Smash Up: The Obligatory Cthulhu Set (2013) Board Game

Smash Up: The Obligatory Cthulhu Set is an expansion for the popular card game Smash Up, which was released in in 2013. This expansion adds the Lovecraftian horror theme of Cthulhu and his minions to the mix, bringing a new level of strategy and chaos to the game.

Game Components of Smash Up: The Obligatory Cthulhu Set

28 Minion Cards

14 Action Cards

4 Base Cards

How To Setup Smash Up: The Obligatory Cthulhu Set

Shuffle the minion and action cards separately.

Deal out a base for each player in the game.

Each player chooses two factions to play with.

Shuffle the two faction decks together to create your deck.

Draw five cards from your deck to start the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Smash Up: The Obligatory Cthulhu Set, the goal is to score the most points by capturing bases. Players do this by playing minion cards to the bases and using action cards to disrupt their opponents’ plans. Each faction has unique abilities and strategies, so players must carefully choose how to combine them to achieve victory.

Player Experience

Pros

Fun theme that adds a new dimension to the game.

Strategic depth with the different faction combinations.

Fast-paced gameplay that keeps players engaged.

Cons

Can be overwhelming for new players with the various faction abilities.

Luck of the draw can heavily influence the outcome of the game.

Some cards may feel unbalanced, leading to potential frustration.

Personal Thoughts on Smash Up: The Obligatory Cthulhu Set

Overall, Smash Up: The Obligatory Cthulhu Set is a solid expansion that adds a fresh and exciting twist to the base game. The Lovecraftian theme is well-executed, and the faction combinations offer a lot of replay value. However, the game can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers, and the luck factor may deter some players looking for a more strategic experience.

In terms of build quality, the cards are of good quality and the artwork is engaging. The pricing and availability of the expansion are reasonable, making it accessible to a wide range of players. If you enjoy card games with a mix of fantasy, horror, and humor, Smash Up: The Obligatory Cthulhu Set is definitely worth your time.

For fans of the Cthulhu mythos or those looking for a unique twist on the card game genre, this expansion is a must-have. However, if you prefer more straightforward gameplay or are not a fan of luck-based mechanics, you may want to skip this one. Ultimately, Smash Up: The Obligatory Cthulhu Set caters to a specific audience but delivers an enjoyable and immersive experience for those who appreciate its thematic elements.

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