Customer Reviews

Cathedral - Polystone

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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.

This game is awesome! My friend...has the wood edition and it's incredible! We played for almost an hour straight. When he first got it, he didn't think it'd be good, but it was great. He plays his brother and his dad all the time...The only thing I get frustrated about helping him put it away. Especially when you're in a hurry! Oh well, it's still a great game!

If you like Chess, or any game of strategy, then this is the game for you! So incredibly easy to learn, so fast to play, and so attractive a game, it makes an excellent coffee table item. Great for parties, when you have a friend over and you want to do something while you talk... excellent!