CATAN Rivals for CATAN Card Game DELUXE EDITION - Build, Trade, and Conquer with Enhanced Components! Family Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 10+, 2 Players, 45-60 Minute Playtime

Now that the kids have moved out, my husband and I were looking for a fun game for two. We like the board game and found this alternative to be a fun and competitive game we enjoy. So far we have only played the original version, but look forward to trying the other expansions once we have mastered the original. I highly recommend this game if you like playing Catan.

First off, I wanted to talk about the 2 other reviews for this game. The 1 star review mentions buying the game from a 3rd party seller and missing some of the pieces. While this is a total bummer, I wonder if this review would be better suited for the individual seller rather than docking the game stars. Usually if you contact Amazon they will help you resolve the issue. Plus, I noticed that Catan customer services commented on that review and offered to send free game pieces that were missing.On the second review, I don't have a problem with them scoring it with 3 stars, but I will totally disagree that games are generally the same and that the first player to have a turn has a significant advantage. If you play without using any of the expansion sets, yes games can tend to be very similar. However, the different themes offer 4 additional ways to play that can significantly alter player strategy. And lastly, I don't think that the player with the first turn has a significant advantage. They might have an advantage in certain strategies, but this is why there are multiple paths to victory. But it is important to note that luck and using all available strategies can make a big difference.If you want more opinions about this game, I suggest that you look up the Amazon review for Rivals for Catan. The other version is not the Deluxe version and does not come with the card trays (a must in my opinion). But at least you can get some more opinions. FYI, if you are curious, there are other expansions for this game that are not included in this Deluxe package.With that out of the way, let me give you some background about me. I played lots of the classic board games growing up (Monopoly, Life, Chess, Checkers, etc.). I have only played Settlers of Catan once, and that was years ago. My wife (my second player) also has a similar gaming history. We were looking for something fun that the two of us can do after the kids are in bed.First, I will say that the instruction manual is intimidating. If you are a "gamer", then you will probably have no problem with this. The manual is long and takes some time to absorb all of the rules. I suggest watching an instructional video on Youtube as that will help you learn the game quickly. You will probably have to consult the manual as you play and read some of the fine print after watching the video, but totally worth it.My wife and I have played the game about 10 times. Our time playing probably ranges between 1 - 2.5 hours. If you are playing with a theme, then your game is going to be much longer as you need 12 victory points to win rather than 7. You also need lots of space as we essentially fill up an entire card table with our set up. I also want to throw in that I love the set up and the way you turn your cards to indicate how many resources you have. Its also nice that you don't have to worry about losing tons of little game pieces as the only items in the box are game cards, card trays, two plastic coins, and 2 dice.As far as the gameplay goes, it is very fun. There can be slow moments, but usually I am so busy thinking through my next few moves and all my options that I don't care. I could see how the game might get old after many playthroughs, but we are far from that point. I could also see how the time commitment or barrier to entry could be a problem for some, but I think it is totally worth it.Great game. I am thinking about buying additional expansions already just for the heck of it.

Love this two player game! Worth getting for people that like the game but can't always get a group together. Consider it as even a couples game or even a siblings game. Sometimes and parent and only child pairing works too!

I love this game so much. A great design for a largely complex game for 2 people to play! It really simplifies the larger 4-player Catan for 2 people. You definitely need a wide coffee table or table in general to be able to play. It normally takes 30-45 mins for a game (lots of rule checking, familiarizing ourselves with the cards, etc.). Definitely recommend this and I always bring it out when I have a friend over!

such a fun two player game!! much better than the T&B 2-player set up. don’t even miss the board/pieces. great game

This is a pretty good 2 player game if you enjoy the Catan games. In particular, this deluxe edition comes with two expansions and 9 extra special edition cards (which were only issued at conventions and mostly in non-english languages but some of the cards are junk for game play). There are two other expansions that can be purchased separately.It is easy to set up once you know how but the rules are a bit disorganized which seems to be a running theme in many of these board games now-a-days. The makers should really give these instructions to brand new players and get feedback. The instructions need revisions to make them less confusing and easier to read.Also, there is a confusing misprint in the instructions on Page 18. The top heading of the page is entitled "The Era of Progress" then continues to describe the cards in this theme set. The misprinted information is in the sub-heading below where it says "There are 28 cards in The Era of Turmoil." This is the wrong information and should say "There are 31 cards in The Era of Progress." to be accurate in the section and to avoid confusion. We were puzzled for quite a while as we were double checking the set cards until we realized the misprinted number and name. This brings me to my next point which is highly recommended - before playing the game, organize then count your cards/pieces as this is the 3rd board game we have gotten in less than a year that has had a missing item. In this case it was a card. However should you find something missing, you will be pleased to know that Asmodee online is very responsive to support requests and we already have our missing card.

Me and my wife love settlers of catan and this is a great addition to our board games and didn't let down or disappoint. We looked up a video on YouTube how to play then it was pretty easy after that figuring it out. Good quality pieces and if you've played settlers of catan it should be too hard for anyone to learn.

I have played this game for a couple times with my 9 y.o. daughter and we think it is a great version for two players only. The original Catan is one of our favorites games and I must say I miss the board of Catan in this 2 players Catan version, but at the same time cards are well prepared to "move the board to another form". So still the game play is nice :) But I contented that I read before some comments and bought the Deluxe version of the game, cause the basic card game would be to simple and repeatable. Oh, and one more thing - you really need a looong table to play this card version of Catan :p