Cult of the Lamb

Developer: Massive Monster
Release: Aug 11th 2022
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
Indie
Strategy
Addictive
Creative
Stylish
Tedious
Repetitive
Cult of the Lamb Poster

" Dark indie action-adventure with roguelike cult management and occasional tedious micromanagement "

Cult of the Lamb Review

Cult of the Lamb is a unique blend of roguelike dungeon crawling and base-building with cult management mechanics. Players control a possessed lamb who builds and manages a cult, balancing follower needs, rituals, and combat. The game masterfully combines adorable yet dark art style with addictive gameplay loops that mix fast-paced combat and strategic management. The humor is dark and fitting, enhancing the game's charm. While the combat is enjoyable, it leans on simplicity and bullet-hell elements near the end. The base-building and follower micromanagement are deep but can become tedious, especially with constant follower needs and occasional chaos upon returning from crusades. Despite some repetitiveness and grind, the game offers a satisfying pacing and a well-executed theme. Players appreciate the polished design, music, and the balance between exploration and management. However, some find the cult management overwhelming or frustrating without automation options. Overall, Cult of the Lamb is a polished, charming, and addictive experience with a strong cult theme and a mix of cozy and dark elements.

Highlights

Players praise the game's stylish and adorable art style combined with a dark, humorous tone. The addictive gameplay loop skillfully balances fast-paced, snappy combat with base-building and cult management. The soundtrack and sound design receive high marks for enhancing the atmosphere. The cult mechanics, including follower interactions and rituals, offer a unique twist on management games. The combat, while simple, is fluid and engaging, especially with boss fights. The game’s pacing and progression are well considered, allowing players to enjoy both exploration and strategic planning. Many appreciate the game's charm, creativity, and polished execution.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the tedious micromanagement of followers, which some players find overwhelming or frustrating due to constant needs like hunger, faith, and cleanliness. The lack of automation tools for follower tasks is a frequent complaint. Combat is considered simplistic and repetitive by some, with relics often feeling useless. The grind for achievements and certain unlockables can feel excessive, extending playtime beyond enjoyment for some. A few players mention the game can feel unfocused, with many mechanics seeming like filler. Additionally, some find the satanic cult theme off-putting or unsettling. Performance issues on certain platforms and long unlock animations were minor points of frustration.

Pros

  • Unique blend of roguelike combat and base-building cult management.
  • Adorable yet dark and stylish art style with strong visual appeal.
  • Addictive and satisfying gameplay loop combining exploration and management.
  • Engaging soundtrack and sound effects that enhance atmosphere.
  • Fluid and snappy combat with challenging boss encounters.
  • Deep cult mechanics with rituals, follower interactions, and customization.
  • Well-balanced pacing allowing flexible play styles and progression.

Cons

  • Follower micromanagement can be tedious and overwhelming without automation.
  • Combat is relatively simple and can become repetitive over time.
  • Relics often feel underpowered or useless, limiting build variety.
  • Grinding achievements and unlocks can be excessive and unenjoyable.
  • Some mechanics feel unfocused or filler without clear purpose.
  • Satanic cult theme may be off-putting for some players.
  • Performance issues on certain platforms, including frame drops.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Start your own cult in a land of false prophets, venturing out into diverse and mysterious regions to build a loyal community of woodland Followers and spread your Word to become the one true cult.

Release Date Aug 11th 2022
Publisher Devolver Digital
Developer Massive Monster
Platforms

User Reviews

Overwhelmingly Positive (50,343)
97% Positive 3% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
82