Catan: Console Edition, a new adaptation of one of the most successful and compelling board games in the tabletop industry, has just been announced with a brief reveal trailer. An exact launch date hasn’t bene provided yet, although it is expected sometime in 2023. It will be available on PlayStation 4 and 5, as well as Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
You can watch the full announcement trailer on Xbox’s YouTube channel here:
Catan has been a beloved tabletop game since it was first developed in the 90’s, and consequently, it’s been adapted into a variety of video games over the years. This version has been in the works for a long time, too.
For the uninitiated, Catan is a strategy game about settling an area, building, and negotiating trades. It is unusually flexible, easy enough to pick up for casual players, yet dense enough to create surprises and engaging challenges.
According to a new site for Catan: Console Edition, Asmodee Entertainment and Dovetail Games are adapting the base game. It will include online and local multiplayer, who can sync their phones to keep their hands hidden. This is a clever approach, since split-screen often betrays players. Catan: Console Edition will also provide a solo mode that’s played against AI with unique play styles.
Although the trailer mainly focuses on the 3D board, which boasts active NPCs and animals moving around, the mechanics of this adaptation really feel like the definitive version. However, fans are concerned about cross play, and the devs have not given a concrete answer on that. More answers about multiplayer are expected “later this year”.
When board games are adapted for console play, it rarely turns out very well. It can be tough to translate the tabletop experience in a way that pleases both audiences. And the adaptation of the Monopoly base game was simply riddled with bugs. Hopefully, Catan will deliver a satisfying experience, because the board game deserves it.
You can read more about Catan: Console Edition and other strategy games by following our news section!
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