If you are familiar with this series of games, this review will not tell you anything you don't already know. We have only been playing it for a few months, here and there, so we are far from "professionals." But it is definitely one we will continue playing for years to come.
Why do we love it?
For me, games need to be well designed on every level: the board, the strategy, and the flow. This one does well in each of these areas. The basic idea is a competition between players to establish their settlements and supply of resources in a way that prevents the other players from being able to interrupt the flow. There are incentives built in to the play to encourage a multi-dimensional strategy. In other words, it doesn't end well when you focus on simply building roads, or gathering resources, or any other single dimensional strategy. You need to develop your roads, learn to trade your resources shrewdly, make improvements in your settlements, and look to developing your army.
To add another entire level to the game, there are extensions that can be purchased separately that focus on more of the sea trade or expand it for additional players. There are also games for different historical periods and characters. So the possibilities are practically endless. Intriguing?
The box recommends the game for ages 10 and up and, without the extension, up to four players can play together. With the extension, up to six can play. It takes about an hour to play a full game. If you wanted to include younger children, a parent could partner with a child and they could plan their strategy together. The cost is rather more than other board games. I think we paid a little over $30 for it and then the extensions are another $18, or so. But it is worth the investment.
Settlers was exactly perfect for our afternoon.
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