Recs.
Updated
In The Settlers of Catan players each control a growing civilization. Beginning with 2 settlements players compete to spread out across the board by building roads and new settlements while upgrading existing settlements to cities.
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro The focus on trading and bartering leads to a fun social experience
On each players turn they are allowed to attempt to trade their goods with other players. This leads to a high level of interaction between the players as they offer and counter-offer back and forth to get the best deals possible.
Pro Visually attractive
Good aesthetics, the board with all hexes is nice, colors are well chosen.
Pro Developing a winning strategy is intellectually rewarding
As players make decisions about when and where to expand their nation, as well as how to best spend their resources, the opportunity for both tactical and strategic planning emerges and gives Catan a significant amount of depth.