Cthulhu: A Deck Building Game (2016) Board Game

Cthulhu: A Deck Building Game was released in 2016 and is based on the iconic Cthulhu Mythos created by H.P. Lovecraft. Designed by Graham Sisk and published by Wyvern Gaming, this game takes players into a world of cosmic horror as they work together to defeat the Ancient Ones.

Game Components of Cthulhu: A Deck Building Game

Character Cards: Each player selects a character, such as the Engineer or Grandmother, each with unique abilities.

Starter Cards: Initial decks consist of seven Sleuth cards and three Stagger cards.

Miskatonic University Deck: Contains Spell, Equipment, Location, and Action cards for players to purchase.

Elder God Cards: Represent the primary antagonists, with difficulty varying by game mode.

Mythos Event Cards: Introduce random challenges and events.

Sanity and Health Tokens: Track players’ mental and physical well-being.

How To Setup Cthulhu: A Deck Building Game

To set up the game, players start by selecting their character cards. Each player begins with a starter deck of ten cards. The Miskatonic University deck is shuffled, and five cards are revealed for purchase. The number of Elder God cards and Mythos event cards drawn is determined by the number of players and the chosen game mode (Normal or Cthulhu mode).

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Research Phase: Players use activated cards to purchase new cards from the Miskatonic University deck.

Final Preparation: Players choose cards to play, considering the costs in Sanity and Health.

Combat Phase: Players take turns fighting Elder Gods and Minions.

Cleanup: Players discard used cards and refresh their decks.

Objective: The primary goal is to defeat the Elder God while managing Sanity and Health.

Player Experience

Playing **Cthulhu: A Deck Building Game** involves a deep dive into strategic cooperation and deck management. Players must coordinate their actions to survive the relentless onslaught of Elder Gods and Minions. The game’s atmosphere is enhanced by its dark and eerie artwork, which perfectly captures the dread of the Cthulhu mythos. Solo and cooperative play options add versatility, making it appealing to a variety of players.

Pros

Cooperative Play: Encourages teamwork and strategy among players.

Atmosphere and Artwork: The game’s visuals and theme immerse players in the Cthulhu universe.

Versatility: Offers both solo and cooperative gameplay modes.

Challenge: Multiple difficulty levels, including the challenging Cthulhu mode.

Cons

Rule Clarity: Some players have reported poorly worded and written rules, which can complicate gameplay.

Brand Consistency: Inconsistencies in the company’s branding have raised concerns about the game’s quality.

Personal Thoughts on Cthulhu: A Deck Building Game

**Cthulhu: A Deck Building Game** is ideal for fans of cooperative games and the Cthulhu mythos. It offers a challenging and immersive experience, especially for those who enjoy strategic deck-building and teamwork. However, potential buyers should be aware of the reported issues with rule clarity and branding consistency. Despite these drawbacks, the game’s engaging gameplay and atmospheric design make it a compelling choice for players looking to delve into a dark, cooperative adventure.

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