Many PC and mobile gamers know the game I’m reviewing today quite well. Since its release, Cultist Simulator has entertained fans of board and card games, as well as roguelike players. The game offers an incredibly deep experience and a huge realm of possible ways for things to play out. Unfortunately, the game is intended for these players. Those unfamiliar with the genre will have a hard time diving into the game with no background or experience in these sorts of games.

Cultist Simulator, a game developed by Weather Factory, is now on Nintendo Switch. Published by Playdigious, the game just released February 2nd to a huge audience on Nintendo’s handheld-home console hybrid. The game features a great roguelike experience via a card game. You play a curious individual in the 1920s seeking the truth. What is that truth? Well, that depends on what you explore in your narrative. As you play cards, new mysteries emerge and secrets take form before your eyes.

The game’s random sequencing makes each playthrough different. That’s a great thing for those who love this genre of game. Plus, the cultist element of the game features a ton of really great narrative elements. Things like creepy rituals and summoning spirits feel normal after a while. Then you realize what you’re actually doing and it all feels quite insane. For those who enjoy simulator-style games, this is one of the best. Newcomers to this sort of gaming experience, however, will likely be very lost. That feeling doesn’t necessarily go away either.

Cultist Simulator is proud of the fact that it “doesn’t hold your hand,” according to the developer. That’s fine and dandy, but it’s incredibly confusing for newcomers. Even someone like me who has played the game at some point, albeit years ago, was quite lost. The immersive storytelling experience via cards and time systems is overwhelming. It’s well done as a Switch port, but for someone who is just idly curious about the game, I can’t imagine they’ll pick the game up without some major growing pains.

Whether or not a player sticks with the game long enough to learn its mechanics is up to the player. As a reviewer, however, I find the game’s encouragement to dive in blind to be a detriment to the experience. There’s a great game here, and if this is your usual jam in terms of genre, then you’re going to love the experience on the Switch. The user experience on handheld and TV mode is fantastic. Newcomers, however, will likely feel frustrated and abandon the game before they ever get to the good stuff.

I’m giving Cultist Simulator for the Nintendo Switch a 7.5. Here’s the gist. If you like these sorts of games, then the Switch port is done quite well. However, I need to keep in mind newcomers who might be checking this game out too. For these players, I don’t think the game does a good job of introducing its depth in a manageable way. It’s too bad, because many might see the gameplay system as too complicated to give it a shot, and this is a truly great game.

A Switch port could have been a great chance to offer more player guidance, seeing as the player base is so substantial. That said, those willing to stick with the game until they understand it better will be treated thoroughly. If you’re going to give the game a try, then be sure to let us know what you think in the comments.

A review copy of the Cultist Simulator was provided by the Playdigious for the purposes of this review.

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Cultist Simulator

$19.99

7.5

Score

7.5/10

Pros

• Great Roguelike Card Game
• Wonderful Depth in Where the Story Takes You Each Playthrough
• Good User Experience on Switch

Cons

• Not Newcomer Friendly
• Likely Only to Appeal to Fans of the Genre