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MONSTER

Cult of the Lamb

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Cult of the Lamb
Item: Cult of the Lamb
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2022

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Simulation, RPG, Casual, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableAug 11, 2022

PlatformXbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5

DeveloperMassive Monster

Overview

Cult of the Lamb casts players in the role of a possessed lamb saved from annihilation by an ominous stranger, and must repay their debt by building a loyal following in his name. Start your own cult in a land of false prophets, venturing out into diverse and mysterious regions to build a loyal community of woodland worshippers and spread your Word to become the one true cult.

Elsewhere

7.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Cult of the Lamb dazzles with its twisted charm, blending rogue-like dungeon crawling and cult management into a darkly comedic rebellion against eldritch gods, but its narrative—though clever and thematically bold—often takes a backseat to gameplay, leaving lore and depth underexplored.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

82%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Cult of the Lamb is widely praised for its unique premise and darkly humorous tone, which blends absurdity with engaging gameplay mechanics. Critics highlight its inventive concept of a resurrected lamb leading a cult to challenge eldritch gods, often noting the clever juxtaposition of cute visuals with macabre themes. For instance, Shindig commends the game’s "thoughtful and often scathing" exploration of religion and cults, while Finger Guns applauds its "unique combination of rogue-like dungeon crawling and cult management simulation." The narrative’s focus on rebellion against deities and strategic decision-making—such as managing followers, rituals, and moral choices—adds depth, as noted by The Enemy, who emphasizes the game’s balance between management complexity and storytelling. Many reviewers also appreciate how the story sets a tone that complements the gameplay, with GameSpot calling it "a mix of dark themes and light-hearted moments" and MeuPlayStation highlighting the empathy generated for the protagonist’s quest for revenge. However, several critics argue that the narrative lacks depth and originality, often prioritizing gameplay over storytelling. PC Invasion explicitly states that "the narrative is not the game's strongest suit," while Eurogamer Italy criticizes it as "lacking depth and underdeveloped." Some reviewers point to a lack of unpredictability, with Impulsegamer noting the "straightforward" plot devoid of twists, and Gfinity mentioning that the story’s emotional investment hinges on player attachment to followers rather than a compelling arc. Additionally, Game Informer acknowledges that the story takes a backseat to gameplay, though it still manages to keep players engaged. Critics like XboxEra and XboxAddict also note that the game’s focus on cult management and procedural dungeons sometimes overshadows narrative cohesion, leaving certain elements—like the lore of the "One Who Waits" or the conflict between gods—underexplored. Overall, the critical consensus leans toward appreciation for Cult of the Lamb’s creative concept and thematic boldness, even if the story isn’t its defining strength. While many praise its dark humor, strategic depth, and engaging world-building (as seen in reviews from Games.cz and GameGrin), others feel it falls short in narrative complexity. The game’s success lies in its ability to balance gameplay and story, with critics like Gamer.no and Push Square highlighting the intriguing blend of post-apocalyptic rebellion and cult dynamics. Despite mixed opinions on depth, the majority agree that the story contributes meaningfully to the experience, even if it occasionally takes a backseat to the game’s addictive mechanics. As Digital Trends puts it, the "darkly comedic premise" and "thin line between paradise and nightmare" make the narrative memorable, even if it doesn’t fully rival the gameplay’s polish.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Cult of the Lamb nails its roguelike-management hybrid with addictive, varied combat and clever progression, but repetitive mechanics and shallow systems hold it back—still a standout mix of challenge and creativity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Cult of the Lamb is widely praised for its engaging blend of roguelike dungeon crawling and management simulation, with many critics highlighting its addictive and well-structured mechanics. IGN notes the game’s “combines base management with roguelite dungeon crawling,” while Game Informer praises its “slick and crunchy combat” and “randomly arranged dungeons keeping it fresh.” The variety of weapons, curses, and procedural generation is frequently lauded, with Checkpoint Gaming calling it a “varied and addictive experience” and PC Gamer noting the “solid combat” and “genius levelling system.” Critics like GameSpot and Digital Trends emphasize the game’s “challenging and rewarding mechanics,” while others, such as Gamepressure, highlight how randomized paths and weapon choices keep gameplay “fresh and engaging.” The dual focus on cult management and exploration creates a unique loop that many find satisfying, with