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The Cards of Cthulhu (2014) Board Game

ByMichail

The Cards of Cthulhu is a card game released in 2014, designed by Christian Quinot and published by Dan Verssen Games (DVG). It falls under the horror genre, taking inspiration from the works of H.P. Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos.

Game Components of The Cards of Cthulhu

  • 8 Investigator cards
  • 8 Follower cards
  • 10 Item cards
  • 8 Cult Gate cards
  • 4 Minor Horror Cult cards
  • 4 Major Horror Cult cards
  • 4 Unspeakable Horror Cult cards
  • 60 Minion Cult cards
  • 7 Custom Cthulhu Dice
  • 4 8.5″ x 11″ Cult (player) boards
  • 10 Metal Custom Cthulhu Coins
  • 1 player help sheet.

    How To Setup The Cards of Cthulhu

    Setting up The Cards of Cthulhu is remarkably straightforward. Players start by choosing an Investigator and placing their Starting Experience coin next to their character. All surplus Investigators are set aside. The remaining cards are shuffled into one “Cult Deck.” The four cult boards are placed on the table, and that’s it – no more setup is required. Players can immediately begin the game by deciding who goes first.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Category:** Cooperative card game for 1-4 players.
  • Objective:** Players must prevent cultists from awakening Great Old Ones by opening gates and raising Horrors.
  • Turn Order:**
  • Summoning:** Draw 4 cards from the Cult deck, which may include cultists, Horrors, gates, cursed items, Followers, or useful items.
  • Placement:** Cultists and Gates are placed on their respective cult boards. Horrors are initially placed on their “sleeping” side and awaken when enough cultists are present.
  • Purchase Items and Followers:** Players can acquire items and Followers to aid them.
  • Combat:** Players can attack a target cult board to eliminate cultists and prevent the awakening of Horrors. If a Horror awakens, players must discard Experience Coins or sacrifice a Follower to maintain sanity.

    Player Experience

    The Cards of Cthulhu is designed to be a quick and simple game, making it perfect for a break or a casual gaming session. The game’s mechanics are easy to explain, even to inexperienced players, and the setup time is virtually non-existent. Players take on the roles of Investigators, working cooperatively to fend off the cultists and Horrors. The game’s fast-paced nature and straightforward rules make it an excellent choice for filling a short amount of time without getting into a complex gaming experience.

    Pros

  • Quick Setup:** Almost no setup time is required.
  • Simple Mechanics:** Easy to understand and explain, even for new players.
  • Cooperative Play:** Can be played solo or with 2-4 players cooperatively.
  • Portable:** Great for travel or short gaming sessions.
  • Thematic Fun:** Engaging within the Cthulhu Mythos theme without being overly complex.

    Cons

  • Board Warping:** Initial issues with cult boards warping, though this tends to resolve after the first use.
  • Limited Depth:** The game is not meant for complex simulations, which might be a drawback for some players seeking more depth.

    Personal Thoughts on The Cards of Cthulhu

    The Cards of Cthulhu is ideal for players looking for a quick, fun, and thematic card game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. It’s perfect for fans of the Cthulhu Mythos who want to experience the horror and excitement of battling against ancient evils in a cooperative setting. The game’s simplicity and portability make it a great addition to any gaming collection, especially for those who enjoy casual, fast-paced games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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