Squatter (1962) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Squatter is a classic board game that was first released in in 1962. It was designed by Robert C. Lloyd and is published by multiple companies including Jedko Games, John Sands Pty Ltd, and Milton Bradley. The game falls under the categories of Animals, Economic, and Farming, and it involves gameplay mechanics such as Commodity Speculation, Roll/Spin and Move, Stock Holding, and Trading. Squatter is designed for 2-6 players, with the best experience being with 3-4 players. The game has a runtime of approximately 90 minutes and is suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Squatter

Game board featuring sections of land and various stations

Play money (originally marked in £)

Little creamy plastic tokens with sheep’s heads

Stock Sales and Tucker Bag cards

Dice

Haystack cards

Cards for random events like droughts, floods, and fluctuating wool prices

Cards for managing farm issues such as repairs to the shearing shed, liver fluke, and red legged earth mite.

How To Setup Squatter

To set up Squatter, each player starts with a sheep station consisting of 5 Natural Pasture paddocks fully stocked with 3,000 sheep. The game board is laid out, and players receive their initial funds and any starting cards. The objective is to manage the sheep station effectively, navigating through various challenges and opportunities as the game progresses.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling Dice: Players roll dice to move around the board.

Managing Sheep: Accumulating money to buy sheep, improving pastures, and managing bores.

Random Events: Dealing with droughts, floods, high or low wool prices, and other farm-related challenges.

Farm Management: Handling repairs to the shearing shed, treating diseases like liver fluke, and managing other farm issues.

Economic Management: Balancing finances through stock sales and other economic activities.

Objective: The goal is to manage the farm successfully, reducing risks and achieving optimum results, with the game ending when all players have completed their turns and the winner is determined by their financial and farm management success.

Player Experience

Squatter is designed to be enjoyable for a wide range of players, from children aged 10 and above to adults. The game fosters family interaction, allowing multiple generations to play together on an equal footing. Players can engage in conversations and discussions about the game, which enhances the social aspect of the experience. The game creates winners but ensures everyone stays in the game until the end, making it inclusive and engaging for all participants.

Pros

Educational: Teaches players about sheep farming, the wool industry, and business management.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of nearly all ages, promoting family interaction.

Dynamic Gameplay: Each game brings new challenges due to random events.

Historical and Cultural Significance: Reflects Australian rural life and the importance of the wool industry.

Enduring Popularity: Has sold over half a million copies since its release.

Cons

Complexity: May be too complex for younger children without assistance.

Luck Element: Chance plays a significant role, which might not appeal to players who prefer purely strategic games.

Archaic Elements: Some mechanics, such as transaction costs and shearing taxes, might seem outdated or unusual.

Personal Thoughts on Squatter

Squatter is an excellent game for those interested in Australian culture, sheep farming, or anyone looking for a game that combines strategy with real-life challenges. It is particularly suited for families or groups who enjoy interactive and educational gaming experiences. While it may not be as widely known outside Australia, it remains a beloved and enduring part of Australian gaming history. For those considering introducing their children to Australian rural life and the wool industry, Squatter is an informative and entertaining choice.

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