IGN Spain noting the “simple yet satisfying combat” and Checkpoint Gaming appreciating the “seamless transition between managing a cult and exploring dungeons.” Despite these positives, several critics point to repetitive or underdeveloped aspects of the gameplay. Slant Magazine criticizes the combat as “flavorless” due to limited weapon variety, comparing it unfavorably to Hades, while Oyungezer notes that “combat can feel repetitive” and the city management aspect “becomes less prominent as the game progresses.” Metro GameCentral and TheSixthAxis mention that base-building lacks depth, with the latter calling the “procedurally generated dungeons” exciting but the “community simulation mechanics” feeling somewhat shallow. Other critiques include the combat’s simplicity—GameWatcher describes it as “punchy and simple” but “repetitive,” while COGconnected notes the “slippery” combat and punishing failure. Additionally, some critics, like The Enemy, point to missing mechanics for easier decoration and gameplay, suggesting that certain systems could benefit from more polish or variety. Overall, the majority of critics view Cult of the Lamb’s gameplay as a strong, cohesive experience that successfully merges roguelike action with management simulation. While there are valid criticisms about repetition and depth in specific areas, these are often outweighed by the game’s engaging mechanics and creative design. IGN highlights the “mechanical progression and customization options” in base-building, while GameCritics note the “harmonious” connection between dungeon crawling and base-building. The consensus leans toward appreciation for the game’s balance of challenge and variety, with many reviewers—such as PC Gamer and GameSpew—emphasizing its “addictive” and “satisfying” nature. Though not without flaws, Cult of the Lamb is seen as a standout title that effectively combines its core elements into a compelling and memorable experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Cult of the Lamb dazzles with a darkly whimsical art style blending cute, hand-drawn charm and grotesque horror, earning universal praise for its vibrant, cohesive visuals—though minor gripes about repetition and polish linger.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised Cult of the Lamb’s graphics and visual design as a standout feature, emphasizing its unique and charming aesthetic. Many highlighted the game’s distinct art style, which blends cute, cartoony elements with dark, grotesque themes. For instance, IGN Spain called it a “charming aesthetic that adds to the overall experience,” while Oyungezer noted its “indie graphics with a unique atmosphere and cheerful art design.” The game’s use of hand-drawn, 2D cut-paper animations and vibrant colors was frequently lauded, with XboxEra describing it as a “gorgeous art style with vibrant colors” and New Game Network praising its “hand-drawn, 2D cut paper animations” and “visually stunning world.” Critics like Games.cz and IGN Japan appreciated the contrast between cute character designs and dark themes, while GameSpot noted the cohesive blend of “cute woodland creatures with ritualistic elements.” The game’s ability to balance whimsy with horror—such as its “cute-meets-evil aesthetic” (Checkpoint Gaming) or “darkly cute aesthetic” (Guardian)—was seen as a key strength, creating an immersive and memorable visual identity. While the positives dominated, some critics pointed to minor flaws in the visual design. PC Games and The Enemy noted issues with repetitive enemy patterns and cluttered environments, which could detract from immersion. Impulsegamer criticized the color palette for making enemies hard to distinguish during intense combat, while Switch Player mentioned occasional frame drops in fast-paced scenarios. Additionally, several reviewers, including Softpedia and CD-Action, felt the game lacked variety in locations and enemy designs, with Digital Trends noting difficulty gauging enemy hitboxes due to the art style. Games.cz also suggested more room design diversity could enhance the experience. These critiques, though present, were generally seen as minor drawbacks rather than major flaws, reflecting the game’s broader strengths. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Cult of the Lamb’s visuals are a significant asset. Even critics who mentioned shortcomings acknowledged the game’s artistic achievements, such as Gfinity’s praise for its “dark, cartoony art style” and GameGrin’s admiration for its “unique aesthetic.” The blend of cute and macabre elements, along with meticulous attention to detail in character and environmental design, was consistently highlighted as a defining feature. While some critics like MeuPlayStation and Riot Pixels noted room for improvement in variety or technical polish, the majority viewed the graphics as a core strength that enhances gameplay and storytelling. As IGN put it, the “adorable art style” and “demonic set dressing” work in harmony to create a “visually appealing” and “joyful” experience, cementing the game’s visual design as one of its most praised aspects.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Cult of the Lamb's haunting, dynamic soundtrack that masterfully blends eerie, whimsical, and intense tones to elevate its darkly comedic cult narrative, with only minor critiques failing to overshadow its immersive impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

