CULTivate (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

CULTivate is a board game released in 2021, designed by Danny Kvale. It falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy and Humor, offering players a unique gaming experience. The game features a quirky theme where players compete to grow the most impressive cult following.

Game Components of CULTivate

Screen Printed Wooden Meeples

Double-Sided Compound Boards

Character & Agenda Mats

Illustrated Playing Cards

Wooden Marker Cubes

Rule Book.

How To Setup CULTivate

To set up CULTivate, each player chooses a cult leader and a corresponding compound board. Players then select one of three available agendas, which outline their character’s goals. The game components, including the illustrated playing cards, wooden meeples, and marker cubes, are distributed accordingly. Players start with a hand of cards and begin recruiting followers to fill their compound.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Recruit Followers: Players collect follower meeples to match the pattern of their character’s agenda.

Manage Compound: Use cards to manage follower placement within the compound.

Sabotage Rivals: Play cards to sabotage rival cult leaders or convert their followers.

Avoid Investigators: Handle Undercover Investigations that can add investigators to the compound, hindering recruitment.

Exchange Followers: Make exchanges with follower meeples in the supply to complete the agenda.

Activate Powers: Recruit followers to activate powers that help fill the compound.

End Game: The game ends when a player fills their compound, and points are tallied from followers, completed agendas, and earned bonuses.

Player Experience

Players experience a mix of strategy and simplicity in CULTivate. The game is easy to learn but offers deep strategic choices, making it engaging for various player types. The tongue-in-cheek humor and quirky agendas add a comedic element, enhancing the gaming experience. Players must outmaneuver and outplay their opponents using cunning tactics and diabolical schemes. The game is more enjoyable with more players, as it introduces more interactions and penalties that can significantly impact gameplay.

Pros

Award-Winning: Won the Best General Card Game at the 2022 UK Games Expo.

Strategic Depth: Offers a perfect blend of strategy and simplicity.

Humorous: Features tongue-in-cheek humor and absurd ideologies.

High-Quality Components: Includes nicely decorated wooden meeples and high-quality playing cards.

Replayable: Addictively replayable with various strategies and interactions.

Cons

Rulebook Error: Some copies have a printing error in the rulebook.

Two-Player Limitations: Less fun with only two players due to reduced interactions and penalties.

Personal Thoughts on CULTivate

CULTivate is ideal for those who enjoy casual yet strategic board games with a comedic twist. It’s perfect for game nights with friends or family, offering a unique blend of humor and competition. The game’s accessibility and tactical depth make it appealing to both new and experienced gamers. However, it is more enjoyable with a larger player count to fully leverage the take-that mechanics and player interactions.

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