ICYMI is GAMINGbible's simple way of highlighting a game that's not quite brand new, maybe as much as a few months old, but that we've been playing and loving, and we really want to tell you about it.
Cult of the Lamb released earlier this month and has already generated over one million sales, which is super impressive for developer Massive Monster. It’s a game that I expect to be on many GOTY lists come December, maybe not at number one, but certainly in contention. However, as the game isn’t on Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, it’s a title that may slip through the net. If Hades met Animal Crossing is how I’ve seen some describe Cult of the Lamb on Twitter and it’s hard to disagree with that statement.
You are a lamb, tasked with building your own cult while taking down the false prophets of the land. That alone should be enough to persuade you to play the game but if not I’ll continue. There’s a very simple gameplay loop. You go out and beat enemies in procedurally generated dungeons (like Hades), collecting resources to use when you return to your village (like Animal Crossing), while simultaneously collecting and nurturing unsuspecting recruits to your cause. Ultimately, you need to bring in as many cultists as possible and keep them alive, which is actually harder than it sounds.
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The first hour or so of the game is almost one long tutorial, teaching you every aspect of the game, but after that, you’re on your own. I named all my poor recruits after the members of the GAMINGbible team and found it very amusing when they started pooping all over my village. The more devotion you gain from your followers, the more buildings you can start to build. A working toilet went straight to the top of my list. It’s difficult to get a sustainable source of food at first so one member of my cult, Mark, who also happens to be the Editor of this site, got a bit hangry and started to spread rumours about me around camp. Luckily enough, I’d just unlocked the ability to sacrifice someone. Bad timing, Mark.
The game is packed with side quests that are enjoyable to complete along with the natural progression of your campaign, allowing you to meet fantastical characters across the strange land that you find yourself in. You begin to build a connection with your followers and being able to speak to them and see their thoughts can create some surprisingly funny moments. I sadistically enjoyed turning one of my followers into a stew and then using that to feed the gang for a day.
The combat can be challenging at times, however like all roguelites, you’ll always be getting stronger with every life. There are currently five main dungeons and one end game boss, though I expect more may be added in the future. It hasn’t happened to me yet, but I assume if you let all your followers die, it would be extremely difficult to progress through some of the boss battles later in the game.
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Sometimes, Cult of the Lamb feels like a glorified management simulator but with the seamless switch between two gameplay styles, you’re unlikely to get bored for a good while - two hours went by in a flash while playing. If you get the chance to try this indie gem, I highly recommend it, even if it’s just to live out your best life as the leader of a satanic cult.
Topics: Indie Games, Devolver Digital