Culdcept

"Attention Magic Lovers"

All of you magic lovers out there, and even those of you who aren't, you have just stumbled upon a game that is unlike any other out there. Ok, cutting the cheesy intro, Culdcept is a uniquely ingenious game that is best described as Magic meets Monopoly.

Gameplay

The main playing field in Culdcept is basically that of a board game. There are colored squares(red, blue, yellow, and green) each representing a different element. As you make your way around the board after rolling the "die", you have the opportunity to place down a creature card to occupy the land. Creatures have elemental affinities and when matched with the land the gain stat bonuses during battle. Think of it as purchasing the land in Monopoly terms. When you land on an opponents territory, you can either pay the fee, or summon a creature to do battle. While in battle there are item cards and spell cards to aid you. And every monster has it's own unique abilities. You can also level up the territory, or in Monopoly terms "build houses". This increases the value of the land as well as the bonuses your creatures get.
To win the game you must accumulate the goal amount of G (which stands for Magic) points. Basically it's the currency used to pay for monsters and territories.

Music

The music in this game is very good. While your attention may not be drawn to it, you are aware of it the entire time you're playing the game. The songs loop the entire time but you don't really notice it.

Graphics

The graphics in this game aren't the most realistic or beautiful, even though that one is in the eye of the beholder, but they do there job with some to spare. The game has a cartoony feel, and that is what feels right. So while many people will shy away from it and say it looks bad, it does what was intended and that is really all you can rate them on. For this game, the graphics are great. Every card was hand-drawn by a slew of artists and the effects look great as well.

Re-playability

This game shines here and now. This is one of the most addictive games out there. That especially holds through if you have a friend who owns the game or that can borrow it and build up decks. With over 460 different cards. There will always be something new. And the fact that you get new cards after every battle, even if you lose, gives you that driving force to keep playing.

Overall

I gave this game a 9 because of the fact that the music could stand out a little more and there could have been a better story, cause there isn't ch of one in reality. But all of that is just nitpicking. This game is fun, simple as that. There were three copies at my local used game store. My friends and I picked up all three. And we don't regret it.
For those of you who play Magic or any other type of CCG, this is a great alternative to the more lackluster trademarked Magic and Yu-Gi-Oh games that have been released. The only downside, it is hard to find. But if you do, it is well worth the $20 that it will most likely be priced at. Pick this one up in a heartbeat.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/03/04