Cultist Simulator is more than meets the eye. Behind the time sensitive resource management is one of the most interesting lovecraft inspired narratives I've ever read.
Aesthetically, this game is masterpiece. The artwork on the cards, the sound design, and the special animations that play upon completing certain tasks are some of the best I've ever seen and perfectly elevate the sense of eeriness you get when you play the game. The OST is also stellar, a perfect balance of intensity but also calmness that always keeps the player on their toes; you are running a secret society after all.
The one drawback to this game is the amount of reading. In cultist sim, reading is quite literally EVERYTHING. You are immediately dropped in to the game and must rely on nothing but your reading skills to advance you forward. This makes the early hours of the game a little tedious, but later playthroughs become a breeze. As someone who hasn't touched a book outside of required class readings, I thought I could skip through reading the cards only to be punished later for not paying close enough attention.
My personal favorite part of this game is how extensive the lore becomes. You can found a cult on one of the many different types of lore fragments, each presenting different benefits and stories. I often find myself switching cults each playthrough to try and unlock more lore to add to my understanding of the vast world infront of me.
Overall, Cultist Sim is a riddle wrapped in a mystery with hours upon hours of replayability. While the initial hours of the game may be difficult for some players, those who power through are met with an unforgettable and vast narrative experience. A full run of this game takes multiple upon multiple hours to complete, but will keep you on the edge of your seat each time. A perfect game for fans of management, narrative focused gameplay, and anyone looking to start a cult f their own