What makes it especially odd is that there is no direct trading with other players, and yet your choice of role can either help or hurt other players. Choosing carefully to not favor other players while making progress yourself is where the challenge of the game lies.
Definitely takes a play through to learn all the rules, but very fun after that. and
The Settlers of Catan (Toy)
This game is fun and keeps you thinking. I also bought the 5-6 player extension in order for more players. The only thing I would change is for there to be a set of instructions included with the game to make it a 2 player game. Our family played this over and over the first week we received it. It is a cross between Monopoly and Risk. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys strategy game play.