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Don’t Mess with Cthulhu (2014) Board Game

Don’t Mess with Cthulhu is a social deduction game that was designed by Yusuke Sato and published by New Board Game Party in in 2014. The game puts players in the world of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos, where some players are secretly working for the Elder Gods while others are trying to stop them.

Game Components of Don’t Mess with Cthulhu

  • Character tokens: Investigators and Cultists
  • Investigation cards: Elder Signs, Futile Investigations, Cthulhu
  • Flashlight token**
  • Optional: Objects of Power (in the Deluxe version), including special effect cards like Insanity’s Grasp.

    How To Setup Don’t Mess with Cthulhu

    Setup is straightforward. Shuffle the character tokens and deal one to each player face-down. If playing with four players, remove one Investigator token before dealing. Shuffle the investigation cards and deal them out in varying counts based on the number of players. Each player receives a row of cards, which they cannot look at again once laid out face-down.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:
  • Investigators: Win if all Elder Signs are revealed.
  • Cultists: Win if Cthulhu is revealed or the game ends without all Elder Signs being revealed.
  • Gameplay:
    – Players claim what cards they have, but can lie.
    – The player with the flashlight token investigates another player’s card, revealing it.
    – Each round consists of as many turns as there are players.
    – The game spans four rounds; if all Elder Signs are not revealed by the end, Cultists win.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Don’t Mess with Cthulhu** is an engaging and often hilarious experience, particularly in larger groups. The game thrives on social interaction, bluffing, and strategic deception. Players must navigate the uncertainty of who is an Investigator and who is a Cultist, making accusations and decisions based on limited information. The addition of special cards like Insanity’s Grasp in the Deluxe version adds a new layer of complexity and humor, as players must navigate forced silence and potential lies about having such cards.

    Pros

  • Social Interaction: Encourages lively discussions and bluffing.
  • Simple Setup: Easy to set up and get started.
  • Replayability: High due to the random distribution of cards and roles.
  • Fun and Engaging: Creates memorable game sessions and stories.
  • Scalability: Supports up to 8 players in the Deluxe version.

    Cons

  • Luck Factor: The game can be heavily influenced by the cards drawn.
  • Trust Issues: Players may find it challenging to trust each other, leading to paranoia.
  • Limited Depth: The gameplay mechanics, while fun, are relatively simple and may not appeal to players seeking complex strategy.

    Personal Thoughts on Don’t Mess with Cthulhu

    **Don’t Mess with Cthulhu** is perfect for those who enjoy social deduction games and are looking for a light-hearted, entertaining experience. It is ideal for party settings and larger groups, as it encourages interaction and creates a fun, chaotic atmosphere. If you enjoy games like “Mysterium” or “Deception,” you will likely appreciate the social dynamics and bluffing mechanics of **Don’t Mess with Cthulhu**. However, if you prefer games with deeper strategic elements, this might not be the best fit.

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