Just wanted to point out that there is a long running and popular video game series called "The Settlers" that has been going since 1993 (It's actually possible that Settlers of Catan was named to ride the popularity of the video game). This game reminds me of the video game, right down to the tiny, cutesy art. I don't know that they're actually connected, but it was the first thought I had when I heard about it (and saw the art).
Exactly. I guess many people don't get that connection. Artwork is inspired by strategy series, well known amongst PC gamers, especially in Europe. Title is a straight connection with it, not some stupid FB game.
I'm pretty sure the name comes form the PC game called Settlers that was around in the 90's. The guy on the front looks like someone from that game anyway.
The goal behind those graphics and title is to resemblance video game "The Settlers III". Very popular in Poland (where author of the game lives) years ago. Chceck it out.
You pronounced "Trzewiczek" very well! Gratz! I also like Portal games ;) At the beginning I was so disappointed about this game. For me it was like impoverished version of New Era (51st State). With so many nice options and mechanisms removed. But after few games, when I had to explain rules to some new players - suddenly I discovered this game is so awesome!! Rules are clear, simple to understand and game provides a lot of fun and tactic deliberation too! So, for casual players its perfect! With Pro players I still prefer to play New Era. But I play both games, and think both are very good!
Just a warning to people watching it right now: I'm pretty sure they missed a rule saying you instantly get production from production building. No way they would play it in under hour and a half otherwise. Still a great game!
2nd the statements that the creator wanted to invoke settlers the PC game. I only caught a glimpse of the box art and name settlers and I immediately thought of it. Clearly the inspiration.
***** Of course I remember Die Siedler, and though I haven't played 4-6, I don't think the graphics were as cartoonish as this game seems to be (or maybe my memory is just wrong), Especially the icons for the different goods and the font resemble many of today's "casual" games.
Nope. Actually settlers was a computer game that this looks like to do a spin on. That was my first thought when I saw the game at least. Didn't even think of Catan actually.. :)
Gotta comment about the Artwork because i actually freaking LOVE it because it resembles the style of the old Settlers PC Games like Settlers 3&4. Expecially with the races! You were able to play Romans/Asians/Agyptians in the old school ones. Man i loved those games and it hurt that they didn't get it arghh :D
This has to be one of the funnest board games I've ever played. I hadn't even heard of it prior to seeing it put into inventory at my local LGS. Based on the art and theme, it was an instant purchase, even if the price point was a bit higher than comparable games. After playing a few games, it was worth it. Thumbs up.
About the potential Spiel des Jahres nomination: It's not yet released in Germany to qualify for that, BTW. But I hope it will come out soon. I want to check it out!
Haven't played 51'st State or New Era, keep forgetting to take a closer look at them, love me some Neuroshima Hex though. Imperial Settlers looks real fun though maybe I can even lure some of my friends away from their facebook games to play it, they do love their Anno XXXX, Settlers, Civilisation and similar computer games after all. The art, specially the informative resource icons, do look a bit small though. I get the feeling they could have made the important icon information a bit bigger, as well as possibly even the informative text on the cards.
Seeing how this is inspired by 51st state, it makes me wish Portal would do the same thing with The Convoy - a streamlined version with the same cutesy setting - and maybe even including multiple factions. I think it would be great!
being a New Era fan, I'm thrilled to try this new implementation! Yes, I think this is less-than-stellar art... but who needs art with a brilliant game?! thanks for the walk-through and thoughts!
Great video as always. Question: How much is player interaction a factor? Does it punish people who turtle and don't go after the other players? Definitely itching to try this one out.
So, the Settlers video games for PC (where III and IV look pretty much like the cards here, maybe a little less cute, but very similar) are not known in the U.S. at all? o_O
So is the only player interaction from the beginnig draft and razing buildings? With attacking being optional, It just sounds like a multiplayer solitaire with some attacking tacked on.
Some games are basicly just drafting, some are basicly just placing down buildings, some are basicly just doing attack moves, atleast here you get a little bit of all.
Well, I suppose this game is supposed to be a friendly engine builder, so its no wonder that there is no much place for negative interaction. Sometimes I do miss some form of trade between players, but we have a Deals for that (and it would also disable the solo option). On the other hand, there are some nuances for each faction; some buildings that let you nibble your opponent. F.e. Romans have this uber card that can erase ANY building (not the common ones only) for 2 meeples, Japan can ninja your deals, Egyptian Temple of Ra can take over your buildings for current round, and so on.
