Settlers of Catan Book: The Specialists
Although I enjoyed Swiggers, the games I played were a bit ordinary, so it was good to go back to the classics with the Settlers of Catan Book. We played the Specialists scenario. The rules are so short there is no need for me to paraphrase.
It is good, but not without problems. Rick Heli, master of pith, sums it up:
“The Specialists” tends to lock players into a particular strategy and then leaves it to Fortuna to determine a winner. At least it can be a good training scenario for new players who may not be familiar with all the strategic paths available in the basic game. In the three-player scenario, it seems that the third player has too nice an advantage in placing two settlements on productive locations.
We played with three and it panned out exactly as Rick says. The third player to pick got two prime map positions and, despite some appalling moves, still won by a mile. Definitely only play with four.
Having said that, we had a great time and Settlers was as fun as ever.
What a lovely word, pithy. Rick Heli is a marvellous writer in that particular style. But perhaps when you’re tried so many games, the views tend to crystallize more easily. I believe I’ve grown wiser and become a better reviewer with more expertise.
Nice new look on the blog, by the way (only the search box is in a very strange place). Registration to leave a comment is a bit extreme, though – I wouldn’t bother in many blogs. Here I felt it necessary; consider it a compliment. Typekey support for WordPress would be nice.
Mikko
16 Apr 05 at 09:40
You’re right how you get better at it.
Thanks for the encouragement. I suppose you are right about registration. I will have to research captcha images.
I always consider it a compliment when anyone comments on my blog.
Iain
16 Apr 05 at 09:58
6 posts in 3 days. I hereby deem thee the “Bi-Polar Blogger”.
Coldfoot
17 Apr 05 at 06:36
The flood-gates opened…
Iain
17 Apr 05 at 08:13