Don’t wake up Cthulhu! (2020) Board Game

Don’t wake up Cthulhu! is a board game released in 2020 by Don’t Panic Games. It is a novel-based party game that features elements of bluffing, card game, and science fiction. The game is designed by Francesco Barborini and Massimiliano Grotti, with artwork by Andrea “Criki” Parisi. Players take on the roles of cultists trying to summon the ancient cosmic entity Cthulhu without waking it from its slumber.

Game Components of Don’t wake up Cthulhu!

Player cards: Each player has a set of cards to manipulate and strategize.

Entity cards: Representing various nefarious entities from the Cthulhu mythos.

Action cards: Allowing players to take specific actions and interact with entities.

Tentacle tokens: Used to track the awakening of Great Cthulhu.

Rulebook: Outlining the setup and gameplay rules.

How To Setup Don’t wake up Cthulhu!

To set up the game, players first shuffle and distribute the player cards. Then, they prepare the entity deck and action cards. Each player chooses a starting hand, and the remaining cards are placed within reach. The game starts with a random player, and the objective is to avoid being the one who wakes up Great Cthulhu.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: Players take turns playing cards to manipulate entities and avoid waking Cthulhu.

Entity Management: Players must strategically use entity cards to their advantage.

Action Resolution: Resolving the effects of action cards to either help or hinder other players.

Objective: The game objective is to be the last player not responsible for waking Great Cthulhu, thereby avoiding the doom that follows.

Player Experience

In **Don’t Wake Up Cthulhu**, players engage in a competitive and strategic game where the goal is to outmaneuver each other without triggering the awakening of Great Cthulhu. The game is filled with tension and unpredictability, as players must carefully consider each move to avoid the catastrophic consequences of Cthulhu’s awakening.

Pros

Fast-paced gameplay: Quick and engaging sessions.

Strategic depth: Players need to think strategically about card play and entity management.

High replayability: Random card draws and player interactions ensure each game is unique.

Thematic integrity: Faithfully represents the Cthulhu mythos theme.

Cons

Luck factor: The game can be heavily influenced by the cards drawn.

Steep learning curve: New players may find the rules and strategies complex to grasp initially.

High interaction: Some players may find the level of direct interaction and sabotage overwhelming.

Personal Thoughts on Don’t wake up Cthulhu!

**Don’t Wake Up Cthulhu** is ideally suited for fans of strategic card games and those who enjoy the Cthulhu mythos. It is perfect for groups looking for a competitive, quick, and thematic experience. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer cooperative games or those who are easily frustrated by high levels of randomness and direct player conflict. This game thrives on strategic thinking and social interaction, making it a great addition to any game night for the right audience.

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