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A Game of Thrones: Catan – Brotherhood of the Watch (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

A Game of Thrones: Catan – Brotherhood of the Watch is a board game adaptation of the popular Game of Thrones series and the classic game Catan. It was released in 2017 and is designed by Klaus Teuber and Benjamin Teuber. The game is published by 999 Games and features artwork by Volkan Baga and Jared Blando. It falls under the categories of Civilization, Negotiation, and Novel-based games.

Game Components of A Game of Thrones: Catan – Brotherhood of the Watch

  • Player Pieces:** 124 pieces, including settlements, keeps, guards, roads, and build cost cards.
  • Wildlings:** 40 pieces, including regulars, climbers, and giants.
  • Wildling Tokens:** 57 tokens.
  • Cards:** 131 cards, comprising resource cards, development cards, and hero cards.
  • Game Board:** Includes frame parts, terrain tiles, number tokens, trade routes, and a special number token.
  • Dice:** 2 six-sided dice and 1 twelve-sided die.
  • Wall Sections:** 4 large plastic wall sections.
  • Card Trays:** 2 card trays.

    How To Setup A Game of Thrones: Catan – Brotherhood of the Watch

    Setting up the game is relatively straightforward. The game board is assembled using frame parts and terrain tiles, creating the area known as the Gift and the Wall. Players place their settlements, keeps, and roads according to the initial setup rules. The Wildling tokens and cards are also prepared and placed appropriately. The entire setup process takes about 5 minutes, aided by a detailed rulebook with helpful pictures and diagrams.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay Mechanics:**
    – Dice Rolling
    – Hand Management
    – Modular Board
    – Network and Route Building
    – Trading

  • Game Objective:**
    – Players take on the roles of Brothers of the Night’s Watch, aiming to improve the infrastructure of the Gift and defend the Wall against Wildling invasions.
    – The first player to achieve 10 victory points wins the game and becomes the new Lord Commander. Victory points are earned through building keeps, roads, and settlements, recruiting guards, and purchasing development cards.

    Player Experience

    This game offers a unique blend of strategy and immersive storytelling, combining the classic mechanics of Catan with the thematic elements of the Game of Thrones universe. Players must balance resource collection and infrastructure development with the defense of the Wall against Wildlings. The game is easy to follow, even for new players, and maintains the customization loved in traditional Catan. The addition of Wildlings and iconic heroes from the series adds new layers of strategy and excitement.

    Pros

  • Thematic Integration:** The game seamlessly integrates the Catan mechanics with the Game of Thrones universe, offering a fresh take on both.
  • New Strategic Elements:** The introduction of Wildlings and battles adds a new dimension to the traditional Catan gameplay.
  • Ease of Play:** The game is easy to set up and follow, making it accessible to both new and veteran players.
  • Immersive Storytelling:** The game captures the essence of the Game of Thrones series, making it a must-have for fans.

    Cons

  • Luck and Resource Imbalance:** Like traditional Catan, the game involves luck, and some resources are more valuable than others, which can lead to imbalances.
  • Limited Player Count:** The game supports only 3 to 4 players, with no option for 5 or 6 players.
  • Lack of Direct Plot Engagement:** The game does not emulate the plot or intrigue of the books or series; it is primarily a rethemed Catan game.

    Personal Thoughts on A Game of Thrones: Catan – Brotherhood of the Watch

    This game is perfect for fans of both Catan and the Game of Thrones series. It offers a unique blend of strategy and storytelling that will appeal to both new and experienced gamers. For those looking for a game that combines resource management, building, and defense, this is an excellent choice. However, it may not be ideal for those seeking a game that deeply engages with the plot or characters of Game of Thrones beyond the thematic setting. Overall, it is a solid addition to any board game collection and a great gateway game for new players.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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