Carcassonne and its expansions

[Jambo]

Hi all,

New player alert.

I've recently just ordered Carcassonne and two of its expansions I&Cs and T&Bs, although through this excellent site I have now had a chance to read over what some of the other expansions have to offer! Clearly some of you guys are long-term devotees to Carc, but one of the things I thought was missing from this site was a review or rating subforum which would cover the basic game and each of its expansions in one place. This was mainly from the perspective of helping new players get accustomed to Carc and perhaps offering some guidance as to what to start with for anyone looking to take the plunge. If such as thing does exist here, my apologies, I may have missed it during my travels!

Carc looks like an awesome game: seemingly simplistic to play, which is great for the wife and friends who aren't as geeky when it comes to gaming as myself, and yet devilishly strategic. 

The other game I had considered purchasing at the time was Settlers of Catan. Do any of you play SoC? However, as Carc seemed more approachable and easy to learn for non-gamers and family, and it was recommended for 2-players, it won the battle.

Excellent site by the way!

Best,

[Gantry]

Welcome Jambo! We had some basic descriptions of the game and a few of the expansions, as well as a guide to Carc.  With the site reshuffle, they seem to have disappeared, I will revive them, thank you for effectively noticing their absence!

[Joff]

Hi Jambo. Welcome to the Carcassonne community.

Since you asked, I do play SoC. I think it is a great game for a small group. It is one of my favourite games. Although when one first sees pictures of the game it looks complicated. It's not though. It does not work with 2 players and we like to play with four. It usually lasts about an hour to an hour and a half.

However, Carcassonne is easier to get to grips with and is a fantastic game. I am sure you will not be disappointed. Any help, as always, just ask and the community will answer!

[Scott]

I've played Settlers of Catan. I like some of the ideas, but I'm not happy with the mechanics of the game. I find it very frustrating that my road construction efforts are constantly blocked off; there isn't enough elbow room IMHO. To a certain extent this might be remedied by including the six-player expansion even with just four players playing, though the people I've played with would consider that a crime.

[Joff]

I find it very frustrating that my road construction efforts are constantly blocked off; there isn't enough elbow room IMHO.

Although I enjoy the games mechanics, Scott is correct when he points out that it can be frustrating when your road building is interupted. In some games you can find yourself playing for much longer than the hour and a half, just waiting for the right resources to come up because all other efforts to build the longest road have been thwarted.

To a certain extent this might be remedied by including the six-player expansion even with just four players playing, though the people I've played with would consider that a crime.

Actually, this is something I have thought about. Whether this be using a bigger 'board' or more road pieces... or both with four players! I've never tried it though.

[Bixby]

Hello Jambo:

I just thought that I would share that we have played Carcassonne multiple times and never tire of it. Settlers of Catan grew weary for me. I will give it proper kudos for being a great game and a gateway for many people to jump from Monopoly to the wide wild world of boardgames. I just do not think it has the replayability that gets people asking to have it brought to the table after the intial novelty was worn thin.

Just my two cents of course.

Cheers and happy Carcasonning (if that is a word)
-Matt

[jackdaddyt]

I was introduced to Carc several months ago (by my sister and her husband).  Since then, we've played with as many friends-and other family-as we can (some just don't play games!).  So far, my in-laws and one other friend have purchased the game and are now playing without us!