Based on the novel by Ken Follett a board game was developed, which gives a very realistic feel. Already acquainted with the design of the board, and detailed maps will be like the game awakened. It is not necessary to have previously read the book. To those who are familiar with the book, however, run some familiar characters on the road.

The instructions of the game but looks very complex, however, be noted at the outset that you work off the instructions step by step can (as appropriate) phase of the game. The system is fast and it hinted internalized the steps quickly. It is also helpful in this context that the moves are on a rough map that each player and the schedule itself speaks volumes.

You have six rounds of time, to help in construction of the cathedral. Each round consists of four phases. You can by clever use of mechanics and divide by workers, who have enough raw materials (wood, gravel and stone procured), grab the end of the round by using the construction of the Cathedral of victory points.

At the beginning of the game you have three craftsmen and 12 workers put aside.

In the first phase, you can help your workers to generate raw materials from an open pile or to purchase either artisans. The raw materials you need with workers, craftsmen pay with gold. These raw materials are in the construction of the cathedral, depending on the skills of the artisans, be converted into victory points.

In the second phase of the game, you can use your three builders. All builders are drawn by the first player from a bag. Its architect is drawn, now has the choice whether this will be used. That person must pay 7 gold. If he passes, will put the builder on a planned only field and can later be set free on the remaining seats. Below drawn builders are getting cheaper each time for a gold. The more expensive the builder, the greater is the range of benefit areas that are at his disposal. The advantage of both fields can accept only limited number of builders. Only through early, you can contact the builder additional workers tap or hinzubekommen better craftsman. Even the dealers do not come to just below us, because the accompanying marketplace is of course also available.

This is followed by the third phase. Gradually, you can now obtain the benefits and resources from the Setzphasen. This is also unexpected events come in, which are triggered by event cards. You can be negative than positive. Also taxes are due. At both, you can protect yourself by appropriately setting the builder. So be on your guard.

In the final phase, you can register to participate using the artisan and the raw materials in the construction of the cathedral. Everyone now expects its raw materials, according to the capacities of its craftsmen, in order to win points and set up his victory stone accordingly.

Then a part of the cathedral will be on the game board to represent the number of rounds and symbolically embodies a cathedral of the novel.

Then it goes into round two, where other maps come into play and the artisans in the course of the game getting better.

The play equipment is designed very nicely and from a normal quality material. Very pleasant is that the process is internalized rapidly. However, it is not boring, because usually up to the final standings is not obvious who emerges as victor. The game is also worthwhile for the casual gamer. Tactics and strategy are also an asset. The luck element is fortunately not quite as high.

For the game, there are now two extensions. One from the Kosmos Publishing called "The Pillars of the Earth - Extension" and a little out of the Playbox.

Tags: Cosmos