you play the game and use the different features. Not too shabby.
Overall - 9/10
I highly recommend "Catan" to any Xbox 360 user young or old since it is really just a fun and enjoyable game. With it's simple yet very effect gameplay you will find yourself wanting to play for minutes but finding yourself still playing hours later. For 800 MS points "Catan" is a must for those xbox 360 users with a younger family.
Achievement Hunters note that it wont exactly be a easy 200 but its definately possible.. Just keep your settlers building guys.. see you all online.
More Reviews Available From:
Catan Achievements (12)
There are 12 achievements with a total of 200 points available
Villager of Catan Collect 25 Victory Points as you play Catan; points are tracked across games.
Do you have what it takes to unearth the secrets of this fast-paced action puzzler that is sweeping the gaming world? Quick reflexes and pattern-solving strategy will serve you well as you rotate the ..
Live Chat: 10 |
Guests: 901 |
forahobby
- May 2, 2007
- May 3, 2007
- TBA
6.4
