Catan VR is a strategic tabletop game developed by Experiment 7. Further still, it's an immersive reimagining of Klaus Teuber's watershed title. That inspired contemporary board gaming. Whether you're going up against the A.I or taking on online challengers, Catan VR issues plenty of therapeutic fun at every turn. 

Moreover, the relaxing ambient sounds and organic settings create a pleasant backdrop in which to roll the dice. All in all, Catan VR is a high-fidelity tribute to the acclaimed board game of the same name. Meanwhile, cross-play compatibility and stunning in-game visuals enhance the experience further.

One of the benefits of Catan VR is that you can experience the full-board game, without the tedious task of clearing the table and making space in the living room. Hence, everything is ready, laid out from the start. No setting up and packing away, needed. All the while, the appropriate pacing allows for a seamless experience.

As a result, the AI implement moves in a quick and timely fashion. Compare that to a real, turn-based game, where newbies may need to cling on to the codex for dear life or deliberate over the best strategy. Then, you have a more slick and dynamic experience by contrast.

Unfortunately, being a niche genre, there is not much of a player community at present. That said, online match-fixing is hard to come by. Thus, real players are few and far between. It's a shame because Catan VR would be great fun as a multiplayer table-top. Let's hope Catan VR gains some traction in the market and garners a healthier player-base in the days and months to come.

Now then, the tutorial, although lengthy and informative, does flash by faster than you can blink. Consequently, you're probably best off just skimming through the key points and plunging headfirst into the game. Surprisingly, you'll pick things up better, via trial and error. Besides, all the non-essential jargon can dishearten even the most seasoned veteran. Soon enough, you'll get to grips with resource trading, settlement building, and expansion elements. Trust me; it will all become second nature in no time at all.

Impressively, the user interface is a major plus point in Catan VR. Everything from resource acquisition, to settlement tabs and inventory screens, is set out in a clear, transparent and easily readable way. Another handy feature is that you can move the resource tab off the board to anywhere on the screen. Juggling menus can undoubtedly help with navigation and resource management. In turn, this leads to a more smooth, stress-free and streamlined experience.

Fans of the Catan tabletop game will be thrilled to see many of the official characters brought to life in virtual reality. What's more, each avatar has been given the nod of approval by none other than creator Klaus Teuber himself.

Equally, the animations do a great job of adding a new level of immersion. For instance, clouds hover over the mountains while Wheat leans in the breeze. Those these may be subtle yet novel touches, they add a level of realism and bring a 3D element to the traditional board game. Also, the off-board scenery does a superb job of instilling a soothing vibe and relaxing tone, only adding to the warm ambiance and atmosphere.

Finally, we have the visuals. All in all, the vibrant palettes and rich splashes of color, complement the soothing soundscapes perfectly. The result of which is a homely ambiance. Which, for the most part, makes playing the board game a pleasant activity and an enjoyable pastime in and of itself. No wonder why the VR game reviews website, Salty Truth, ranks Catan VR as one of the top 100 Oculus Go games for 2019.

All in all, fans of the Catan board game will want to give Catan VR a trial run. Mostly though, appreciators of virtual reality will enjoy the stress-free UI and colorful world design. Furthermore, hardcore table-top addicts familiar with the franchise will enjoy this high-fidelity testimony to the much-loved board game.