Cathedral - Polystone

by Family Games

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 5.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B00005NQE2
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #602,117 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

Product Description

Manufacturer Description

Played within the boundries of a medieval walled city, two rivals battle to gain the most land space by strategically repositioning their building pieces back on the board. Victory comes to the player who is best at blocking and out-maneuvering their rival. This poly stone version has infinite detail in the buildings

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A long lasting abstract strategy game., November 5, 2002

By 

D. O. Becker (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Cathedral - Polystone (Toy)

Cathedral has been around in one form or another since 1984. This is a sign of the quality of the game rules as well as the willingness of publishers to release another version. The game has been released in styrene plastic, wood, and now resin plastic pieces. Additionally there are some small run resin sets. Like chess, some owners enjoy the highest quality pieces (in which case wood is the nicest set) and others just want to play the game (in which case any set will do).

Also like chess, this abstract game is enjoyable, but tending toward the dry side. One player plays the neutral cathedral piece in the center. Then the players take turns placing buildings, hoping to cordon off corners and preventing the opponent's play in that area or surrounding lone pieces and capturing them. The winner of the game is the one who has fewer building units left, i.e. the number of building squares.

Without any element of chance, the game has very deep play possibility. The one who plays first has a slight advantage, so tournaments often suggest playing a best of two series. With both simple rules and serious strategy, the game has long lasting appeal to both beginners and serious gamers alike.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pleased with the Cathedral game, February 15, 2002

By 

ML (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Cathedral - Polystone (Toy)

We ordered Cathedral because it was likened to the "Labrynth" game. The game reminds me of "Othello" - easy to learn to play - but as complicated as chess if you wish it to be. My 11-daughter asks to play several rounds of it before bedtime - my 13-year old son will play for half-an-hour each day. The game is made of wooden pieces - it is as handsome as many chess sets. We always place the pieces back "like a puzzle" to make sure we haven't misplaced anything. The game involves strategy and creativity. What a nice surprise! ML

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you can, find the wood version, October 28, 2002

By 

Travis Prebble "attention span deficient" (State College, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Cathedral - Polystone (Toy)

The version shown here is the 'updated' polystone edition, which is great for texture and the addition of windows in the buildings. But I would urge people to find the wood edition if aesthetics plays a part in your games display and play. The simple, clean design of the wood edition evokes more of an old world feel, which matches the premise of the game.

Aside from that small point, the game is fantastic and easy to learn. It can be VERY challenging for people who are not spacially adept, however.