Sakaba Game Report: Exploring the Allure of Cross The Ages. A Comprehensive TCG with Stunning Cards
Hello, I am @hametaro_bcg, a Sakaba researcher. Since I started playing Web3 games in 2019, I’ve been engrossed in the unique experiences offered by the blockchain/NFT sector.
Today, we delve into Cross The Ages (‘CTA’), a comprehensive trading card game that publicly launched in March 2023. CTA’s captivating cards pique a collector’s interest, and the more you refine your skills, the greater impact you can make in the game. The game is currently a hot topic, especially as it is backed by SQUARE ENIX, renowned for Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.
Table of Contents
- The Appeal of Collecting Cards
- Various Pay-to-Play Elements
- High-Level Competitiveness
- Playable without Web3 Knowledge
- Developing Beyond Card Games
- Earning Experience with Cross The Ages
The Appeal of Collecting Cards
Before I dive into the magnetism of the cards, here are some of my most cherished ones.
I believe that these attractive cards are the cornerstone of CTA and a significant reason why CTA is recognized as a Play & Earn game. They also account for why players who acquire reward cards can monetize by selling these cards, as collectors will buy them. If the cards’ collectability diminishes, so does the earning experience.
What makes these cards worth collecting? Let’s delve deeper.
Stunning Illustrations and Animations
Traditional card games tend to have static images, but CTA stands out. The cards in CTA are designed to enhance the attractiveness of illustrations as tokens are used.
- Digital cards (non-NFT) … still images
- NFT Animation level 1
- NFT Animation level 2
- NFT Animation level 3 *Not released as of July 2023
- NFT Animation level 4 *Not released as of July 2023
- NFT Animation level 5 *Not released as of July 2023
NFTs breathe life into the illustrations. As you escalate the animation level, the illustrations become increasingly dynamic and lively. The best part? You can showcase your favourite cards in tournaments.
Limit on Card Issuance
The scarcity of cards is a crucial aspect for collectors. Like most web3 trading card games, CTA limits the number of cards issued. As with physical card games, the prestige of owning a card plays a significant role. The fewer cards issued, the more desirable they are for collectors. Conversely, if an infinite number of cards are available, the urge to buy evaporates.
Cards with a Backstory
CTA publishes narratives, each card character representing a part of the story.
https://www.crosstheages.com/books/thechromespellbook
These narratives cultivate the game’s universe and make individual cards engaging. By learning about the background and life of the characters, players develop an attachment to the cards and desire to keep them permanently. This storytelling approach is also utilized by the well-established card game Magic: The Gathering.
Various Pay-to-Play Elements
In many web3 games, the only source of revenue comes from purchasing NFTs. A limited number of revenue streams can lead to an increased outflow of funds, shrinking the game’s economy, and potentially accelerating player attrition.
CTA has been designed with multiple revenue streams from the outset. These include animated card level-ups, customizable banners and stamps on the battle screen, and items that accelerate the acquisition of reward cards. Interestingly, CTA also sells physical merchandise such as hoodies, which adds another layer to their revenue generation model.
https://www.pixelheart.eu/en/shop/?pa_products=cta-products
High-Level Competitiveness
CTA isn’t a game where you can simply buy high rarity, high status assets and outperform other players. While there are powerful cards in CTA, success in the game hinges on effective deck building, tactical gameplay, and an element of luck. From my experience with Web3 games, CTA stands out as the one requiring the most skill.
Games where playing skills are paramount fit well with prize competitions, and CTA has already incorporated such competitions. The concept of playing with only the cards you own creates a fair playing field, ensuring that tournaments can be entirely skill-based. There’s significant potential for growth here.
Playable without Web3 Knowledge
Most Web3 games demand an understanding of private key management, crypto asset procurement, and bridge and wallet operations. While these are also relevant for CTA, they’re only necessary for NFT trades and withdrawals.
Players who want to enjoy the game don’t need any knowledge of web3, and the game is incredibly user-friendly.
- Install the app from the App Store or Google Play (a PC version is also available)
- Create an account
- Purchase in-game currency with fiat
- Use the in-game currency to buy card packs and Governance Tokens
Developing Beyond Card Games
CTA is developing not only card games but also other game genres. Importantly, NFTs can be utilized across all these games. This multi-game utility creates an appealing proposition for players who may not necessarily enjoy card games but invest in cards anticipating their future use. Being able to cater to such a wide demographic is definitely a strength.
Earning Experience with Cross The Ages
Lastly, for those who wish to both enjoy CTA and earn money, here are some ways to do so:
Own & Earn Experience
CTA distributes rare cards to Governance Token holders and rare card redemption tickets to Mint Pass holders included in the initial pack. These don’t affect gameplay but provide a means of earning for investors.
Play & Earn Experience
Earn cards and gather materials (TRISEL) needed to craft cards by completing daily and weekly missions.
If you manage to craft a Grade S card without payment, you could potentially sell it for several hundred dollars. Even if the card’s grade is low, you can still use it in gameplay, thus balancing the cost of selling the card.
Even those with little to no money can earn through card sales due to the game’s entertainment value and the cards’ high collectibility.
So, what are your thoughts? If the game intrigues you, I highly recommend you give it a try! The game does require some skill, and you might lose a few games at first, but don’t be disheartened. With practice, you will start winning, and it’s thrilling when the game unfolds just as you planned!
Game Overview
- Game Name: Cross The Ages Genre: Trading Card Game
- Release Date: September 2022
- Official Website: https://www.crosstheages.com/
- Twitter：https://twitter.com/CrossTheAges
- Discord：https://discord.gg/crosstheages
- Operator: The World of CTA Pte. Ltd.
