Culdcept officially announced for US
NEC Interchannel officially announced today that they will release the first US version of Culdcept for PlayStation 2 in October 2003.
Combining the best elements of a fantasy card battling game with tabletop tactics, the Culdcept series has long since captivated a legion of followers in Japan when it was first introduced in 1999. Culdcept was first revealed at E3 where it was playable but to zero fanfare.
In the game, each of the up to four players (human or computer) utilizes a customizable deck of 50 cards that come from a total in-game deck of 480, maneuvering around a map and taking control of unclaimed land in an effort to build their power. Defenses can be set up by placing creatures on individual terrains and battles ensue when opposing players land on occupied space and don't wish to pay the "toll."
The game is loaded with options that will extend its playability well over 100 hours including:<ul type="square"><li>42 unique map layouts to choose from, including maps used in the All Japan Cepters Cup, and one designed by the Japanese national champion player.
<li>Tutorial modes and an electronic hint guide allows anyone to jump right in and play.
<li>Special medals to be collected during the game unlock additional hidden cards and maps.</ul>
Culdcept also features art from a cadre of well-known Japanese fantasy artists such as Kastsuya Terada (Blood: The Last Vampire), and music from Yuzo Koshiro (Streets of Rage) and Kenji Ito (Romancing SaGa).
"We'd like to apologize in advance to those gamers who end up getting hooked on Culdcept," stated Norman Evangelista, vice-president, NEC Interchannel. "We realize that unleashing something like this on an unsuspecting gaming public is a bit irresponsible; however, we also believe the greatest games in the world should be available to all gamers, not just those in the games' country of origin."
