Cult of the Lambis the latest title from publisher Devolver Digital in collaboration with developer Massive Monster. On the surface,Cult of the Lamblooks to be a simplistic roguelike dungeon crawler, but the game has much more depth than meets the eye. In true Devolver Digital fashion,Cult of the Lambis full of layers and a unique combination of features and mechanics that are reminiscent of other popular titles.
The two immediate connections that fans will make toCult of the Lambare roguelike dungeon crawlers, such asHades, and life simulation games similar toAnimal Crossing. The comparisons are not unwarranted as eventrailers forCult of the Lambshow similarities to the aforementioned titles and the mixture of the two genres is definitely a new and interesting combination, but it is one that seems to work well forCult of the Lamb.
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How Cult of the Lamb Compares to Hades
First and foremost,Cult of the Lambis an action-based dungeon crawlerand a roguelike, which means each dungeon is procedurally generated, and the player is able to enhance each run with upgrades. The combat is very fast-paced and relies on players utilizing an array of combat abilities including different weapons, spells, and a dodge roll. On the surface, the basic gameplay ofCult of the Lambis already very reminiscent of similar roguelike games but in a few particular instances, the game does rightly compare toHadesspecifically.
Hadesprides itself on its fast-paced combatand different varieties of weapons, abilities, and boons. The latter are power-ups that can be used only during the current run but grant the player useful ability and weapon upgrades.Cult of the Lambshares a similar combat system with each dungeon run, dubbed crusades, featuring tight, quick battles in small arenas that begin with a randomized weapon and also features boons that allow for upgrades mid-run.
The combat for each game relies on the player’s reflexes, and the types of weapons and attacks inCult of the Lambhave definitely taken inspiration from weapons inHades.With that said, one major difference is the randomization of player weapons in each run inCult of the Lamb;whereasHadesallows players to pick which weapon they would like to use during a particular run,Cult of the Lambrandomly chooses a weaponfor the player. This has likely been done to provide an extra challenge and sense of uncertainty for the player, but just as inHades, many of the weapons feel stronger than others, and the randomization could make or break a run based on forces outside the player’s control as opposed to skill and efficiency.
Cult of the Lamb’s Animal Crossing Mechanics
The biggeststandout feature inCult of the Lambis the relationshipand homestead simulation aspect that focus on the titular cult. The entire purpose of the player going on crusades through randomized dungeons is to gain new followers and unlock new items for their home base, which in this title is a plot of land that is used to gather resources and build an entire town/cult worshipping the player character and their deity, The One Who Waits.
Though the description of the base and relationship building may seem dark, the mechanics surrounding it are reminiscent of the relationship and town buildingaspects ofAnimal Crossing. In both games, players are encouraged to build relationships with the townspeople and customize the appearance their respective towns.Cult of the Lambeven goes more in-depth with the simulation aspect of the gameplay by requiring players to gather resources and actively care for their town and its people.
Cult of the Lambgive players the ability to completely customize their town and followers, and players could very well find themselves growing attached to certain followers, just as manyAnimal Crossingfans often pick favorite townspeople based on their personalities. Many of the relationship andtown building features inCult of the Lambare not be entirely necessary for the storyline. Still, the mechanics behind the features are so in-depth and fulfilling that many players could find themselves working hard to provide for their town and its people to achieve a sense of personal accomplishment, just as many do inAnimal Crossing.
Cult of the Lambis available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
