Catan Junior Madagascar (2012)

About this game

Madagascar Catan Junior introduces a modified playing style of the classic Settlers of Catan, giving young players a perfect introduction to the Catan series of games. The theme is from Dreamworks´ movie Madagascar 3. Madagascar Catan Junior takes place on Madagascar island where 2 to 4 players build circus tents and wagons along the fields of the island. Using the appropriate side of the map either 2 or 3/4 players can join as the characters from the movie: Alex, Gloria, Marty or Melman. Each field generates a specific resource from the game theme: Wood, bags of sand, popcorn, wool or nice juice cocktails. Each player starts with two circus tents on a specific spot on the island, and they can use the resources they acquire to build tents, wagons or get help from the Pinguins. By setting up more tents, they can expand their network; the more tents they build, the more resources they may receive. Just watch out for the controlling Zoo keeper! Be the first player to set up all of your seven circus tents, and you win!

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 1.6/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 6 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.