One of my goals for for 2023 is to post more board game content–and you can see that we’re reaching the middle of February before I put the motion. You can be the judge on if I’m succeeding or not.
We’re going to start a new series publishing every Wednesday called our “Quick and Easy Review Series”. What I hope to accomplish is short posts, several paragraphs in length, that highlight why you may love a game that we love. Spoiler Alert: this series will be specifically for games that we personally love and vouche for. Games that don’t fall into that category will still be reviewed, but not in this series.
First up: Cthulu Death May Die
Publisher: CMON Games
If you’re a fan of horror-themed board games, then you might have heard of Cthulhu: Death May Die. This game is published by CMON and designed by Rob Daviau and Eric M. Lang. It has quickly become a favorite of fans of the genre with its unique mechanics, stunning artwork, and immersive storytelling. In this post, we’ll be reviewing Cthulhu: Death May Die and exploring why it’s a must-have for any horror board game collection.
First off, let’s talk about the game’s theme. Cthulhu: Death May Die is inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft and his Cthulhu Mythos. The game takes place in the 1920s and pits players against a range of Lovecraftian horrors, from Deep Ones to Elder Gods. The game’s narrative is driven by an episodic structure, where each game is a self-contained story with its own objectives, unique enemies, and escalating tension. If you’ve played Arkham Horror, Eldritch Horror, Mansions of Madness or any of the other Cthulu-themed games you’ll be familiar with this lore.
What really sets Cthulhu: Death May Die apart from other horror games is its innovative “Insanity Mechanic.” As players progress through the game, they accumulate insanity tokens. These tokens can be spent to perform powerful actions, but they also make the player’s character more unstable and prone to fits of madness. If a player accumulates too many insanity tokens, they risk becoming permanently insane and losing the game. This was one of the ways we found it unique in such a crowded space.
The game’s combat mechanics are also worth noting. Unlike many horror games, Cthulhu: Death May Die is all about big, explosive battles. Players must gather weapons, spells, and allies to fight off waves of monsters, while also managing their own sanity and dealing with unique scenario-based mechanics. The game’s minis are beautifully sculpted and highly detailed, making for an immersive and satisfying combat experience.
Finally, we come to the game’s production value. The artwork and components of Cthulhu: Death May Die are absolutely stunning. The game’s board and cards are beautifully illustrated, with a style that perfectly captures the creepy and unsettling atmosphere of Lovecraft’s world. The game’s minis are equally impressive, with intricate designs and eye-catching colors. The attention to detail is evident throughout every aspect of the game, making it a joy to play and display on your shelf.
Compared to others in this genre; this game is a little more forgiving overall in our experience. It is more thematic and immersive due to such great components than Arkham and Eldritch Horror, but isn’t quite as story driven as Mansions of Madness which still holds our top spot in the genre.
Cthulhu: Death May Die is an incredible horror-themed board game that is sure to satisfy both Lovecraft fans and board gamers in general. Its innovative mechanics, intense combat, and stunning production value make it a standout in a crowded genre. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just getting into the hobby, this game is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to face the unspeakable horrors that lurk within its pages!
Do you like this series? Let us know in the comments.
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