A classic strategy game is making a return to modern platforms. Culdcept The First, an enhanced version of the 1997 Sega Saturn title, is slated for release on , for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. The game blends elements of board games, card games, and JRPGs, offering a unique strategic experience.
The Western release of Culdcept The First will be handled by Clear River Games on consoles, though the extent of their involvement – specifically regarding physical releases – remains unclear. CityConnection is managing the Steam release and distribution within Japan. The game’s core concept revolves around players, known as “Cepter,” battling for control of territory on a game board using a 50-card deck they construct themselves.
A Unique Blend of Strategy and Chance
Culdcept The First distinguishes itself through its fusion of genres. Players move across the board based on dice rolls, strategically summoning creatures onto spaces they occupy. These creatures then represent the player’s control over that territory. The game isn’t simply about brute force. Spell Cards introduce an element of manipulation, allowing players to influence dice rolls, bolster their creatures, or hinder opponents. Victory is achieved by accumulating a target amount of “Magic Power” and returning to the Castle – the starting point on the board.
The game features over 300 different cards, offering a substantial degree of deck-building customization. After each match, players receive a random selection of cards based on their performance, encouraging continuous refinement of their strategies. Battles themselves aren’t just about raw stats; creature abilities, Item Card effects, and even the terrain itself play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
New Features Enhance the Classic Experience
This isn’t a simple port of the original Sega Saturn game. Culdcept The First incorporates several new features designed to improve the gameplay experience. A “Rewind” function allows players to revert the game state to any point after passing a Checkpoint at a Fort or the Castle, offering a safety net for strategic experimentation. Quick Save and Load functionality provides greater flexibility, allowing players to save and resume their progress at any time, independent of the game’s standard save system.
Further enhancements include a toggleable “Bonus Pack” that adjusts the number of reward cards received at the end of a match, and a “Reveal Hands” feature. The latter allows players to display both their own and their opponent’s hands on-screen – a feature not present in the original release – and can be toggled on or off. The game also supports language switching, allowing players to choose between Japanese and English, though save data is not shared between language settings.
The Lore of Culdcept
The game is set on the continent of Bablashca, a land steeped in mythology. The story centers around a conflict between the gods Culdra and Baltias, and the subsequent chaos unleashed when fragments of the “Culdcept” – the Book of Creation and Destruction – are discovered. Driven by a prophecy promising infinite power to whoever controls the Culdcept, various “Cepter” engage in battles over these fragments. The narrative follows a lone youth embarking on an epic journey amidst this conflict.
A Resurgence of a Cult Classic
The announcement of Culdcept The First comes alongside the reveal of Culdcept Begins, a separate title slated for release on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC on . Both games share similar gameplay mechanics, emphasizing deck-building and territorial control. The revival of the Culdcept series signals a renewed interest in this unique blend of strategic gameplay, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The original game, released in 1997, garnered a dedicated following, and this updated version aims to recapture that magic while introducing the series to a wider audience.
The combination of familiar mechanics, enhanced features, and a compelling narrative positions Culdcept The First as a noteworthy release for strategy game enthusiasts. The availability across multiple platforms – PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC – further broadens its potential reach.
