Steve Jackson Games has announced that it will release Castellan, designed by Beau Beckett (Triarchy, 1812: The Invasion of Canada), this summer.

 

ICv2 had an opportunity to preview the game at the recent Toy Fair in New York.  A Steve Jackson representative was on hand to describe how it plays:

 

“It’s a strategic puzzle game.  You start off with these pieces on the cards, and you build castles.  You’re trying to build these enclosures here, and then you put your piece down.  It’s collaborative, because you and your buddy are building it together.  But it’s also competitive because you have to figure out where to put your piece so that it doesn’t give the other player the opportunity to get more points.”

 

The game features 110 interlocking castle wall and tower pieces, which are used to create castle “courtyards.”  Each player has an identical deck of cards which dictate the wall pieces that may be used.  The game will be packaged in a clear plastic “clamshell” style container, designed to show off the plastic castle pieces.

 

The company plans to release two versions of the game: a “US” version that includes red and blue towers, and a “European” version with green and yellow towers.  Players will eventually be able to purchase both versions to convert the game into a four-player variant.

 

The suggested retail price for Castellan will be $39.95.  It is suggested for ages 10 and up and plays in 30 to 45 minutes.