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Cthulhu: The Horror in Dunwich (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Cthulhu: The Horror in Dunwich is an expansion for the base Cthulhu board game that was released in in 2019. It is designed by Graham Sisk and features artwork by Wyvern Gaming. The game falls under the horror category and offers a cooperative gameplay experience for 1-6 players.

Game Components of Cthulhu: The Horror in Dunwich

  • 19 Investigators**
  • 253 Library Cards**
  • 10 Derangements**
  • 12 Mythos Locations**
  • 107 Mythos Cards**
  • 121 Minion Cards**
  • 13 Elder Gods**
  • Combat Trackers**
  • Box and Instructions**

    How To Setup Cthulhu: The Horror in Dunwich

    To set up the game, players choose their investigators and the Elder Gods they will face, depending on the player count. Each player draws five cards and receives seven cards that include one resource called **moxie** and three cards that deal damage. The game also involves setting up the library of cards, mythos deck, and mythic locations. These locations can significantly alter the game by changing moxie gain, spawning creatures, or introducing other effects.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Roles: Investigators with unique health, sanity, powers, and post-death abilities.
  • Resource System: Moxie serves as both the attack power and currency for buying cards.
  • Game Phases: Preparation and fighting phases.
  • Preparation Phase: Players place cards for moxie, spend moxie to buy new cards, and discard played cards.
  • Fighting Phase: Elder Gods act, mythos cards are drawn with harmful effects, monsters attack, and players respond with cards.
  • Objective: Defeat the Elder Gods or prevent all players from going insane or being killed.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Cthulhu: The Horror in Dunwich** involves a strategic balance between resource management and combat. The game’s mechanics are simple yet engaging, with a unique twist on using the same currency for both attack and defense. The theme is well-integrated, with detailed backstories for each investigator and random mythos cards that add to the story and challenge. However, the instructions may require multiple readings to fully understand the new elements introduced in this expansion.

    Pros

  • Engaging Mechanics: Simple yet engaging gameplay with a unique resource system.
  • Thematic Depth: Detailed backstories for investigators and integrated mythos cards.
  • Replayability: Random elements and multiple investigators ensure varied gameplay.
  • Quick Game Time: Games last between 10 to 20 minutes.

    Cons

  • Instruction Clarity: Rules may require multiple readings, especially for new elements.
  • Difficulty Balance: Easy difficulty might be too simple for experienced gamers, requiring hard difficulty for a challenge.
  • Randomness: While adding to the theme, the randomness can sometimes feel overwhelming.

    Personal Thoughts on Cthulhu: The Horror in Dunwich

    **Cthulhu: The Horror in Dunwich** is perfect for fans of cooperative deck-building games and the H.P. Lovecraft Mythos. It offers a challenging and thematic experience, especially for those who enjoy strategic gameplay and random elements. However, it may not be ideal for players seeking highly complex or overly long gaming sessions. The game is designed for players aged 14 and above and supports 1 to 6 players, making it a versatile addition to any game collection.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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