Catan is a boardgame, but not like Monopoly – it’s actually fun and requires real strategy! Originally from Germany, it soon gained worldwide popularity and is still in the all-time top 50 at BoardGameGeek due to it’s simple gameplay and ease of accessibility for new players. It’s also seen a number of computer game releases – an obscure Dutch version, numerous online Java versions, Playstation, and has more recently been brought to the gaming masses on the Xbox Live service last year – which is by far the best implementation of the game yet.

The game itself is about collecting resources, building cities, and trading. Each turn 2 dice are rolled to see which resources are produced; the most sought after building spaces are around resources with 6 and 8 which are rolled often. The most commonly rolled number is the 7 though, at which point you move a robber piece and around and get to steal one card from someone as well as block production of one resource tile. That’s the only chance in the game, really. On your own turn you use your collected resources to either build a road, build a town, upgrade a town to a city, or buy a card. It’s simple to get into, but working out your winning strategies is going to take a long time.

That’s basically it. There’s nothing special in the DS version with regards to extra touch pen features. The game does add in a few variation rules in campaign mode – like first to build on a harbor spot gets bonus points, but nothing that really changes the basic strategies. The graphics aren’t amazing, but they’re not bad either. It’s all rather functional, as it should be.

For new players, I’d really recommend checking the game out if you’re looking for something a little more mentally stimulating than your average DS game, and I think you’ll find it to be really rewarding. Catan was the first Eurogame I played and it’s a real gateway drug – soon you’ll be seeking out other German boardgames, growing a beard and starting a regularly weekly gaming night.

For advanced players, Catan DS includes the Seafarers expansion (noticeably lacking from the Xbox Live version). The A.I. gives a good game, but no doubt multiplayer will be better for those with fellow geek friends.

Tactics:

Choosing your starting towns is pretty much the most important move of the game. Look over the resources and their numbers carefully – see which are likely to be in demand more than others. If you can secure a good supply of an in-demand resource then you can trade them to other players for a premium. This works better with real players as the A.I. doesn’t seem to go for paying a premium very much.

Try to develop a solid strategy from the start. Choosing your towns locations last is best for this, as it allows you to play both your towns at once to match your strategy. Look at what is left that is good and choose your strategy from that. Are there two good places next to stone and wheat? Choose those and you’ll get an early headstart by being the first with upgraded cities. If you have some sheep in there too, even better to win through development card dominance. Don’t underestimate the power of the development cards – I have won games with only two cities (only 4 points on their own) but with lots of points from cards and largest army.

Though the DS version is unavailable in the US right now, you might be interested in supporting this soon to be unemployed Ninja by purchasing the REAL boardgame of Catan instead, from Amazon US or Amazon Japan. Thanks!