I'm kinda new to this anki core stuff and there are so many types of Japanese core decks to choose from.Some are compilations of all the core,some are segments, some are using pictures and sounds. I cant seem to find which is effective.Like should I follow heisig from english to japanese or the other way around

So any recommendations?

And also as I am new to anki how will I study the cards if I have no list of it..since those are shared cards..is there an option so I can see the back and front for each card?

Thx

Have a look at Nukemarine's Guide, he has all the necessary links to the core deck there, which I use. It is English to Japanese and I very much like it so far.
I am not sure what you are refering to in the second part of your post. I think you are asking whether or not you can customize your core deck. You download the deck, but after that everything in that deck is offline, so you can adjust it to your liking. You surely can see both back and front card, if that is what you want.

I think what is being asked is: how do I study the words before I get to the flashcard in Anki, so I will have seen it at least once before I get tested on it?

If you follow the link to Nukemarine's Guide it looks like there are links to spreadsheets of the chunks of cards he recommends you to study. Check out the guide there