On Reflection

Further testing (read: abuse) of the online multiplayer mode has revealed this to have some serious longevity. There are few games that represent such an outstanding money:fun ratio. If you haven’t downloaded this… just do it.

The Score

Ever since Catan first arrived on Partnernet, Dave has tried to convince us that it’s not worth playing, let alone paying 800 points for. Still, we’ve never been one to take Dave’s advice to heart, so while he’s been playing Pro Evolution 6 tournaments we’ve been enjoying this rather superb strategy title.

Based on the popular board game, Settlers Of Catan, Catan is basically a resource management title that sees you trading five different resources and trying to build settlements, cities and roads. Once you’ve amassed ten points the game is won, but getting to that number requires patience, skill and a great amount of cunning.

While the computer provides a perfectly good challenge (at least on the moderate setting) Catan really comes alive (not literally of course) when you compete with three other opponents. As only a set amount of resources are available at any one time, alliances are quickly made and broken in order to ensure that you can build those much needed settlements.

If the idea of playing Catan causes your testicles to retract in horror, then we suggest you join Shaw on the likes of Pro Evo 6. If however, you like to play games where you can shout out phrases like “hey, I’ve got wood” and “Mr Lover man, Shaka” than Catan is definitely worth a purchase.

8 out of 10