Misconception? or My mistake?

[themonkeyking]

I see a lot of people posting that Xbox Live with be great cause you can't see the cards the other person is using. This isn't true. Player hand visibility is an intended feature of Culdcept and is kept in Culdcept Saga. However, people try to play really fast and slide quickly back forth over their cards so it is difficult to read them.

Just my .02 and if that is not what people meant...Gomen!

[Kuroi Kenshi]

If my memory serves me correctly the opponents cards online in the dreamcast version where never shown. I could be wrong, as it's been so long since I've even seen anything w/ the dreamcast version. I hope on LIVE you can't see someone's hand. I think it adds a nifty element of CCG's (ie. guessing what the opponent has instead of strategizing against his hand, and feeling completely comfortable). So you say you've played online and you can see everyones hand? Shucks.

[themonkeyking]

Yeah, everyone sees everyones hand. My Japanese roomate says that it is intended to be this way. He says Culdcept is not a game of surprises but of strategy and memory. He is a very dedicated fan-boy to Culdcept so I just trusted him on that one.

But yes, I have played online and you see what ever one is holding. I don't think their is an option to change that either. Would be cool if they did.

[Kuroi Kenshi]

I can completely understand the strategy behing seeing someone's hand. I also think one can argue that there is some in depth calculating strategy in not seeing what they have, too. I'm fine either way but at least I have a firm answer now. It will be hard with the quick sliding at first but once these cards become second nature, we will all be fine.

[themonkeyking]

I agree. Having that option to hide cards would create a totally different play atmosphere and new strategies. Also they should throw in a few "take a peek" spells, items, and monsters for use if that was a feature of the game. Would be interesting to have both play styles available, ne?

[Lizardman]

I like that you can see your opponents hand. This makes it where you have to make decisions based on your opponents hand. Sometimes you'll want to make them waste a good defensive item on one of their lower level territories, so you will be able to overtake one of their better territories later on. It makes it to where you really have to think ahead and figure out which territories your opponents want most. Though an oppurtunistic draw by your opponent can throw a wrench in your plans real quick. Lots of strategy, decision making, a good memory, and a little bit of luck, one of the many reasons I like the Culdcept series so well. Not being able to see your opponent's hand would seem like a shot in the dark to some. Though I agree that it would be really nice to have an option to play both ways.

[Kuroi Kenshi]

I agree with everyone that seeing the hand makes complete sense for Culdcept and it should be how the game is played. I've always enjoyed it this way. I just thought it would be an interesting strategy to attack larger creatures or important lands with creatures that aren't as strong making your opponent wonder what you might have up your sleeve causing them to possibly use up important defensive items to keep you at bay.

[ckazz]

Some cards wouldn't make too much sense if you had no concept of the others cards.
That said we're not talking about the full hand being *always* available for *full* viewing are we? We're just talking about it's at the level of playing the AI right - at decision/choice time?

I think it'd be odd if it's always out there in full plain view or even able to be sifted through as you decide your play. Hmm it would be neat to almost have those 3 options then... lol.

I was simply thinking we'd get like what we're used to vs the AI.

[themonkeyking]

like you said, you have the time that it take the AI or other player to make his choice to scan their cards... i am so forgetful though!