76%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praise the sound design and music of Cult of the Lamb for their ability to enhance the game’s atmosphere and emotional depth. Reviewers consistently highlight the soundtrack’s dynamic shifts between calm, eerie, and intense tones, which complement the game’s dual focus on cult management and dungeon exploration. Games.cz notes that the music “shifts between calm and dark tones,” while PlayStation Universe describes it as “eerie” and “complementary to the art style.” LaPS4 emphasizes how the soundtrack adapts to gameplay scenarios, offering “calm during cult management and action during dungeons,” and GameGrin applauds its mix of “cute, creepy, serene, and chaotic elements.” The music’s ability to juxtapose whimsical melodies with sinister undertones is a recurring theme, as seen in GamesHub’s mention of “cloying marimba tunes with sinister undertones” and GameSpot’s observation of “upbeat yet unnerving” contrasts. Critics like IGN and Noisy Pixel also highlight the soundtrack’s catchiness and memorability, with IGN noting its “spooky mix” and Noisy Pixel calling it “fantastic and catchy.” While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few critics point to minor shortcomings. Oyungezer explicitly states that “the game's music is not very satisfying,” offering a rare negative take. COGconnected acknowledges the “wordless babble” of the critters as potentially grating, though they still praise the overall audio design. Ragequit.gr notes that while the sound design performs well, it “doesn’t impress as much as the visuals.” These critiques are isolated and do not detract from the broader acclaim, as even the harshest remarks acknowledge the music’s functional role in enhancing immersion. The occasional mention of repetitive or less standout tracks—such as LaPS4’s comment about a lack of “standout tracks”—is balanced by the consensus that the soundtrack effectively serves the game’s tone and mechanics. Overall, the critics agree that Cult of the Lamb’s sound design and music are integral to its success, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. The blend of eerie, whimsical, and intense compositions is widely praised for reinforcing the game’s darkly comedic and cult-themed narrative. Reviewers like Gamepressure and XboxEra highlight how the soundtrack “keeps players engaged” and “complements the game’s themes,” while GamesHub and KeenGamer emphasize its role in balancing cuteness with horror. Even critics who note minor flaws, such as COGconnected’s critique of the critters’ dialogue or Oyungezer’s dissatisfaction with the music, acknowledge the overall quality of the audio design. This consensus underscores the soundtrack’s effectiveness in shaping the game’s identity, making it a standout element that enhances both gameplay and storytelling.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Cult of the Lamb dazzles with charm but stumbles on technical fronts—PC/PS5/Xbox grapple with bugs, glitches, and crashes, while developers rush fixes; Steam Deck and Xbox stability shine, but polished polish remains a work in progress.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Cult of the Lamb varies across platforms, with some positive aspects noted by reviewers. On PS5, PlayStation Universe highlighted minor performance issues like occasional slowdowns but emphasized that they don’t significantly detract from the experience, while MeuPlayStation acknowledged developers actively addressing bugs. For PC, GameSpew praised the game’s smooth performance on the Steam Deck, and XboxEra noted excellent PC performance with no bugs encountered during their review. On Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub commended the game’s stability despite some glitches, while Switch Player observed that developers are working on patches to resolve issues. Overall, many critics acknowledged the game’s potential and the team’s responsiveness to technical challenges. However, several platforms faced notable technical hurdles. On PS5, Digital Chumps and Finger Guns criticized bugs causing progress loss and freezes during rituals, with MeuPlayStation noting console-specific issues requiring updates. For PC, Dexerto reported frame rate dips and soft locks, while NME highlighted severe bugs like villagers clumping and game softlocks that disrupted gameplay. TheXboxHub described Xbox Series X as plagued by quest glitches and memory leaks, and Switch Player mentioned frame drops and progress-breaking bugs. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and GamePro Germany also pointed to persistent bugs and crashes requiring patches, with some reviewers (e.g., IGN Japan) criticizing the game’s instability in cult management mechanics. These issues underscored a mixed reception for PC and console versions. The overall consensus among critics reflects a balanced view of Cult of the Lamb’s technical performance. While many praised its core gameplay and developer responsiveness—such as GameSpew’s positive note on Steam Deck performance and TheXboxHub’s acknowledgment of Xbox Series X stability—the game faced consistent criticism for bugs across platforms, particularly on PC and PS5. Reviewers like PlayStation Universe and MeuPlayStation highlighted the developers’ efforts to address issues through updates, but others, including NME and Dexerto, emphasized that technical flaws significantly impacted their experience. Despite these challenges, the game’s charm and design often overshadowed its technical shortcomings, suggesting a generally favorable reception despite ongoing fixes needed for a polished experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Cult of the Lamb delivers addictive, varied gameplay through procedural dungeons and customization, but its short runtime, repetitive cycles, and shallow endgame risk leaving players wanting more—its charm hinges on balancing innovation with structural fixes.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

