Cross the Ages, a free-to-play mobile-first collectible card game, offers an unconventional gaming experience, allowing players to mint their favorite cards as NFTs on the Ethereum scaling network, Immutable X. Despite its steep learning curve, the game presents an intense and rewarding experience for those who persevere through the early stages.
In this strategic 1v1 game, players aim to control as much of the board as possible and accumulate more points than their opponents. Cards are minted in limited numbers, ranging from 5,000 to 800,000, giving rare cards significant value. In addition to in-game rewards, players can also participate in challenges and competitions on the game’s Twitter account.
Complexity is one of the standout features of Cross the Ages, with each card having a power value and an assigned element. A helpful heptagram depicts the relationships between elements, which factor into card effectiveness and power boosts. By controlling three cards whose elements are next to each other on the heptagram, a trinity is formed, increasing the power of the cards and awarding points.
Though the game offers depth and unique mechanics, the tutorial has been criticized for its lack of clarity and guidance, leaving new players with a trial by fire. For those who push through the confusion and frustration, however, the game becomes engaging and hard to put down.
While the game is primarily designed for mobile devices, a desktop version does exist. Unfortunately, this version has been met with criticism due to its presentation, which is confined to a smartphone-sized portrait format, leaving empty or poorly utilized space on either side. On the plus side, the heptagram remains constantly visible, offering some assistance during gameplay.
The crowded battlefield and complex card artwork are both visually appealing and potentially overwhelming at first, but they add depth and character to the game. As players become acquainted with these elements, it contributes to a richer experience.
In summary, Cross the Ages offers an innovative and unique approach to the collectible card game genre, with a challenging learning curve and intriguing mechanics. The game’s complexity and initial frustration may deter some players, but for those who push through, it becomes a rewarding and captivating experience. While the tutorial and desktop version need improvement, the overall concept and innovative use of NFTs brings a fresh perspective to the world of gaming.
Source: Decrypt