Elliott Simon

Traders and Barbarians introduces moderate weight variations to Catan. It contains my favorite mini expansion… fisherman of Catan, which is the best 2 player varient that I have seen yet. Because it adds only slightly more complexity, it is the varient that my wife enjoys playing the most. And anything that gets spouses to the table to play more games can only be a good thing

This is definitely not a game for the self conscious. There is a lot of emphasis on public performance… and would keep it on the shelf if there is any shy or introverted gamers in the audience.

Other Games have replaced this one in my party game collection.

Ticket To Ride Europe is a good next step towards more complexity from ticket to ride. It is still about set collection and route building, but adds other features that require additional elements to complete tunnels, ferries, and stations.

Components are still solid- game is just pure fun.

This Dice rolling/ civ game works well for waiting for your group to arrive, it easily translates to solo play without muss or fuss- Less interesting as a solo venture, but works none the less.

In this game you are rolling for resources to convert into civilization advancement. High on luck, but recruit the yatchzee set to a more resource oriented game.

I have played this one time, and loved way the game plays. I now play it online when the people I play with are unavailable. I definitely like the fact that there are several choices for optimal play each round, yet it is interactive as well. Your decisions ride on the decisions of your fellow players

Definitely fun

This game appears to be just part of the American vernacular. As a kid, I played it with my family, but I remember playing it in elementary school. It could be a great way to recruit your children/ nieces/ nephews into gaming. Next step games may be more traditional card games, Rummikub, etc.

It is definitely a game that grows with ability of the players.

Pandemic introduced me to coops… I own it and am always up to play… but with the same mechanics, forbidden island is palatable to those that are theme sensitive, It is easier for my wife to play a game about a sinking island vs an epidemic.

I like any game that my wife would be willing to play another time.

I can’t wait to teach my extended family this game… they are traditional card gamers, but I see that this game bridge that game into more designer type games.

It is a great short game. I have friends who like CCGs, and it is the only game we can agree on.

Most of my gaming experiences are when the family is over. I cannot praise this game enough… One play can make the most reticent person be interested in the next game. My wife’s friends bought this game after one play, and it is the only non-trivia game on their shelves.

I look forward to the day when my 16 month is old enough to play this.

This is the first worker placement games that I have played, and that probably colors this review. I own it, and it does not hit the table often, mainly because of the multiplayer solitaire feel to it.

Initially I was excited to get it as a give, but at the time of this review, I have not opened the box since February of this year. It is easily frustrating for the people I play with… but the components are solid… Animeeples due add to the flavor of the game.

With all that said, I probably will play it again in the future… given some time away from it.

This is a great husband wife game… It might hit the table too often, but still it is a good time.

Cons: the cards are on the largish size