Highlighting the Web3 Game by gumi × CROOZ Blockchain Lab at TOKYO GAME SHOW 2023

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SAKABA_xyz

7 min readSep 19, 2023

This is @hametaro_bcg from Sakaba Research. Since 2019, I’ve been delving into Web3 games and enjoying the unique experiences that only blockchain and NFTs can offer.

The TOKYO GAME SHOW 2023 (TGS2023) held from September 21st (Thu) to 24th (Sun) at Makuhari Messe will feature various Web3 games. Today, we’re spotlighting the anticipated Web3 game developed by gumi and CROOZ Blockchain Lab, which is a huge game company in Japan. With many games still in pre-release, I’ve analyzed their whitepapers to give you a comprehensive view.

[TOKYO GAME SHOW 2023 Official Site]
https://tokyogameshow.jp/

Phantom of the Kill -Alternative Imitation-
Brave Frontier Versus
TOKYO BEAST
PROJECT XENO
Elemental Story World
Ergosum
Conclusion: Unique offline features too!

Phantom of the Kill -Alternative Imitation-

“Phantom of the Kill -Alternative Imitation-” is a spin-off of the “Phantom of the Kill” which has amassed over 6 million downloads, now reimagined as a Web3 game.

Players can acquire characters through gacha mechanics and inter-user trades, nurture them through PvE exploration, and showcase them in PvP to earn new characters and tokens. This forms the primary flow of the game.

With battles composed of teams of 12 (6 front liners and 6 support units), the combination of character units will likely be the key to victory. The need for a multitude of characters suggests that players will have to strategically consider the order in which they nurture their units. Given the emphasis on planning character growth and team formation, it’s presumed the game allows for PvE rewards even when not actively playing.

Characters are not just defined by rarity. They come with numerous features like weapon slots, growth tendencies in stats, skills, and more. Leveraging NFT technology, players might experience an enhanced sense of ownership, feeling that they truly possess something unique. With beautifully designed characters that can be cultivated to one’s liking, there’s bound to be an urge to flaunt them in PvP against other players.

Official Site: https://alterna.phantom-of-the-kill.com/
Whitepapers: https://gc-games.gitbook.io/phantom-of-the-kill-alternative-imitation-glb/
X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/PK_Alterna_EN
Discord: https://discord.gg/pk-alterna

Brave Frontier Versus

“Brave Frontier Versus” is a spin-off of the globally acclaimed “Brave Frontier” series, which has surpassed 38 million downloads worldwide, now re-envisioned as a Web3 game.

The main feature of this game is its seasonally structured PvP, where battles are conducted in a 3v3 format.

Players form teams using six characters. When matched for a battle, players can view both their own and their opponent’s lineup, allowing each player to exclude one character from the opponent’s team. From the remaining five characters, each player selects three to set up in their formation and commence the battle. The strategic element starts from the exclusion phase, making it hard to rely solely on tried-and-true team setups, ensuring battles remain fresh and engaging.

Characters can be equipped with weapons (for parameter increases and skill deployment) and spheres (offering various battle advantages). Each character, weapon, and sphere comes with its own rarity and can be enhanced further. Items of Rare and Legend tiers are available as NFTs and appear to be limited in quantity. Owning a weapon, of which only a few exist in the world, would undoubtedly bring immense joy. Moreover, NFTs of Rare tier or higher can be bought or sold and even earn tokens. While it may be challenging to earn without in-app purchases, the game seems enjoyable even for those playing for free.

Though PvP seems to be the main focus, there also appears to be a comprehensive PvE mode where players can challenge themselves against formidable opponents while aiming for the higher floors of a tower. Continuous PvP can sometimes be exhausting, so it’s hoped that the PvE mode offers a refreshing break, acting as a haven for players.

Official Site: https://www.bravefrontierversus.com/
Whitepapers JP: https://gc-games.gitbook.io/brave-frontier-versus-jp/
X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/bfvs_en

TOKYO BEAST

As seen in the trailer, “TOKYO BEAST” boasts an immersive world. At its core, the project consists of four features: “BASE,” “FARM,” “TRIALS,” and “BETTING.”

