Cthulhu Gloom

Cthulhu Gloom is a fun card game that takes the basic Gloom game mechanics and adds a Lovecraftian spin. You're still trying to make your characters as miserable as possible before killing them off, but now you're doing it with cards featuring references to H.P. Lovecraft's stories. There are new Story cards that can be claimed for additional benefits (or drawbacks) and Transformation cards that mutate your characters into "something hideous and slimy."

The game is well-made, with transparent plastic cards that allow you to stack modifiers on top of each other. I've found that the card quality is good, and the art is nice. The game is also fairly easy to learn, even if you aren't familiar with Lovecraft's work. You can tell stories based on the cards, even if you don't understand the references.

I've played with both Lovecraft fans and people who have never read his work, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. It's a fun game for a casual night with friends. The only downside is that the game is not as balanced as the original Gloom. The Untimely Death cards are easier to distinguish within the deck, and there's only room for four players.

Overall, I'd recommend Cthulhu Gloom to anyone who enjoys Gloom or Lovecraftian themes. It's a fun, silly, and slightly morbid card game that's perfect for a casual game night.