Culdcept Revolt (Nintendo 3DS)

Product Information

Don't expect much in the way of variety however, as there's no opportunity to actually explore environments or interact with NPCs outside of set cutscenes. The further I go in the game, I more I realize how playing this like a standard game of Monopoly isn’t the way to victory. Inevitably, every single little disagreement or challenge throughout the story will result in a card-based confrontation - even among allies - but the gameplay is interesting enough to warrant the repetition.

Kraniss closed off the city, preventing anyone from entering or exiting, and seeks to wipe out all Cepters, those who can manipulate magical cards. Culdcept Revolt is such a niche title – perhaps the most niche game in my gaming history – I can’t tell you if you'll like it. Under his command cepters are being hunted down and eliminated, while the city gates remain closed, trapping every citizen inside.Items to help attack and defend - as well as magic spells - are also vital, with powers ranging from something as simple as an extra dice roll, to some game-changing abilities that effect the entire board. There's some English voice acting mixed in alongside a forgettable soundtrack, announcing card names and offering encouragement during games, but we ended up turning the sound down and sticking on a podcast when settling into longer play sessions. It's an interesting idea that's pretty well executed, though it's entirely possible to continue your game with just the standard cards in tow.

What I can tell you is as someone who is a bit of a masochist for these types of experiences, I enjoy it very much. Up to two of them can be in your book at any one time, and keeping them there will add evolution points with each battle you complete. The creator of the friend room can set a wide variety of options, including the ability to ban the more broken cards by default. They let you see the cards your opponents draw, then at any time you get to see a list of cards in your opponents' hands, however you can't access the details of any of these cards. Board designs change with every chapter and new elements, such as warp points and magic circles, are introduced making for a diverse set of challenges through the campaign.The multiplayer is a blast as well since it's so much fun to pit your "Book of Cards" against another human rival. Smaller tweaks such as the fatigue that afflicts monsters, the fact that you now discard at the end of your turn, and the introduction of new buildings also change things up, but another major addition are the slightly bizarre Evo cards. Twenty years ago a bizarre amalgamation of card game, board game, and video game first released on the Sega Saturn, and made waves with its strategic depth, addictive gameplay and unique concept.

The spell cards can damage, buff or debuff monsters as appropriate as well as force specific dice rolls or draw additional cards, though “decking out” a player (having them use all their cards) just reshuffles them back into the deck.

To be able to purchase content for Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family systems, a Nintendo Network ID is also required and your funds usable through the Nintendo Account must be merged with the funds tied to your Nintendo Network ID. This system must be updated to the latest system software and connected to the internet with automatic downloads enabled, and it must have enough storage to complete the download. This is my first outing with the series and any nerves about it being too obtuse quickly subside as I complete the tutorial and start the campaign. A game between the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers is on the TV in the background as I laze on the couch Sunday afternoon. Hopefully, in the coming weeks, it’ll be a lot easier to connect with others and if it isn’t, I can always scrimmage against the various characters I defeat in the story.