49%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

49%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment toward Cult of the Lamb’s replay value is mixed but leans positively, with many critics highlighting its engaging mechanics and variety. Several reviewers praise the game’s procedural generation, offering randomized dungeons, enemy encounters, and unlockable content that keep each playthrough distinct. For instance, XboxEra notes the blend of roguelike runs and community simulation mechanics as a “balanced and engaging experience,” while GameSpace emphasizes the strategic depth from varied enemies and decision-making. Noisy Pixel and GameGrin commend the game’s addictive nature and customizable playstyles, allowing players to experiment with different cult management approaches or combat strategies. Additionally, ZTGD and PC Games highlight the appeal of choices impacting outcomes, difficulty tiers, and randomized weapon/curse selections, which add layers of unpredictability. The inclusion of side activities like fishing, minigames, and post-game cleanup (as noted by Game Informer) further enriches the experience, suggesting a strong foundation for replayability. However, several critics point to significant limitations that hinder long-term engagement. Slant Magazine and Digital Trends criticize the game’s lack of depth and short roguelite structure, while Softpedia and Oyungezer argue that slow follower acquisition and a 14–20 hour runtime make it feel rushed. NME and IGN Spain note that repetition between gameplay cycles and underwhelming endgame content may deter players, with the latter suggesting “unorthodox” post-story mechanics fail to encourage meaningful changes in approach. GameCritics and MeuPlayStation also highlight a lack of depth in cult management and insufficient progression systems, while Gfinity and Checkpoint Gaming mention that once the main story is completed, there’s little incentive to return without additional content. These critiques underscore concerns about the game’s longevity and the need for more substantial post-launch updates to sustain interest. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among reviewers is that Cult of the Lamb offers a compelling base for replayability, though it falls short of being a genre-defining experience. While ZTGD, GameGrin, and XboxEra celebrate its creative mechanics and customization options, many agree that the game’s potential is tempered by repetitive elements and a lack of depth in certain areas. The balance between innovation and repetition remains a key debate: GamesHub and Guardian praise the randomized dungeons and choices as “unique” and “varied,” while Gamepressure and Ragequit.gr suggest more active cult management tools could enhance replayability. Ultimately, most critics acknowledge that Cult of the Lamb is a charming, accessible title with enough variety to warrant multiple playthroughs, but its success in maintaining player interest over time depends on addressing its structural limitations—whether through updates or personal tolerance for its quirks.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised Cult of the Lamb for its innovative blend of genres, charming aesthetics, and engaging gameplay. Many highlighted its seamless integration of roguelike action with management simulation, calling it a standout title that successfully merges dark themes with cute visuals. Eurogamer Italy lauded it as “extraordinary, fun, and irreverent,” while GameWatcher noted its “addictive nature” and “unique gameplay.” The game’s visual style and humor were frequently celebrated, with critics like GameSpew calling it “innovative indie gaming at its finest” and But Why Tho? praising its “beautiful visuals” and “witty writing.” Additionally, the game’s ability to balance tension and whimsy—such as in its cult management mechanics—was a recurring point of praise, with Shindig describing it as a “morbidly delightful experience.” TheXboxHub also emphasized its appeal, calling it a “must-try for fans of management and roguelike games.” However, several critics pointed out notable flaws that tempered their enthusiasm. Technical issues, such as performance bugs and uneven pacing, were frequently mentioned. Slant Magazine criticized the game for feeling like an “inventory of half-understood mechanics,” while PC Games noted it suffered from “technical issues and lacks combat depth.” COGconnected highlighted “slippery combat” and “uneven pacing,” and NME argued that the game’s ambition was “undermined by technical issues and repetitive busywork.” Additionally, some felt the endgame lacked substance, with TheSixthAxis noting a “watered-down end game” and IGN Spain suggesting it fell short of challenging seasoned players. Despite these critiques, many acknowledged that these flaws didn’t entirely detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Cult of the Lamb is a compelling and unique title worth experiencing. While some pointed to technical shortcomings or genre balance issues, the majority emphasized its addictive gameplay, creative design, and replayability. GameSpot called it a “standout title in both the roguelike and simulation genres,” while New Game Network praised its “bravely unique” blend of mechanics and “compelling experience at a reasonable price point.” Even critics with reservations, like Slant Magazine and PC Games, acknowledged elements of merit, such as its “engaging mix” of dungeon-crawling and management. The game’s ability to captivate players despite its flaws solidified its reputation as one of 2022’s most memorable indie releases, with many—like Game Informer and Gamer.no—highlighting its lasting appeal and fresh approach to genre fusion.