"There are 3 main resources...food, stone and wood..." Am I missing something or it was never explained how to get those? How do you build that first Caravan that cost one food without having any? Also... the text and symbols on the cards SHOULD be twice as big at least. I can hardly read it (at least use a more readable font! Is that a 3 or a 1?)
The gold is a universal (joker, wild) token that can stand in as any other of the material resources. I expect other civilisations and buildings, specially the generic cards that had for example forests with wood working stations on it, gives you the other resources. I do agree with you and Zee that the important elements of the card art looks very small and should probably have been made a lot bigger to stand out more and be more intuative and informative at just a glance.
This is a family friendly, stripped down version of 51st State. 51st State Master Set is far better. I don’t know how anyone thinks that the components for IS is better than 51st State Master Set. You have to be high to think that.
So now my newbie question is: "New era+ruins or imperial settlers?". The first one really attracts me, more than the second, but I don't know if those changes and improvements make the settlers worth to be prefered. Facebook-looking graphics choice is, uhm, debatable. Now, I'm in your hands. Please, help this poor guy.
I got Imperial Settlers, Atlanteans, and the Why Can't We Be Friends expansion, just ordered the Aztecs and the second small box expansion. While I have only had the chance to play it once, I am always looking for an excuse to break it out a second time. I think the art work suits the atmosphere of the game, and might be what helps make it so open to all comers, because there is nothing that you might hesitate showing someone younger, or older or who might be uncomfortable with something.
Can't go wrong with anything from Portal or Ignacy. I wonder if Z-man games will pick this up and re-title it. Maybe name it something like "FactionVille", anything is better than the name "Imperial Settlers".
How on Earth could a group of 4 "start with Romans and Barbarians, and leave Japanese for when they are more experienced"?? You'd have to use all 4. Is this game primarily meant to be a two- or three-player game??
It actually says if you're just starting you should try two player with Romans vs Barbarians. It's absolutely fine with more players, but naturally there's more that you need to be aware of as well. THAT BEING SAID, anyone who plays a lot of board games can just ignore that suggestion completely.
Yup, however with strong accent, but this can be tough to pronounce for foreigners. You can play pronouncation here pl.bab.la/slownik/polski-angielski/trzewiczek
2014: Tom: I never play solo games.
2020: Tom plays solo games all day long
lol
I was gonna say that n you beat me
Tom I don’t play Solo Games
2020: Gloomhaven...hello Thomas lol
Always great to get some reviews from Zee. You should let him do it more often!
I'll second that!
+silverstream314 Agreed. I like them except for the old guy because he always keeps on complaining about small stuffs.
The old guy? Say what? Did you just call Sam old? ;)
Boy wait 6 years lol 😆
Just wanted to point out that there is a long running and popular video game series called "The Settlers" that has been going since 1993 (It's actually possible that Settlers of Catan was named to ride the popularity of the video game).
This game reminds me of the video game, right down to the tiny, cutesy art. I don't know that they're actually connected, but it was the first thought I had when I heard about it (and saw the art).
Exactly. I guess many people don't get that connection. Artwork is inspired by strategy series, well known amongst PC gamers, especially in Europe. Title is a straight connection with it, not some stupid FB game.
The first thing I thought about were Settlers (a PC game), not Settlers of Catan...
IN FUCKING DEED
I'm pretty sure the name comes form the PC game called Settlers that was around in the 90's. The guy on the front looks like someone from that game anyway.
Yes, this board game is inspired by The Settlers video game series with the artwork inspired mostly by The Settlers 3. And I love that!
The goal behind those graphics and title is to resemblance video game "The Settlers III". Very popular in Poland (where author of the game lives) years ago. Chceck it out.
You pronounced "Trzewiczek" very well! Gratz!
I also like Portal games ;)
At the beginning I was so disappointed about this game. For me it was like impoverished version of New Era (51st State).
With so many nice options and mechanisms removed.
But after few games, when I had to explain rules to some new players - suddenly I discovered this game is so awesome!!
Rules are clear, simple to understand and game provides a lot of fun and tactic deliberation too!
