They Like It! They Like It!

NEC Interchannel Ships Culdcept for PlayStation®2
Culdcept Named in Year’s One of the Top PlayStation®2 Games of 2003 by Leading Gaming Website, GameSpy

“Hidden Treasure” Strategic Collectable Card Videogame Named A “Top PlayStation®2 Holiday” Buy by GameSpy GameSpy Honors Culdcept in List of PlayStation 2 Games of the YearCult Strategy Game Elbows Out Bigger Competitors to Make Exclusive List

“We’re thrilled to get this kind of recognition from GameSpy,” said Norman Evangelista, vice president of NEC Interchannel Ltd. “We always felt that Culdcept was a hidden treasure of a game, which is why we made such an effort to bring it to the US. and it’sIt’s fantastic that aso many top gaming sites and publications hasve recognized what a fun and addictive game it is.”

“Truthfully, it’s easy to explain what Culdcept is like, but it’s much more problematic to try and articulate why that’s so great,” said the GameSpy editors of the game. “[I]t’s no small task to take two complex ideas and mesh theym perfectly, and that’s just what Culdcept does…Culdcept may not be the kind of game that captures a lot of attention, but given its easily understandable mechanics and depth—along with its sheer fun—it should.”

Strong Praise from the Press

Culdcept has already received a ton of praise by the lucky few that have had a chance to play early versions of the title. GameSpy just recently named Culdcept as a top holiday buy for the PlayStation 2. “If you're a strategy gamer, a collectible card game fan, a board game player, or just like a good game on par with a well-constructed RPG, Culdcept will almost assuredly prove to your liking,” commented Christian Nutt of GameSpy in his extensive preview.

Strong Praise from the Press

Other press have been lavishing praise on the game as well. Game Informer wrote, “Culdcept is one of the best turn-based titles to ever come to consoles.” GMR concurred, “The best board game and card game of this generation, Culdcept features simple, deep, addictive gameplay that’s topped off with great four-player multiplayer support. Snap it up before it’s gone.” Deeko.com said, “[S]imply a must have for anyone who loves games,” and The Next Level warned, “Culdcept is like heroin to strategy addicts.”

About Culdcept

In Culdcept, each player has a customizable deck of 50 cards that come from a total in-game deck of 480. Up to four players (human or computer-driven) maneuver around the map, taking control of unclaimed land in an effort to build their power. Players defend their land by placing creatures from their card hand on the individual terrains. Battles ensue when opposing players land on occupied space and don’t wish to pay the “toll.”

The game is loaded with options that will extend its playability well over 100 hours including:

• 42 unique map layouts to choose from, including maps used in the All Japan Cepters Cup, and one designed by the Japanese national champion player.

• Tutorial modes and an electronic hint guide allows anyone to jump right in and play.

• Special medals to be collected during the game unlock additional hidden cards and maps.

• A scarily addictive quality that will make players forgo other games, friends, sleep, and perhaps, personal hygiene, to play “just one more round.”

Culdcept features art from a cadre of well-known Japanese fantasy artists such as Kastsuya Terada (Blood: The Last Vampire), and music from Yuzo Koshiro (Streets of Rage) and Kenji Ito (Romancing SaGa).

History and Hype

The Culdcept series was launched in Japan in 1999 and has appeared overseas on earlier gaming platforms such as the Sega Saturn, Sega Dreamcast, and the PlayStation® game console. The game quickly built up a huge following, ultimately leading to the launch of the Culdcept National Championship. This event has seen thousands of the country’s best Culdcept players compete for cash and prizes, including the chance to have their winning tips featured on the annual “Secrets of the Culdcept MastersCuldcept National Tournament” DVD, released every year since the inception of the tournament.

About NEC Interchannel, Ltd.

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Culdcept is a trademark of Omiya Soft, Co. Ltd. © 2003

Culdcept, Culdcept logo and related artwork © 2003 Omiya Soft All other trademarks or registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2003, NEC Interchannel, Ltd, All rights reserved

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