The world of cults is a fascinating and often disturbing phenomenon.
As we progress further into the 21st century, cults seem to be gaining popularity, ranging from extreme religious sects with a multitude of followers and unorthodox practices to those who gather around charismatic leaders claiming contact with extraterrestrial beings. Hell, we’ve even got the cults of Xbox and PlayStation seeing players defend their choices with fervent passion, as gamers defend their chosen console or platform with unwavering loyalty, engaging in heated debates and online discussions.
Cultist Simulator, developed by Weather Factory who are complete of a team including those previously behind the likes of Sunless Sea and Fallen London, delves deep into this world of beliefs and esoteric practices, offering a unique opportunity to establish and grow your own cult from its humble beginnings to a powerful and influential organization.
It plays as a roguelike deck-builder, set in a fictionalised 1920s, weaving a narrative filled with magic, mystery, and unexpected twists. It’s a game that rewards exploration, experimentation, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. However, the initial lack of guidance can be disorienting for newcomers. See, you’re thrust into the game world with minimal explanation, left to decipher the mechanics and objectives through trial and error. While this approach might resonate with some players who enjoy the challenge of unraveling a game’s systems organically, it can be frustrating for those seeking a more structured introduction and clear guidance.
The ultimate goal of Cultist Simulator is to establish and nurture a thriving cult. You begin with a single card representing menial employment; the first step on your path to power and influence. By playing this card, you generate funds, represented by “earnings” cards, which are essential for acquiring new resources and expanding your cult’s reach. As you progress, you acquire more cards, each focusing on different aspects of your cult’s development, from lore and rituals to followers and expeditions.
You can then pursue various paths, aligning yourself with different ideologies and pursuing diverse goals. You might become a doctor, utilising your medical knowledge to gain influence and attract followers, or a labourer, working tirelessly to amass resources and build a foundation for your cult. You could even choose the path of a police inspector, tasked with suppressing cults and upholding the law.
Cards are placed on tiles labeled Study, Explore, Dream, and Talk, each representing different actions and potential outcomes. Initially, survival is paramount, as you must carefully manage your resources, represented by health, funds, and passion, to avoid succumbing to disease, starvation, or the relentless pressures of the mundane world. As you gain experience and accumulate resources, you can delve into the occult, acquiring forbidden knowledge and attracting followers who share your fascination with the esoteric.
The process of forming a cult is intricate and varied, with numerous branching paths and unexpected events that emerge from your choices and the cards you acquire. Each successful playthrough unlocks new possibilities and storylines, ensuring high replayability and a sense of discovery with every attempt.
Activating a card initiates a timer for its associated action, requiring you to manage your time and resources to achieve goals. While the initial stages are relatively manageable, Cultist Simulator can become quite overwhelming as your cult grows and your table fills with cards representing various tasks, resources, and followers. Fortunately, you can delegate tasks to your loyal followers, sending them on missions to gather knowledge, acquire valuable artifacts, and recruit new members, allowing you to focus on the strategic and spiritual aspects of your cult’s development.
The core gameplay mechanics are deceptively simple, but the depth and diverse paths to success offer a challenging and rewarding experience that will keep you engaged for hours.
It’s helped that the game’s visual design is minimalist yet elegant, with a clean and intuitive user interface that effectively presents the intricate card-based mechanics. The card layouts are clear and easy to understand, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience. In fact, the fonts and icons evoke a classic board game aesthetic, reminiscent of designs like Cluedo and Monopoly, adding a touch of nostalgia and sophistication to the presentation.
The sound design is similarly effective, with an unsettling and atmospheric background score that subtly enhances the game’s tension and dramatic progression. It’s this which manages to create a sense of unease and anticipation as you navigate the treacherous world of cult leadership.
Despite my initial apprehension, Cultist Simulator quickly drew me in to its immersive world, challenging gameplay, and narrative. It evokes the spirit of “choose your own adventure” books, where each decision can lead to success or failure, requiring careful consideration and strategic planning. While the difficulty and frequent setbacks might deter some, the sense of accomplishment when your cult thrives is pretty much unparalleled.
In all, Cultist Simulator will deliver a rewarding experience that will appeal to those who enjoy depth to their gaming, as well as a bit of storytelling and a touch of the occult. The challenge of building something from nothing in a world filled with mystery and danger, is constantly a draw.
Immerse Yourself in Lovecraftian Horror with Cultist Simulator – https://www.thexboxhub.com/immerse-yourself-in-lovecraftian-horror-with-cultist-simulator/
Buy Cultist Simulator on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/cultist-simulator-initiate-edition/9NGT0GPNMLDP
