Cultists of Cthulhu (2016) Board Game

Cultists of Cthulhu is a horror-themed board game released in 2016 by designer Joshua Wright and artist Sixpence Games. It is based on the popular Cthulhu mythos created by author H.P. Lovecraft. The game is designed for 3-6 players, with a runtime of approximately 120 minutes. Players take on the roles of cultists trying to summon the ancient cosmic entity Cthulhu.

Game Components of Cultists of Cthulhu

Map squares to form Miskatonic University campus and buildings

Role cards (Academic or Cultist)

15 six-sided dice (Green, Red, Blue) each with different symbol distributions
– Green dice: 3 Success, 2 Weird, 1 Fail
– Blue dice: 2 Success, 2 Weird, 2 Fail
– Red dice: 1 Success, 2 Weird, 3 Fail

Event cards

Star Chart deck

Player tokens and character stats

How To Setup Cultists of Cthulhu

To set up the game, players first assemble the Miskatonic University campus by placing map squares. Each player then chooses a role as a student or staff member, each with unique stats and backgrounds. Role cards are randomly distributed, with only one player receiving the Cultist role. The remaining players are Academics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Roles: One Cultist and multiple Academics.

Dice System: Players use colored dice for skill checks with varying difficulty.

Event Cards: Players draw and resolve event cards from the Star Chart deck, which can have negative or beneficial effects.

Star Chart: The Star Chart tracks the escalating danger and risk of the Cultist revealing themselves and summoning monsters.

Objective:
– Academics: Complete scenario-specific goals (e.g., closing an alien portal or stopping a summoning ritual).
– Cultist: Disrupt the Academics and eventually reveal themselves to gain power and summon monsters.

Game End: The game ends when all Academics are dead or the scenario goals are completed.

Player Experience

**Cultists of Cthulhu** offers a dynamic and engaging experience with a mix of cooperation and betrayal. Players must navigate the university, manage risks, and pass skill checks while the Cultist secretly sabotages their efforts. The game is designed for 3-6 players, with special rules for solo and duo play. Game sessions typically last 2-3 hours, making it a substantial but engaging commitment.

Pros

High Replay Value: Multiple scenarios and random role distribution ensure varied playthroughs.

Inclusive: Supports solo, duo, and multi-player modes.

Engaging Mechanics: Unique dice system and Star Chart mechanics add depth to gameplay.

Thematic Art: The game features great artwork that enhances the Lovecraftian theme.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a moderate to high complexity level, requiring some time to learn the rules.

Time Investment: Games can take 2-3 hours, which may not be suitable for all players.

Rule Clarity: Some rules can be unclear and require clarification from the designer.

Personal Thoughts on Cultists of Cthulhu

**Cultists of Cthulhu** is a well-designed game that caters to fans of horror and social deception games. It is ideal for players who enjoy strategic gameplay, cooperative elements, and a touch of betrayal. The game’s ability to accommodate solo and duo play makes it versatile and accessible to a broader range of players. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for quick, light-hearted gaming sessions due to its complexity and time requirement.

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