Family Games cathedral classic

Other products by Family Games

Product Features

• Challenge yourself and a friend to a game of Cathedral.
• A logical thinking puzzle that will have you thinking over and over.
• Made of quality hardwood construction.
• Fun for kids and parents alike.
• 8 Years and Up

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 x 3.5 inches ; 3.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.
• ASIN: B00000IZXG
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 607
• Our Recommended Age: 8 - 99 years
• Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 - 99 years
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #29,581 in Toys & Games (See Bestsellers in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)

Product Description

Editorial Review
Just as it is in a modern metropolis, space is at a premium in the game of Cathedral. This game is a developer's dream! Cathedral challenges two players to place as many buildings as possible within the walls of a medieval city. There are two sets (light and dark) of hardwood buildings of various sizes. To begin the game, one player places the cathedral on the grid of the walled city. Then the two players vie for the remaining land. Their goal is to place their own buildings while thwarting their opponent's land-grabbing tendencies. If a player can completely surround one of his/her opponent's buildings, that building is removed from the board and the space gobbled up by a different building. The game ends up resembling a puzzle that must be thoughtfully pieced together. The winner is the player whose unplaced buildings would occupy the least amount of space in the city. Fans of chess should enjoy exercising their strategizing muscles on this one. The hardwood board measures 9.25 inches square. --Wendy Slotboom

Product Description
Imagine yourself living during Medieval Times, the period of history referred to as the Middle Ages. In the game of Cathedral, you are a rich and powerful landowner. The playing board represents the site of the walled city. Two sets of playing pieces symbolize both the buildings and the two opposing forces who battle to gain control by strategically positioning their building pieces back on the board. In this game of competition and rivalry, victory goes to the player who is best at blocking and out-maneuvering their opponent. This wooden game includes 1 board, 28 buildings, 1 cathedral, and rules. Two players. Ages 8 and up.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Simple and Effective, September 14, 2005

By	Bu-chan (Aotearoa) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

"Cathedral" is a simple game to learn and one that will be quickly picked up by anyone who tries it.

The idea is to take over as much territory within a medieval town's walls as possible. You do this by placing your various buildings in strategic places within the playing area.

The game itself is made from wood, and the pieces are quite a good size. As such, they are durable and will last ages before any wear and tear begins to show.

I personally found myself quickly becoming bored with the game, as it does not seem to have the endless variety that a game such as chess can provide. The relative movements and strategies you can develop are fairly limited, in that sense.

However, "Cathedral" is different and it is simple. If there are only two players, it makes a quick, fast game to fill a few minutes with. However, should your inclincations be toward longer, more in-depth games, this is not the best of them.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A True Classic!, December 1, 2000

By A Customer

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

My son received this game as an 8 year-old. We played it for years, including during endless car trips, long after the cardboard box it came it had disintegrated. Eventually, we lost many pieces and put it aside. What a thrill to discover it is still being sold. Easy to learn, quickly played, always interesting, creates a level playing field for parents & kids. Two thumbs up for a great family game.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great game with an unexpected bonus feature, November 18, 2006

By	L. F. Smith (E. Wenatchee, WA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Cathedral is a great game. It can be learned in five minutes or less, though mastering it takes a while. However, unlike many other games that require strategic thinking, the game is fun from the beginning. One of its best features is that it can be played very quickly; a full match typically takes ten minutes or less. It's one of those rare games that balance complexity, fun, and time almost perfectly. (The "official" web site at http://www.cathedral-game.co.nz/ offers strategy guides, history, etc.)

The bonus feature is that the game is very good looking. It's visually appealing enough that it becomes an element of your decor sitting on your coffee table.

I generally evaluate games based on the amount of fun I have per unit of money I had to spend, and I rate Cathedral very highly by that measure. I'm glad I bought it, and I'd happily do it again.

One hint: When you get the game, make a diagram of how the pieces fit into the frame. They'll probably go in more than one way, but trust me, it can take a while to figure it out on your own when you finish playing and want to put everything back into the frame.