by william4192
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Conclusion:
Catan Junior is a kids version of Settlers of Catan (or just Catan). It is becoming more and more popular to make children's versions of popular games.
I find Catan Junior to mix thins up pretty well for the younger gamers. Instead of making boring buildings, you make pirate lairs. While this is a subtle change, I feel like kids are more into pirates than building a road. There is a real attempt made with the theme to make it more attractive to children.
The game has been made a lot easier for younger gamers. Trading is taken out (there are advanced rules for this) for players trading with each other. This leaves trading with a set of tiles that are face up or you can spend more to get the exact tile you need or want. Decisions in a kids game? That's a novel concept already.
I wouldn't start out really young gamers with this game, but a kid who is 6-7 years old can play this game. Most kids start out with board games with limited decisions so you might want to help them through making decisions at first. Yet, you will be surprised by how quickly these kids will be able to catch on to the rules and be rolling right over you.
The game has a nice progression and the luck of the dice can still affect the outcome of the game, but there are real strategies utilized during the game. My kids were able to pick up the rules, the strategies and were rushing to the end of the game to claim their victory. My kids do really enjoy IP related games and a generic pirate theme isn't something that grabs their attention. When we sit down to play we always have a great time and they really do enjoy the game.
I think this game is also a nice progression towards playing the full Catan board game. When they are ready to play Catan, they will already understand most of the rules and some of the strategy from growing up with this game. This game also has the feeling of a real, legitimate board game experience for the family. While many adults have moved on from Catan, we need not forget how great of an experience it was to bring many people into gaming. Catan Junior can be that game for your children.
Keeper.
Components:
The components are pretty darn good for a kids game. The buildings you build are nice little (unpainted) plastic components. The board is static unlike the big brother Catan. The tiles included are thick and everything is colorful. I find the game to be appealing to kids looking to step up from mass market roll and moves.
Rule Book:
The rule book will take you about 5-8 minutes to read. The rules are presented in full color with plenty of examples and helpful hints. In addition, there are additional rules for advanced players. We were able to play without any issues. Excellent.
Flow of the Game:
The game ends when someone builds their 7th Pirate lair.
If you have played Catan then this game will be easier to learn and to teach.
1. Roll the die: Each player with a pirate lair built next to an island of that number will get the resource on that island. If a 6 is rolled, the Ghost Captain will move to an island of your choice. This prevents that island from producing any resources when its number is rolled.
2. Take Actions:
a. build - you may build a pirates lair, ship, or coco tile by paying the required resources
b. coco tiles - these will give you actions you take now (move ghost captain, build a lair, gain resources)
c. trade - trade with market (trade 1 for 1) or trade with stock pile (you take 1 tile and give up 2 tiles); as an advanced rule you can trade with the other players
The players continue to take turns doing this until someone wins.
Should I buy this game?:
This is a great game for kids. Most kid games are just an easy, roll and move experience and Catan Junior gives you a game that the entire family will enjoy. I believe if you have a kid this is a must have and a classic game that most parents should invest in.
Keeper.