Title: Cultist Simulator
Developer: Weather Factory
Publisher: PLAYDIGIOUS
Genre: Puzzle, Role-Playing, Simulation, Strategy
Available On: PC, Android, Nintendo Switch
Official Site: Cultist Simulator
Release Date: February 2nd. 2021
Version Tested: Nintendo Switch
Where to Buy it: Nintendo eShop
Inspired by HP Lovecraft, the Nintendo Switch port of Cultist Simulator review is quite unlike any other strategy game out there as you delve into the mystical arts and empower your cult with power and persuasion or run out of money before it can even begin in this rogue-like card game.
Do you have what it takes to master the magical arts in this Lovecraftian card game?
Cultist Simulator: Who Knew Starting A Cult Would Look So Cool?
There is SO much to Cultist Simulator. If you’re patient enough to survive the learning curve, this card game is rich with lore, story, and possibilities. The developers definitely deserve a pat on the back for creating and cultivating this amount of lore and story discovered within these endless piles of cards. It’s definitely a little overwhelming at first, but repeated attempts definitely help cement some of the larger elements.
There are three DLCs, The Dancer, The Priest, and The Ghoul, that take the established lore to the next level. I actually found some of the DLCs to be a little more user-friendly than the established game and really appreciated the elements found within them.
In the Cultist Simulator review, it does an incredible job of creating an atmosphere in a game that mainly revolves around looking at piles of cards. The bright blues and purples make it aesthetically-pleasing to look at, and the music might have been one of my favorite parts. The creative design behind this simulator really enhances the experience.
But How Do You Start A Cult?
There is a major learning curve involved with playing Cultist Simulator. If you’re hoping for something to pick-up-and-play on your Switch, this isn’t the game you’re looking for. There is a lot of trial-and-error involved just getting through the starting layers of the game, so patience (and a lot of reading) are necessary to digging into the Cultist Simulator review.
While the mystery and uncertainty of what’s going on is part of the design, Cultist Simulator is not super-friendly to those looking for a hand in understanding. After doing a little digging, I found a brief tutorial hidden in a menu option, but it was just more vague reading. Having the option to watch a tutorial or having a slower campaign to get the hang of the game, as a brand new player, would have been a nice option to have. That being said, the port to Nintendo Switch is not very user-friendly, but I just think it’s not a game that lends itself well to console play.
Upon doing a little research, it seems that on PC it is easier to learn about the cards and see what their effects are. On the Switch, cards in your pile don’t have much explanation, so you really just have to play around with where they may or may not apply. And having to use the controllers really slowed me down, which only made the quick gameplay even more stressful. The touchscreen controls were much better but eliminated the ability to play it on my television. There just didn’t seem like enough room on the screen for everything going on.
Cultist Simulator was previously available on Android, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Classic Mac OS, but it is now available as well on Nintendo Switch for $19.99.
Verdict: In all honesty, Cult Simulator is not a game for everyone. And, unfortunately, the Switch port does no favors to those who might be new to the game. This game requires a lot of trial-and-error to get a feel for the different cards and how they interact with one another. While mystery and uncertainty are part of the design, an optional tutorial would really help. But, if you’re willing to work at it, there is so much to enjoy in Cult Simulator review. The gameplay is quick and keeps you on your toes (this is definitely a great exercise for your brain!). Cool aesthetics and atmospheric music really add to the character of the game, and there is a rabbit hole’s worth of lore and information to digest. Who knew starting a cult would look this cool?
Cultist Simulator Review
Cool aesthetics and great music
Quick gameplay
Interesting DLC
Lots of lore and possibilities
There’s definitely a learning curve
Lack of a tutorial
Not the greatest Switch port
