Catan Classic for Android

Like The Settlers of Catan, the strategy-based board game on which it's based, Catan Classic for Android puts you in the role of a seafarer, settling the Island of Catan and competing against other settlers for the most landholdings and resources. Roll the dice, build routes, and trade goods with your fellow settlers, and whoever gets 10 Victory Points first wins. Catan Classic costs $4.99, but additional expansion packs are available as in-app purchases.

Pros

Brings the classic board game to your phone: Itching to play the Settlers of Catan on the go? Catan Classic satisfies that itch with a terrific representation of the game on your mobile device.

Play against others or the AI: Catan lets you challenge others online via cross-platform multiplayer or against various computer opponents, including the uncompromising pirate, Jean, the shrewd merchant, Vincent, and the entitled knight, Sean.

Tutorials: The robust Tutorials section has 10 subcategories to scan for information on how to play the game, including how to purchase building materials, how to settle the land, and how to construct your buildings.

Exciting expansion packs: Ready for something new? The Seafarers expansion offers 10 extra scenarios with an extensive campaign centered around the discovery of new islands and treasures; and Cities and Knights has you building a big-city metropolis of Catan, but you'll have to defend it against the barbarians who are coming for its wealth. These and two new special scenarios: Enchanted Land and The Great Canal are all available for in-app purchase.

Two games for the price of one: Catan costs $4.99, but it includes the ability to download the new Catan Universe (an updated standalone version of Catan Classic) for free after you've set up an account in the Catan Classic app's new transfer menu.

Cons

No more content updates: Since developers are throwing themselves into Catan Universe, Catan Classic will still be supported for now, but it will not receive any content updates.

Bottom Line

Catan Classic brings everything you love about the Settlers of Catan to your mobile device and adds new adventures in the form of premium expansion packs. But with the recent introduction of Catan Universe, you may be better off just exploring that version straightaway.