Review: Be The Gods In CTHULHU WARS: DUEL
The end of the world is usually something to be avoided in movies, games, and TV shows. However, if you’re playing as a giant, old, cosmic, chaotic, monster god, it’s just the average Thursday afternoon. In Cthulhu Wars: Dual, players take on the task to control and create enough doom to end the world on their terms. This two-player game is full of strategy, epic powers, and intense choices that create an experience that is both strategically challenging and engrossing even at bad luck or lack of materials can get in the way.
Cthulhu Wars: Duel is an abbreviated version of Cthulhu Wars. Both games have the same premise of a faction growing in power and territory trying to end the world before the others. Cthulhu Wars: Dual modifies some of the rules and makes it exclusively a two-player game. But the majority of the spell books, tactics, and battles will feel very much the same as its predecessor. It is also simpler in a couple of ways, making it more approachable and better for newer players.
The aesthetics are grotesque and creepy, which is great for its Lovecraftian setting. Instead of bunches of 3-D models of these horrendous beasts, it’s simplified down to detailed cardboard cut-outs with some pretty fantastic art. These pieces command a hefty presence on the board some of them get almost absurdly big, but that’s part of the fun. There are times when things get a little bit cluttered, but it is fine 95% of the time.
Both factions are relatively unique and well designed. Cthulhu himself is very strong and meant to slowly grow in strength, and the Black Goat tries to summon and spread a weaker army very quickly and aggressively. Both factions have the ability to overwhelm the other with some strong choices and a bit of luck. One thing to love about this game is that both factions feel very powerful and like a force of nature. While learning the best strategies for both factions can take a few play-throughs, players can still enjoy a lot of the game and get a lot done even if it is their first time.
There are few things that seem somewhat problematic about the game in its scaled iteration. When a battle occurs, a lot of dice are needed, especially if there are a lot of monsters involved. In this case, people will need to take turns or use other dice in addition to the given dice to proceed. Ten small dice are provided, but multiple times we found that we needed more than that just for one person. The actual combat felt mostly fine, but some bad rolls can really ruin a game for a player. Another issue with the game was some of the rules regarding earning points are vague or not laid out well enough in the main rules. To fix this, player cards could be more clear on how players earn points and how many points they earn. The last thing to address is the lack of factions. I understand that it is a two-player game, but only having two factions does limit a lot of the replayability after both parties use both factions a number of times.
Cthulu Wars: Duel is a great two-player game that allows players to free wield the power of old gods. Even with limited factions and one or two unclear rules, this game is a great way to test one’s strategic mind and focus on growth and objectives instead of just killing.
