Die Siedler von Catan: Junior (2007) Board Game

Die Siedler von Catan: Junior is a children’s adaptation of the popular board game Settlers of Catan, designed by Klaus Teuber. It was first released in 2007 by 999 Games and is suitable for players aged 6 and up. The game retains the core mechanics of Settlers of Catan but simplifies them to make it more accessible for younger players.

Game Components of Die Siedler von Catan: Junior

106 die-cut markers representing resources and specials

4 player cost boards

1 two-sided game board

28 Pirate hideouts (7 each of 4 colors)

32 Ships (8 each of 4 colors)

1 pirate ghost

1 die

1 tray

1 box

1 rule book

How To Setup Die Siedler von Catan: Junior

To set up the game, start by placing the two-sided game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding player cost board, two pirate hideouts, and two ships. Place the pirate hideouts on the board according to the starting positions indicated. Shuffle and place the resource markers within reach of all players. Each player also receives a set of ships and hideouts of their chosen color. The ghost captain and Coco the Parrot cards are placed on designated spaces on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 2 to 4 players

Age: Designed for players as young as 5

Average Playtime: 30 minutes

Objective: Be the first player to control seven pirate hideouts

Resources: Wood, goats, molasses, swords, and gold

Gameplay: Players build hideouts, ships, and use resources to expand their network. Resources are used to build ships, hideouts, or get help from Coco the Parrot. The game includes a ghost captain that players need to avoid.

Player Experience

Catan Junior offers a light strategy game perfect for introducing children to the world of Catan. The game is set on a ring of islands where players build pirate hideouts and ships, making it an engaging and adventurous experience. The components are of good quality, with sturdy boards and well-made cardboard pieces.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simplified rules make it accessible to young players.

Short Playtime: Games typically last 30 minutes, keeping children engaged without overwhelming them.

Quality Components: The game includes sturdy boards and well-made cardboard pieces.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for families and children as young as 5.

Cons

Limited Strategy: Compared to the regular Catan game, it has less complexity and fewer variables to strategize.

Not for Seasoned Players: Designed for beginners, it may not offer enough challenge for experienced strategy game players.

Personal Thoughts on Die Siedler von Catan: Junior

Catan Junior is an excellent introduction to the Catan series for kids and families. It provides a fun, light strategy experience that is easy to understand and play. This game is ideal for families looking to spend quality time together and for parents seeking to introduce their children to board games. However, seasoned strategists may find it too simplistic compared to the original Catan game.

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