United Sects of America is an ambitious strategy game set in an alternative reality of the United States, focusing on leading a cult. The player takes on the role of a cult leader striving to gain influence and control over various states in the country. The game offers both serious narrative elements and humorous threads, providing players with broad choices and influence over the development of their sect.
Gameplay:
The player embarks on their journey with a small faction of their sect in one of the selected states. The primary goal is to expand influence to other states by recruiting new followers, developing settlements, and making strategic decisions.
Game Elements:
- Choice of themes: Players can choose various themes for their sect, ranging from serious ones like socialist or cosmic to absurd and humorous ones, such as a love for fast food or adoration of anime.
- Plot and choices: A rich plot immerses the player in the world of the cult, uncovering mysteries, internal conflicts, and external threats. Choices are the main feature of the game, and the events that unfold depend on factors like the buildings constructed, the pace of sect development, and specific narrative decisions. This ensures a unique experience with each approach to the game.
- Recruitment and development: Players must recruit followers to increase influence over additional states. As the sect grows, players can construct buildings that enhance influence and the functionality of the settlement.
- Sermons and persuasion: Every few turns, players must choose one of three pre-prepared sermons to improve the sect's situation.
- Influence and power: As the sect gains followers and influence, players can aim to seize control over other states, leading to conflicts with authorities, rival groups, or different beliefs.
- Moral dilemmas: The game addresses challenging moral dilemmas related to manipulating people, ethical aspects of the established cult, and its impact on society.
- Variety of endings: Depending on player choices, the game can lead to different endings, ranging from spectacular successes to failures and the downfall of the sect.