So, for casual players its perfect! With Pro players I still prefer to play New Era.
But I play both games, and think both are very good!
Just a warning to people watching it right now: I'm pretty sure they missed a rule saying you instantly get production from production building. No way they would play it in under hour and a half otherwise. Still a great game!
2nd the statements that the creator wanted to invoke settlers the PC game. I only caught a glimpse of the box art and name settlers and I immediately thought of it. Clearly the inspiration.
OK let's talk about the components... I LOVE THE ARTWORK!!!
Gosh...what's with the small font on the card and board? So many waste spaces they should make it more readable!
I have to agree with Zee, the artwork looks like it was taken right out of a browser / mobile / facebook game.
So you don't remember standalone strategy games, which were developed in Germany?
***** Of course I remember Die Siedler, and though I haven't played 4-6, I don't think the graphics were as cartoonish as this game seems to be (or maybe my memory is just wrong), Especially the icons for the different goods and the font resemble many of today's "casual" games.
Michael Wißner
Just google some Settlers IV screenshots. Thez really look pretty much the same.
Only because of Boondock Saints do i know this. Let Zee know its "Symbolism" not "symbology".
With their choice of font, Imperial Settlers' name was more reminiscent of 'The Settlers' computer game franchise.
Nope. Actually settlers was a computer game that this looks like to do a spin on. That was my first thought when I saw the game at least. Didn't even think of Catan actually.. :)
Gotta comment about the Artwork because i actually freaking LOVE it because it resembles the style of the old Settlers PC Games like Settlers 3&4. Expecially with the races! You were able to play Romans/Asians/Agyptians in the old school ones. Man i loved those games and it hurt that they didn't get it arghh :D
This has to be one of the funnest board games I've ever played. I hadn't even heard of it prior to seeing it put into inventory at my local LGS. Based on the art and theme, it was an instant purchase, even if the price point was a bit higher than comparable games. After playing a few games, it was worth it. Thumbs up.
Now that Catan dropped "The Settlers of" from it's title, the name should be less of an issue. ;P
+neongecko06 The name and artwork is (outside of the USA) associated with the old PC game "Settlers" ...
About the potential Spiel des Jahres nomination: It's not yet released in Germany to qualify for that, BTW. But I hope it will come out soon. I want to check it out!
Haven't played 51'st State or New Era, keep forgetting to take a closer look at them, love me some Neuroshima Hex though. Imperial Settlers looks real fun though maybe I can even lure some of my friends away from their facebook games to play it, they do love their Anno XXXX, Settlers, Civilisation and similar computer games after all.
The art, specially the informative resource icons, do look a bit small though. I get the feeling they could have made the important icon information a bit bigger, as well as possibly even the informative text on the cards.
Seeing how this is inspired by 51st state, it makes me wish Portal would do the same thing with The Convoy - a streamlined version with the same cutesy setting - and maybe even including multiple factions. I think it would be great!
being a New Era fan, I'm thrilled to try this new implementation! Yes, I think this is less-than-stellar art... but who needs art with a brilliant game?!
thanks for the walk-through and thoughts!
Yeah Mags this is gonna be a fun game IMO
I'm a fan of both - Imperial Settlers and Settlers series PC games from Blue Bytes. The second one was clearly an inspiration for another.
I like the Castles of the Mad king Ludwig shirt
I have played it at Portal convention - totally must have. It's great game.
I like the artwork of this game, it's the first and main reason to make me want this game!
Great video as always. Question: How much is player interaction a factor? Does it punish people who turtle and don't go after the other players? Definitely itching to try this one out.
Got this one in the mail today through a trade. Can't wait to get it to the table! Great review.
Follow up. This has to be one of my favorite games. I just love the simplicity and gameplay.
boardgamecloset :)
So, the Settlers video games for PC (where III and IV look pretty much like the cards here, maybe a little less cute, but very similar) are not known in the U.S. at all? o_O
I'm not surprised. Strategy games are almost non existent on consoles - most popular gaming machines in the U.S.
Correction: "Every card looks like a screen capture from Age of Empires 2"
I know these are 2 different games but Robinson Cruose or Imperial Settlers?
Love the Zee!
love reviews with you two!
