One of the most successful games of all time, Settlers of Catan is a trading and building game set in the mythical world of Catan. Players roll dice to determine which resources are generated each round and then must strategically trade those resources with other players to get what they need to build their settlements, cities, and roads. With multiple ways to gain victory points and a board that changes in every play, Settlers of Catan is a game that can be played hundreds of different ways. The base of a hugely successful franchise, with multiple engaging expansions, Settlers is the core game of many collections, and is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. For 3 to 4 players.
Toy: All new 4th Edition!!, New Graphics!!, New Card Art!!, New Packaging & Tiles!!, Full Color Rules Book
Company: Mayfair Games (2007-11-08)
List Price: $42.00
Amazon Price: Too low to display
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Featuring a new adventure that’s filled with numerous enhancements and innovations, this long-awaited sequel to Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow greatly improves upon the series’ winning formula, and makes for an even more insanely addictive and wholly absorbing gaming experience.
Like Pokémon Silver–which essentially is the same story, with minor gameplay variations–Pokémon Gold casts players in the familiar role of a young Pokémon Trainer who’s out to collect as many different kinds of Pokémon as possible. As in previous games, gameplay consists mostly of exploration (completing various quests in the process) and Pokémon battles, which employ a unique battle system that’s like a complex twist on rock-paper-scissors.
But, despite the similarities, it’s quite apparent that Pokémon Gold is a whole new ball game from the start. The game is played out in real time, with the current time and day of the week (recorded by an internal clock) having a direct impact on gameplay elements, such as what Pokémon you’ll find in the wild, and when certain events occur and characters appear.
While there are too many new and improved features in Pokémon Gold to list here, among the highlights are 100 new Pokémon (including two new types), new evolution processes (including breeding), and a more streamlined game interface that has better-organized menus and button shortcuts.
Although it’s easier to progress in Pokémon Gold than in the previous games, the sheer amount of fun and game time that’s involved is daunting. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better value than this one. –Joe Hon
Pros:
- Insanely addictive and wholly absorbing gaming experience
- Time and day of week impact gameplay directly
- Bevy of new features and hidden secrets
- Improved graphics and more streamlined game interface
Cons:
- Minor compatibility issues when using Game Link with previous versions
Game Cartridge:
Company: Nintendo
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Used Price: $13.95
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Silent Hill 3 continues the series’ trademark brand of psychological horror and terrifying gameplay. As a teenage girl named Heather, players must explore and unravel the mysterious connection between the god-forsaken town and her inner fears. With enhanced graphical detail, a more complex storyline, and even more grotesque monsters than the previous games, Silent Hill 3 promises to be the best horror adventure ever.
CD-ROM: CD-ROMChilling adventure game set in sinister locale, New monsters, items, and weapons, Sophisticated storyline, Fantastic graphics, For 1 player
Company: Konami (2004-04-06)
List Price: $9.99
Amazon Price: $58.99
Used Price: $35.00
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