In Collection
#73

Blending the {\strategy} associated with collectible {\card games} with the turn-based structure of a board game, {*Culdcept} makes its U.S. debut courtesy of publisher {@NEC Interchannel}. Each player, referred in the game as a Cepter, begins with a 50-card deck from a pool of 480, which are used to cast spells, use items, or summon creatures to fight rival opponents. The object is to claim as much territory, represented by squares on one of 42 map layouts, as possible. Up to four players (human- or computer-controlled) can compete against one another, and as each participant moves into unclaimed territory, he or she is allowed to place creatures found on their card to guard a square. Subsequent players who land on an occupied square can do one of two things: pay a toll and continue moving or fight to reclaim the territory. Once a battle is won, players earn the square as well as the card used to defend it. By winning matches in the single-player mode, players can unlock a gallery filled with art from noted Japanese fantasy artists {$Ayano Koshiro} and {$Katsuya Terada}. Other bonuses include hidden maps and cards, which are awarded for achieving medals during competition. An in-game tutorial is designed to familiarize players with the flow of gameplay.