So is the only player interaction from the beginnig draft and razing buildings? With attacking being optional, It just sounds like a multiplayer solitaire with some attacking tacked on.
Some games are basicly just drafting, some are basicly just placing down buildings, some are basicly just doing attack moves, atleast here you get a little bit of all.
Well, I suppose this game is supposed to be a friendly engine builder, so its no wonder that there is no much place for negative interaction. Sometimes I do miss some form of trade between players, but we have a Deals for that (and it would also disable the solo option).
On the other hand, there are some nuances for each faction; some buildings that let you nibble your opponent. F.e. Romans have this uber card that can erase ANY building (not the common ones only) for 2 meeples, Japan can ninja your deals, Egyptian Temple of Ra can take over your buildings for current round, and so on.
more zee and sam review!
"There are 3 main resources...food, stone and wood..." Am I missing something or it was never explained how to get those? How do you build that first Caravan that cost one food without having any?
Also... the text and symbols on the cards SHOULD be twice as big at least. I can hardly read it (at least use a more readable font! Is that a 3 or a 1?)
The gold is a universal (joker, wild) token that can stand in as any other of the material resources. I expect other civilisations and buildings, specially the generic cards that had for example forests with wood working stations on it, gives you the other resources.
I do agree with you and Zee that the important elements of the card art looks very small and should probably have been made a lot bigger to stand out more and be more intuative and informative at just a glance.
You can barely see it, but the basic action at the bottom of the player card lets you trade meeples for resources.
This is a family friendly, stripped down version of 51st State.
51st State Master Set is far better.
I don’t know how anyone thinks that the components for IS is better than 51st State Master Set. You have to be high to think that.
So now my newbie question is: "New era+ruins or imperial settlers?". The first one really attracts me, more than the second, but I don't know if those changes and improvements make the settlers worth to be prefered.
Facebook-looking graphics choice is, uhm, debatable.
Now, I'm in your hands. Please, help this poor guy.
I got Imperial Settlers, Atlanteans, and the Why Can't We Be Friends expansion, just ordered the Aztecs and the second small box expansion. While I have only had the chance to play it once, I am always looking for an excuse to break it out a second time. I think the art work suits the atmosphere of the game, and might be what helps make it so open to all comers, because there is nothing that you might hesitate showing someone younger, or older or who might be uncomfortable with something.
is this game sill good with all player counts ?
Lol, none of these similar names are correct :P Correct one is: Settlers, the video game, that's what comes to mind first :P
Why does the table change colors? Goes from blue to red then back to blue haha
You can buy different fabric colors and types when you get that special table and Tom got a couple.
Can't go wrong with anything from Portal or Ignacy. I wonder if Z-man games will pick this up and re-title it. Maybe name it something like "FactionVille", anything is better than the name "Imperial Settlers".
Reminds me of the earlier settler video gamed 4 and the ones before that
I belive that game name is based on computer game series: Settlers :)
Tavian.....thats the 1st thing that come to my mind
It would be helpful as a reviewer if you would at least give an overview or an idea how the solo stuff works.
How on Earth could a group of 4 "start with Romans and Barbarians, and leave Japanese for when they are more experienced"?? You'd have to use all 4. Is this game primarily meant to be a two- or three-player game??
It actually says if you're just starting you should try two player with Romans vs Barbarians.
It's absolutely fine with more players, but naturally there's more that you need to be aware of as well.
THAT BEING SAID, anyone who plays a lot of board games can just ignore that suggestion completely.
Is this civilization the board game?
Love the art!
1:17 - 1:35 This hurts me to watch! >
Did Tom pronounce the designer's name correctly?? #sorcery
Yup, however with strong accent, but this can be tough to pronounce for foreigners. You can play pronouncation here pl.bab.la/slownik/polski-angielski/trzewiczek
+Akolotu Moeloa (TonganJedi) yeah, almost perfectly, actually, just accentuated in quite funny way. Heard it somewhere, probably, or he knows Polish:)
Doesn't know anything about the solo variant cause he doesn't play solo games...yet Gloomhaven is the best, haha.
51st State Master Set craps on Imperial Settlers.
please play this in your next live game videos :D
looks awesome :)
Trzewiczek :P
I think I know of a worse name for it! "This game is horrible. Don't spent your money on it. Seriously."
I played this at the con, not that impressed...