In Tabletop Games C is for…
Call of Cthulhu
Inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, Call of Cthulhu is all about cosmic horror, mystery, and madness. Unlike traditional TTRPGs, where heroes grow stronger over time, here your characters are fragile investigators who often meet tragic ends. The setting, steeped in 1920s occult horror, pits players against eldritch entities that can’t be defeated—only survived, if they’re lucky. The sanity mechanic is infamous, reflecting the existential terror of uncovering truths mankind was never meant to know.
Campaign Setting
This is the world or universe where a campaign takes place. Famous campaign settings include Middle-earth, the Forgotten Realms, and Eberron. A setting provides the backdrop, lore, and cultures that shape the game’s story. Some groups use official published settings, while others create entirely original worlds.
Casual Gamer
A player who enjoys games but doesn’t necessarily go deep into the hobby. They might prefer lighter, quicker games like Codenames or Ticket to Ride rather than diving into multi-hour strategy marathons.
Catch-Up Mechanism
A game feature designed to prevent runaway leaders and keep everyone in contention. Mario Kart’s blue shell is a famous example, but in board games, catch-up mechanics might involve extra resources for trailing players or mechanics that naturally slow down leaders.
CCG (Collectible Card Game)
A game where players collect and trade cards, usually purchasing randomised booster packs to expand their decks. Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon TCG are classic examples, where powerful rare cards can give players an edge—sometimes leading to a ‘pay-to-win’ dynamic.
Competitive Game
A game where players or teams compete to win. Unlike cooperative games, where players work together against the game itself, competitive games always have winners and losers. Some are friendly and lighthearted, while others can be cutthroat.
Components
The physical pieces that make up a game—boards, cards, dice, tokens, and so on. High-quality components can enhance a game’s appeal, and some collectors enjoy ‘pimping out’ their games with upgraded bits.
Cooperative Game
A game where players work together to achieve a common goal. Everyone wins or loses as a team. Pandemic and Forbidden Island are great examples, where players strategize to beat the game rather than each other.
Crunchy
A game that requires deep thought, careful planning, and strategic decision-making. Crunchy games often involve complex rules and multiple layers of gameplay, appealing to those who enjoy a mental challenge.