Cultist Simulator

Cultist Simulator is an unusual card game, in which the player assumes the role of a cult leader and is tasked with creating his own story by drawing proper cards. Among other inspirations, one is bound to notice the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Cultist Simulator was developed by the independent Wather Factory comprising i.a. Alexis Kennedy and Lottie Bevan, who used to work for Failbetter Games (Fallen London, Sunless Sea). The game was funded through a Kickstarter campaign.

Plot

The title is set in a universe inspired by the so-called Cthulhu mythos created by H.P. Lovecraft. The game features an open story that can be shaped by the player, however, there are certain common elements, such as secrets, forsaken lore, treachery, monsters, and fighting enemies.

Mechanics

Cultist Simulator is a card game focusing on combining different cards and using them to tell a unique story. One begins the game with simple "ingredient" cards that depend on the character that the player chooses. These cards can be considered to be as some sort of features. For example, when playing as a doctor, the payer receives 2 Funds cards – these cards are necessary for living, one Health card, one Reason card, and one Passion card.

Then, one can assign the cards to particular spots on the game area and the so-called counters, that determine the actions taken by the player's hero. For example, by placing the Health card on the "employment" spot, the player decides to start a physical job providing him fixed income by also the risk of injury. On the other hand, if the player puts the Passion card on this spot, his character will become a painter.

The gameplay is adjusted by the aforementioned counters that mostly represent the time passing in different aspects of the character's life. These counters, together with numerous interactions between different cards allow players to draw new cards. With time, one gets access to more advanced effects with the main protagonist's story becoming more and more complicated. Obviously, there are also the supernatural elements revolving around discovering the forbidden lore and the titular cults.

Game modes

Cultist Simulator features only the single-player mode.

Technical aspects

Cultist Simulator features simple 2D visuals entirely based on colorful cards. The cards' design resembles e.g. RPG rulebooks and is bound to appeal to the fans.

Last updated on 04 August 2024