Inspired by the Catan universe, Die Sternenfahrer von Catan (Starfarers of Catan) takes expansion and trade into a future of space exploration. Commanding a small fleet, players set out from their colonies to traverse unknown systems, found settlements, and establish relations with alien peoples. This Windows adaptation, developed by Virtual X-citement and published by Ravensburger Interactive Media, transforms Klaus Teuber's board game into a real-time strategy title featuring both single-player scenarios and multiplayer matches.
The goal is to expand the Catanian presence in the galaxy by gathering resources to build colonies and stations, launch ships, and upgrade the mothership. Ore, fuel, food, carbon, and trade goods are used to fund these initiatives and outfit the fleet. Players can also trade with other players or alien civilizations; agreements with the latter can facilitate resource acquisition and unlock new opportunities.
Exploration lies a...
Inspired by the Catan universe, Die Sternenfahrer von Catan (Starfarers of Catan) takes expansion and trade into a future of space exploration. Commanding a small fleet, players set out from their colonies to traverse unknown systems, found settlements, and establish relations with alien peoples. This Windows adaptation, developed by Virtual X-citement and published by Ravensburger Interactive Media, transforms Klaus Teuber's board game into a real-time strategy title featuring both single-player scenarios and multiplayer matches.
The goal is to expand the Catanian presence in the galaxy by gathering resources to build colonies and stations, launch ships, and upgrade the mothership. Ore, fuel, food, carbon, and trade goods are used to fund these initiatives and outfit the fleet. Players can also trade with other players or alien civilizations; agreements with the latter can facilitate resource acquisition and unlock new opportunities.
Exploration lies at the heart of the adventure: ships travel to uncharted planets where they may discover sites suitable for colonization, frozen worlds requiring special preparation, or pirates ready for combat. Upgrading engines boosts speed, while cannons help counter threats; increasing cargo capacity is also useful for overcoming specific obstacles. Since every expedition can bring either opportunities or setbacks, players must strike a balance between expansion, defense, and trade.
The PC edition includes 15 single-player missions and seven multiplayer scenarios, with objectives ranging from founding colonies and establishing trade networks to achieving popularity milestones. The game supports solo play or matches with up to four participants, including via a local area network (LAN). Rather than simply replicating the board game turn-by-turn, this adaptation features a three-dimensional galaxy and real-time gameplay: ships take time to reach their destinations, while the economy and strategic decisions drive each faction's progress. This pacing sets the game apart, though it can also test one's patience; travel times and waiting for resources create lulls that contrast with the promise of space adventure. Nevertheless, its blend of economic management, exploration, diplomacy, and expansion retains the appeal of the *Catan* formula while offering a unique experience for those wishing to colonize the cosmos from their computers. Although some databases date the game to 2000, information regarding the adaptation also surfaced during that year and early 2001.
