Here are my first impressions after playing the game, and talking to one of the reps.
Demo booth at FanExpo 2007
The Franchise
Chaotic is a children's cartoon, as well as a card game. Now, this is nothing new. We've seen the TV-toy thing before, back in the day with G.I.Joe and Transformers, etc. And we've seen the TV-card game thing before with Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh, etc. So this multi-media aspect isn't unique. I haven't yet seen the cartoon yet, only clips on YouTube. The animation is modern, and it doesn't look that bad as far as kid's cartoons go these days. You can definitely see the connection to the game, though, that's for sure.
As well, Chaotic has a very integrated virtual gaming aspect. This, too, is not new, as Magic: TG has a successful online system. But there are two elements of this virtual game that are very interesting.
The first is that each physical card has a unique code at the bottom. It's the Chaotic Code. And when I say unique, I don't mean every "Blugon" has the same code. I mean every "Blugon" has a DIFFERENT code! Or at least that's what they're saying. I think that's nuts, but wicked-cool. I can imagine each Creature having the same number, but each printing of each Creature? I dunno. So if this is true, for the completist, Chaotic is going to be an aneurism waiting to happen. Having unique numbers, though, is one thing, and doesn't really matter if you're just chillin' in the cafeteria after school playing with your friends. But it does come into play when it's time for the virtual game.
The second unique aspect of this game is that, when you get your physical cards, you can go online and type in that unique number, and you'll have that card in your virtual collection as well. Previously, say with Magic: TG for example, you would have to buy virtual cards separate from physical cards.
This new system has its pros and cons, of course. A pro is if you play both virtually and in-person, you only have to purchase one set, and you're golden. A con is that if you only want to play virtually, you're S.O.L. unless you can find the codes, without having to buy the physical cards.
Interesting.
The last bit that I understand is that, in the Chaotic realm, there is an Underworld and an Overworld. I think there may be Generic as well. Your Creatures, Mugic and Locations (see below) are attached to one of these. It looks as if Overworld has more water/air and "Good" elements, while the Underworld has more fire/earth and "Bad" elements. Although you can find these elements in the opposing world.
Some of the Creatures from the show/game
The Game
Gameplay is pretty simple as far as these games go, and probably so to make it easier for their target audience, the kids who watch the show and play these games. Although, as an adult, if I can watch the show I might, and I'm all for playing this game (more on that later).
Both players decide on a number of Creatures that will be battling. The demo I tried had 3-on-3.
For each Creature you get you also choose one Battlegear card (an attachment that goes on Creatures), and one Mugic card (an instant-like card that goes in your hand).
Then players build their decks. One deck is a location deck. The other is the Attack deck. I'm not sure how many cards will go in these decks, because I only had small demo ones (8-10 Locations, 15 or so Attack). Maybe it depends on how many Creatures you have.
A die roll determines the first player to go.
Then it becomes something of a Chess match, played on a diamond-shaped 'board.' The game is over when one player has no more Creatures.
The 'board' set-up, using a playing mat
When it is your turn, you flip over the top Location card. If there is a battle this turn, that is where it will take place. When choosing Locations during deck-making, you will want to choose those that share elements with your Creatures and thus give you benefits.
A battle occurs when one player moves one of their Creatures onto the space that an enemy Creature is on. When this happens, you use the metres on the right side of the mat and mark off your Creature's stats. These are Energy (health), and four stats used in battle - Courage, Power, Wisdom and Speed. When a card you or your opponent plays changes your Creature's stats, you move the markers up or down on the scale, depending on if it's a positive or negative effect.
Initiative is determined by the Location, usually whoever has the higher number in a certain stat.
The first player draws an Attack card (so now has 3), and choose which to Attack with. The player can also use Mugic cards by spending...I guess they are Mugic points, that each Creature may (or may not) start the game with. The Attack will be of a certain value, and may be strengthened or weakened by Battlegear, the Location, and/or Mugic cards. Once effects have been resolved, the next player Attacks, in the same way (draw, play Attack/Mugic cards, resolve).
This continues until one Creature is defeated. The victorious Creature's stats go back to normal before the next battle it is in.
Then play goes to the other player.
And that is basically the game.
It's a back and forth game until one player loses all of their Creatures. Again, very similar to other card games of this nature.
It is easy to learn, but not a simple game. It has some tactical elements, and the usual deck-building strategies.
Examples of cards, as well as the stat metres on the play mat
The Cards
The last thing I'll talk about are some of the cards.
I think as far as card game cards go, the layout make sense, is easy to read, and is pleasant. The colours and artwork work together, and I think both are well-done. Especially the artwork. The Creatures look interesting, and all of the cards have professional, interesting imagery.
The Creature cards give you the name, as well as which world they belong to, and what their role is (i.e. Scout, Elementalist, Taskmaster, Guardian, etc.). I'm not sure if these are important to the show, or just the Chaotic fluff. Either way, it's neat. Gives each Creature more of a personality...and makes me want to watch the show even more. The card will also give you the four stat values along the lower left; which elements the Creature utilises and benefits from, on the lower right; and any special abilities that the Creature has, in the middle. There is also a quote at the bottom, for extra flavour; the Code for virtual play; and in the bottom corners the Mugic points and the Energy the Creature has.
The Attack cards have the name, basic Attack value, which elements the attacking Creature may require, if any, to use the card, and any bonuses. Usually an Attack will have some kind of bonus if the Creature has a high number in a certain element. One bonus comes from a stat Check, with a number. If the Creature has that stat at that number or greater, the bonus applies. Another bonus comes from a stat Challenge, with a number. If the attacking Creature is the number or greater MORE than the opposing Creature, the bonus applies.
Creatures from demo game
Conclusions
I think Chaotic is a good game. It may be a hit for a limited time, what with the TV and virtual game tie-ins. But I think, like most games of its type, it will fade. Even though most of these games still have a following, only a few live very long.
That said, Chaotic has a bit of a fresh flavour to it. It is similar enough to other card games that it will be easy to pick up. But it is different enough to notice that you're not playing Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh. The elemental, anthromorphic Creatures are familiar, but new. Reminds me more of a Fantasy-like setting than the more 'digital' style of similar games/shows.
Playing with the mat was neat, and I don't usually like mats. The metres at the side help play, although I can see them being tedious in longer games. But I do like them.
The cards LOOK good, are easy to read, and make sense all around.
In the end, I'd like to check out a whole episode of the cartoon, just to see what the game is based on.
I'll rate this game a 7.5 (from a collectible game stand-point, not overall gaming).
And lastly, the only thing better than enjoying a neat new card game at a Sci-Fi/Comic/Horror/Anime/Gaming convention...is enjoying the company of the young ladies learning the game beside you
The game is for adults and women too!
Posted Mon Aug 27,2007 07:31 pm