TL;DR

Cult of the Lamb is a genre-defying indie marvel blending roguelike action with management sim charm, praised for its darkly whimsical visuals, addictive gameplay, and clever fusion of tension and humor—though technical hiccups and uneven pacing temper its ambition.

MONSTER

Reviews

189 reviews found

100

ComicBook

Aug 10, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cult of the Lamb is a standout indie title that expertly blends different gameplay styles, themes, and mechanics, providing a hauntingly fun experience that appeals to fans of both roguelikes and management games.

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100

Comicbook.com

Aug 10, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Cult of the Lamb as a potential indie hit that expertly balances different mechanics, themes, and gameplay styles. It highlights the intriguing story, cute art style, haunting score, and the game's ability to address criticisms of both roguelike and farm management genres. The overall verdict is a perfect score of 5 out of 5.

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100

GameGrin

Aug 10, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cult of the Lamb is praised as one of the reviewer's favorite games released this year, with a strong emphasis on customization, adorable NPCs, and engaging combat. The game is described as cute, funny, and fun, with well-thought-out mechanics and features that cater to a wide audience.

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100

GamesHub

Aug 10, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cult of the Lamb is a unique and engaging experience with a strong and distinct personality. It has gorgeous visuals and sound design, an enjoyable gameplay loop, and a high degree of replayability. It is highly recommended.

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100

Guardian

Sep 2, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cult of the Lamb is a compelling game with a darkly cute aesthetic and engaging gameplay, already achieving significant sales.

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100

Twinfinite

Aug 10, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cult of the Lamb is praised for its depth, satisfying gameplay mechanics, and the seamless integration of different gameplay elements. Despite minor issues with combat difficulty, the game is considered a strong contender for Game of the Year.

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XboxEra

Aug 10, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cult of the Lamb is praised for its beautiful visuals, clever gameplay mechanics, excellent music, and engaging story. It is considered one of the best roguelikes combined with community builders, offering a unique and enjoyable experience.

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GameSpew

Aug 10, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Innovative indie gaming at its finest, highly enjoyable and absorbing

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Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 5

Aug 29, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cult of the Lamb is praised for its unique concept, engaging gameplay, and creepy-cute aesthetic. The reviewer highly recommends the game, giving it a final verdict of 4.5/5.

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Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Aug 22, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cult of the Lamb is a breath of fresh air in the roguelike genre, offering a unique and fun experience that is a must-play for those looking for something different.

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