Review: Catan (XBLA)

Catan is the perfect strategy game in a small package: challenging, fun and relaxing

Pros: superb strategy game; two attractive skins; decent AI
Cons: some may find it a bit slow; broken lobby; could do with camera support; broken achivements

Achievements: Medium

I have been waiting for Catan to be released for some time. As a keen game player, of both video and board games, the prospect of board game I could play online with friends was very appealing. Catan delivers on the promise and is a challenging, fun and relaxing way to spend some time with friends on XBLA.

The game plays like a simplified version of Civilization with elements of Risk mixed in. Four players battle for control of resources on the island of Catan in a race to become the first to achieve 10 victory points. Victory points can be gained in a variety of ways, which results in there being a number of competing strategies that can be employed to gain victory. The balance between the strategies is absolutely perfect.

The game's presentation is clean and refined, with some mellow music and a choice of graphical textures: classic board game or 3D World.

At 800M$ Catan is great value for money as there is hours of gameplay to be had, whether playing with friends, or vs the AI for achievements. Catan is the perfect strategy game in a small package: challenging, fun and relaxing.

9/10