I am not what you’d call a die-hard fan of the Culdcept series. It’s actually been around for quite a few years now, but has found more popularity overseas, with very few domestic releases on this market. Still, it’s a bit hard to figure out why, especially considering its fascinating lore surrounding magic and those that try to grasp it. Fortunately, Neos felt the need to give the series a second chance on today’s market, and here we have the result – Culdcept Begins.
It sounds a bit corny, but for anyone that likes to build a good battle deck or even take on a not-so-traditional board game, there’s a lot of merit here. The two elements are combined together as you place monsters, move around a board and take part in memorable battles, all in the name of saving the world.
Deck-building isn’t really my thing, so I approached Culdcept Begins with caution. But the game actually opens up with a great Story Mode, really giving you an idea of the tactics at hand. And it doesn’t overwhelm you either, as you can actually use a pre-made deck instead of building one. Plus the online and Game Sharing features are great with friends, though local, single-system multiplayer is sorely missing.
The visuals are a bit fuzzy and the concept isn’t for everyone, but Culdcept Begins grew on me. It’s got deep gameplay that’ll last you several hours, and you can connect with others that have a devotion to the series. It may not be the most familiar series out there, but Culdcept deals you a proper hand.
Culdcept Begins Thrusts You Into a Magical, Dangerous World
Man, we can’t have nice things. The Culdcept was a great balancer of all things in the world of Bavrashka. That is, until it was destroyed. In the wake of this, Culds were put into play, wielded by people known as Cepters. They simply fulfilled their need, but now a greater one has emerged, as a mysterious god threatens, well, everything. It’s up to you, a young Cepter by the name of Kamru, to make things right.
It sounds overwhelming, and entirely different from what you might be used to with, say, Harry Potter. But Culdcept has actually been around for years, and Begins serves as a fluid starting point for those getting into the series. Hence the Begins name. It’s here that you’ll not only get accustomed to the world, but also the combination of board game playing and deck-building.
See, you’ll move around a board, Monopoly-style, attempting to build income. That means placing monsters and getting ready for battle against others, using your cards. The more you go around, the more you can build up within your deck – and the more wild the battles become. And what battles they are, with cards practically whipping away at each other. Hey, Balatro, give this a look, will ya?
This isn’t my typical fare for games – I haven’t won a game of Monopoly in ages – but Culdcept takes the concepts and wraps them together with a neat little bow. There’s nothing here’s that overwhelming, as the game offers something for everyone. Veterans will have no trouble building a killer deck and walking into each battle with tactics in hand. Newcomers will find options galore, including pre-built decks, in case they’re feeling overwhelmed. There’s something here for everyone, and after a few hours, you’ll ease right into the rhythm.
Plus there’s multiplayer as well. Whether through Game Sharing or online, you’ll find plenty of people to take on. I do wish there was some form of local multiplayer, with a “pass the controller” concept added for good measure, but perhaps it works best if everyone has their own system. Regardless, it’s a great feature, and helps you connect with other fans of this mostly forgotten series.
Culdcept Begins will certainly keep you busy. There’s hours’ worth of story here, and literally hundreds of cards to build your deck from. Plus the multiplayer adds to the game as well. If card or board games are your thing, or you’ve always been curious about what Culdcept has to offer, hop on board with this one.
How Does Culdcept Begins’ Presentation Hold Up?
The classic art style of Culdcept Begins just might grow on some people. It is a bit fuzzy compared to higher-budget games on the market, but it’s exquisite in its own little way. The design is definitely true to previous games in the series, and the animations really bring it to life here and there. Not to mention the cards are easy to view, and the settings stand apart, creating an imaginative world in the process.
As for the music, there’s a great cinematic score here, and the battle noises during the combat scenarios are a lot of fun.
Culdcept Begins, and You Should Take Notice
Again, if board games or card games aren’t your bread and butter, Culdcept Begins won’t floor you. But if you’re a fan of the series or just want something quirky and new for your collection, it’s a novel game to take on. The battles are engaging, and the ability to build your deck and your income is really addictive. Plus the visuals, while not over the top, do a great job in presenting an unlikely world right in front of you.
I’m happy to see Culdcept get a second chance in today’s gaming market, and Begins is an ideal introduction for those who never heard of it before. I wonder what the next adventure just might bring.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Overload PR for providing us with a review code! Culdcept Begins is available now for Nintendo Switch and Steam/PC/Steam Deck!
