Cultists & Cthulhu (2016) Board Game

Cultists & Cthulhu is a card game released in 2016, designed by Steven Robbins and published by Prolific Games. It falls under the horror category and is designed for 2-8 players with a runtime of 20-35 minutes. The game revolves around Lovecraftian themes, with players taking on the roles of cultists trying to summon the powerful entity known as Cthulhu.

Game Components of Cultists & Cthulhu

Ritual cards: Each has a Success value and a Ritual value.

Cultists cards: Used to roll dice.

Sacrifices, Books, and other cards: Can add to your roll.

Tentacle, Insanity, and other cards: Can hinder your progress.

Dice: For rolling to meet Success values.

Rulebook: In English.

How To Setup Cultists & Cthulhu

To set up, each player selects a Ritual card, which outlines the Success value and Ritual value they need to achieve. Players start with a set of Cultists cards and other supporting cards. The objective is clear from the onset, but the chaos and humor begin as soon as the game starts.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the first player to complete 21 points worth of Rituals.

Gameplay:
– Use Cultists cards to roll dice and try to meet or exceed the Success value on your Ritual card.
– Utilize Sacrifices, Books, and other cards to boost your roll.
– Counter opponents with Tentacle, Insanity, and other hindering cards.
– Collect the Ritual card and its points upon success.

Player Experience

Playing Cultists & Cthulhu is a delightfully chaotic experience. The game is designed for 2-8 players, making it a great option for both small and large groups. With a playtime of 20-35 minutes, it’s quick, engaging, and full of humorous moments as players navigate the challenges of being incompetent cult leaders. The simplicity of the game (rated 1 in complexity) ensures it’s accessible to players as young as 8 years old.

Pros

Fast-paced and humorous: Keeps players entertained and laughing.

Easy to learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide age range.

High replayability: Different card combinations ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Large player capacity: Suitable for small and large groups.

Cons

Limited depth: Simple mechanics might not appeal to players seeking complex strategies.

Dependence on luck: Dice rolling can make the game somewhat unpredictable and less skill-based.

Personal Thoughts on Cultists & Cthulhu

Cultists & Cthulhu is perfect for those who enjoy light-hearted, humorous games with a touch of strategy. It’s ideal for family game nights or casual gatherings with friends. While it may not appeal to players looking for deep strategic gameplay, it certainly delivers on fun and engagement. If you’re a fan of Lovecraftian themes and enjoy “Take That” style games, this is definitely worth adding to your collection.

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