MSN's Catan Preview Hits Gen Con Indy

Klytus writes "GamingReport.com has posted news that Microsoft plans a preview for all Gen Con attendees of their new online, web-based version of the popular board game "Settlers of Catan". Originally announced back in February, this will be the first look at Microsoft's version of Catan, which will 'debut this winter exclusively at MSN Games', and will offer attendees playable demos and unveiling of the CatanOnline website."

Comments

You can already play that game online for free

[CS_Snapple]

You can already play that online right here.

Re:You can already play that game online for free

[LehiNephi]

Not only can you play it on their site, you can download the source code for both the server *and* the bots. Incidentally, the bots actually have decent AI--after all, the project was originally meant as AI research.

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[account_deleted]

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Official Versions

[Thedalek]

(Speaking of licensing, I believe only the PlayStation version and the Microsoft version will be "legit."

BUZZ! Incorrect sir!

In Germany and most of non-English speaking Europe, there have been PC versions of Catan for years. For the base set and Seafarers, there's Catan: Die Erste Insel (which was also available on the Playstation 1). If you're itching to play the cardgame online, why not try Catan - Das Kartenspiel, which features many online options, and a robust AI, not to mention an unofficial English translation.

If space is more your thing, you can always try Die Sternenfahrer von Catan, which is a bit of a departure from the cardboard-n-plastic version: It's realtime. Then again, you can always try the 2-player Sternenschiff Catan, which is chock full of scenario goodness. Rockazonga, the developer of the PC version of Sternenschiff, has been making noises of an English version, as well as a PS2 version.

Personally, I'd love for Microsoft to do all the Catan gams (which, by the terms of the agreement they signed, they are allowed to), since I love Starfarers, but have trouble talking people into playing a single game for 2 hours. They'd usually rather play several other games in that same time period.

Official Versions Part Deux

[Thedalek]

Sorry, forgot to mention: Although not officially endorsed by the designer, there's also Zipangujima, which is basically what would happen if you explained Catan and Risk to a newbie in rapid succession, without clarifying that they were different games.