Catlantis (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Catlantis is a board game released by Ravensburger in in 2019. It is a bluffing and card game that is suitable for 2 to 4 players, with a runtime of about 15 minutes. The game is designed for players aged 8 and above and features an auction/bidding mechanism.

Game Components of Catlantis

Mercat meeples: Color-coded meeples representing each player.

Fur Order cards: Secret cards determining the type of fur to collect.

Fin Type cards: Secret cards determining the type of fin to collect.

Offering Stones: Tokens used to track offerings made to other players.

Catlantis deck: A deck containing fur/fin cards, treasures, and coins.

Holographic cards: Visually striking cards with fur, fin, treasure, and coin symbols.

How To Setup Catlantis

To set up Catlantis, start by shuffling the large deck of cards. Each player receives a secret Fur Order card and a secret Fin Type card. Assign each player a mercat meeple and one Offering Stone in every other player’s color. Place four cards face-up in the center of the play area and choose a starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:
– Set collection
– Drafting
– “I cut, you choose” mechanism

Game Objective:
– Collect furs and fins matching your secret cards.
– Gather treasures and coins.
– Make offerings to other players using Offering Stones, allowing them to choose one card while you take the other.

Scoring:
– Coins score points based on their value.
– Treasures are scored separately, with the player having the most of a type earning four points and the second-most earning two points.
– Furs and fins score points on a sliding scale based on the number of matches.

Player Experience

Catlantis is a light, fast-paced game that can be completed in about 10-15 minutes. It is ideal as a filler game due to its simplicity and quick gameplay. Players must strategically make offerings to other players, trying to deduce which cards their opponents need while avoiding giving away valuable resources. The game becomes more deterministic with lower player counts, allowing for more control over the game’s outcome.

Pros

Easy to Play: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Visual Appeal: Holographic cards and adorable mercat meeples enhance the game’s aesthetics.

Quick Games: Ideal for short gaming sessions.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages and skill levels.

Cons

Lack of Depth: Experienced gamers may find the game too light and lacking in complexity.

Randomness: Higher player counts can introduce more randomness, reducing player control.

Limited Strategy: The game’s simplicity means there are limited strategic options.

Personal Thoughts on Catlantis

Catlantis is perfect for those who enjoy light, casual games with a unique theme. It is great for families, new gamers, or anyone looking for a quick and fun gaming experience. While it may not satisfy experienced gamers seeking complexity and deep strategy, its charm and ease of play make it a delightful addition to any game collection. If you’re into cats, mermaids, or Greek mythology themes, you’ll find Catlantis particularly appealing.

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