BASE
Players can indulge in an investment and economic experience using the project’s unique token. By staking or locking, players can earn rewards. Purchasing a LUCKY TICKET NFT could potentially win a player a BEAST NFT once a week.
FARM
Here, players can nurture the primary NFT known as “BEAST NFT” and enjoy a unique ownership experience.
TRIALS
Engage in strategic auto-command battles with a 4v4 format. Players can compete against one another during the weekdays, aiming for the championship held on weekends. Depending on their rankings, players can win extravagant rewards.
BETTING
Predict the outcomes of championships that take place on weekends.

In the future, the project plans to enable betting not just on weekends but also during weekdays, anytime players wish. They’re also considering collaborations with popular NFTs, games, anime, manga, and more to design and sell collaborative BEAST NFTs. Other expansions might include creating original branded merchandise, developing a physical card game, and producing related media content.

This world, being built collectively by gamers, betting enthusiasts, investors, character aficionados, and many others, holds great promise.

Official Site: https://www.tokyo-beast.com/
X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/TOKYOBEAST_EN

PROJECT XENO

“PROJECT XENO” is a highly recognized Web3 game, with the popular YouTuber, Hikaru, serving as its ambassador. On September 21, 2023 (Thursday), collaboration NFTs with the aforementioned “Brave Frontier Versus” will be on sale, attracting even more attention.

The game has already been released and is available for play. Characters come in six classes, such as the high-attack “Breaker” and the speedy “Ninja,” and players can set various skill cards. Furthermore, with the ability to equip weapons that amplify skills, as well as necklaces, bracelets, and rings that give advantages in battles, players can deeply immerse themselves in strategic deck-building. In-battle confrontations offer the thrill of mind games and tactical maneuvering, and the exhilaration felt when things go as planned is truly unparalleled.

Moreover, there’s the joy of nurturing characters, skill cards, and weapons. The sense of accomplishment, when diligent cultivation yields excellent results, is considered a vital element in continuing to enjoy the game.

Official website: https://project-xeno.com/
Whitepaper: https://project-xeno-1.gitbook.io/project-xeno-whitepaper-en/
X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/PROJECTXENO_GLB
Discord: https://discord.gg/G4bk9nhJpG

Elemental Story World

“Elemental Story World” is the latest installment in the popular puzzle RPG series “Elemental Story,” which was released in 2015.

Each party consists of four characters (each equipped with one weapon and accessory) and one ruler that changes the way the puzzle is played. Players will strategically organize their party, taking into account elements, skills, and weapons that synergize well with specific characters.

Furthermore, by connecting three or more pieces of the same color vertically or horizontally, the corresponding character with the matched element will attack. Thus, puzzle manipulation skills are indispensable during battles. It seems that every battle offers a thrilling experience.

Additionally, players can develop their characters and weapons to gain advantages in battles. As they acquire tokens, steady progression and strengthening become the goals.

Official website: https://elementalstory-world.com/
Whitepaper: https://whitepaper-en.elementalstory-world.com/
X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/elest_world_glb

ERGOSUM

“Ergosum” is an RPG designed for smartphones.

In traditional Web3 games, you usually need to create a cryptocurrency wallet and purchase NFTs to start the game. However, Ergosum adopts a beginner-friendly approach to Web3: if players want to withdraw the tokens they’ve earned in the game, they can simply create a cryptocurrency wallet then.

As players progress in Ergosum, the design allows them to obtain stronger equipment and materials. The game emphasizes the satisfaction of steadily growing stronger, dealing significant damage to previously challenging enemies, and clearing dungeons that were once too difficult.

Additionally, meticulously choosing badges and orbs to equip on characters, and enjoying the treasure hunt element, adds to the essence of the game. While it’s an RPG, there’s also a game mode where players can cooperate with others. So, showcasing characters you’ve nurtured with care and demonstrating well-thought-out tactics to peers seems enticing.

Official website: https://ergosum-game.com/
Whitepaper: https://whitepaper.ergosum-game.com/
X(Twitter)：https://twitter.com/ergosum_jp

In Conclusion: Offline Exclusive Plans

How did you find the Web3 games developed by gumi and CROOZ Blockchain Lab? Each game offers a wealth of in-depth gameplay, leaving players spoilt for choice. One would desire more time to thoroughly enjoy all the titles.

At TGS2023, popular cosplayers are set to make appearances. The author hopes to see one in a “Fankil” cosplay (specifically as Laevatein).

Real-life gacha machines will also be present for each title. Exclusive TGS2023 NFTs might be up for grabs, so if a game piques your interest, it’s worth visiting!