InQuest 14 - 13 - X-Files CCG: Feature
HOT PROPERTIES
X-Files CCG Preview
NXT Games and Donruss have scheduled a collectible card
game based on the Fox TV network's "X-Files" series for release
this July. The designers are working closely with show creator
Chris Carter to capture the flavor of the series in the cards, which
will feature shots from the first two seasons.
In the game, each
player puts together a
team of FBI agents and a
conspiracy. Each player's
agents investigate sites in
order to unmask the oppo-
nent's conspirator and thus
win the game.
Ron Kent, one of two
designers of the X-Files CCG,
was quick to describe the
game as "something differ-
ent. It's not my monsters vs.
your monsters, it's my
deductive reasoning vs. your
deductive reasoning."
X-Files CCG Preview
NXT Games and Donruss have scheduled a collectible card
game based on the Fox TV network's "X-Files" series for release
this July. The designers are working closely with show creator
Chris Carter to capture the flavor of the series in the cards, which
will feature shots from the first two seasons.
In the game, each
player puts together a
team of FBI agents and a
conspiracy. Each player's
agents investigate sites in
order to unmask the oppo-
nent's conspirator and thus
win the game.
Ron Kent, one of two
designers of the X-Files CCG,
was quick to describe the
game as "something differ-
ent. It's not my monsters vs.
your monsters, it's my
deductive reasoning vs. your
deductive reasoning."
Duncan Macdonell, the
other designer, character-
ized it as a "thinking
gamer's" game and "a con-
versation-based game. You
need to ask questions of your
opponent and take notes on the clues discovered. [Most other
games] are 'How quick can I kill you?'"
The designers feel that their CCG will interest even those
unfamiliar with the TV show. "It'll appeal to a person's sense of
curiosity," Kent said.
To avoid complaints about the rarity of popular charac-
ters in other licensed CCGs, "X-Files"' two main characters,
FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, will have common
cards. But those cards will represent the agents when they
first meet. Uncommon and rare cards will increase the agents'
skills. Planned chase cards will represent important events from
the series, such as "Fox has a near-death experience" or "Scully
is abducted."
The X-Files CCG will include approximately 300 cards and
will be available in starter decks (tentatively set at 60 cards)
and booster packs (either eight- or 12-cards each); prices are
being determined. Future expansion plans include seasonal
updates plus a card set for the tentatively planned 1997 "X-
Files" movie.
NXT Games also designed the Red Zone and Top of the Order
sports CCGs published by Donruss.
other designer, character-
ized it as a "thinking
gamer's" game and "a con-
versation-based game. You
need to ask questions of your
opponent and take notes on the clues discovered. [Most other
games] are 'How quick can I kill you?'"
The designers feel that their CCG will interest even those
unfamiliar with the TV show. "It'll appeal to a person's sense of
curiosity," Kent said.
To avoid complaints about the rarity of popular charac-
ters in other licensed CCGs, "X-Files"' two main characters,
FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, will have common
cards. But those cards will represent the agents when they
first meet. Uncommon and rare cards will increase the agents'
skills. Planned chase cards will represent important events from
the series, such as "Fox has a near-death experience" or "Scully
is abducted."
The X-Files CCG will include approximately 300 cards and
will be available in starter decks (tentatively set at 60 cards)
and booster packs (either eight- or 12-cards each); prices are
being determined. Future expansion plans include seasonal
updates plus a card set for the tentatively planned 1997 "X-
Files" movie.
NXT Games also designed the Red Zone and Top of the Order
sports CCGs published by Donruss.
Kent, when asked if the cards will hold any surprises for
gamers, responded in typically enigmatic "X-Files" fashion: "Just
make sure you look real closely at the cards."
- Andy Collins
New White Wolf CCG
White Wolf says its new collectible card game, Arcadia:
The Wyld Hunt, due July, will introduce players to a special
fantasy environment: Arcadia, home of the changeling fairies.
Like the company's previous CCGs, Vampire (done with
Wizards of the Coast) and Rage, Arcadia is drawn from one of
White Wolf's "World of Darkness" roleplaying games. But "we
decided to base Arcadia on Changeling: The Dreaming rather
than our Wraith or Mage games because Changeling has a
high-fantasy setting rather than a contemporary one. It doesn't
take place in the mundane world," said White Wolf Director
of Marketing Greg Fountain. He added that "Arcadia's char-
acter-based design is unique."
Cards are packaged in 15-card character and story booster
packs, which should sell for around $2.50 each. Each character
booster pack comes with a character card and other cards
which define character attributes and skills. Story booster
packs detail game locations and challenges.
There are no starter decks; one of each type of pack should
be enough for one player to start a game.
gamers, responded in typically enigmatic "X-Files" fashion: "Just
make sure you look real closely at the cards."
- Andy Collins
New White Wolf CCG
White Wolf says its new collectible card game, Arcadia:
The Wyld Hunt, due July, will introduce players to a special
fantasy environment: Arcadia, home of the changeling fairies.
Like the company's previous CCGs, Vampire (done with
Wizards of the Coast) and Rage, Arcadia is drawn from one of
White Wolf's "World of Darkness" roleplaying games. But "we
decided to base Arcadia on Changeling: The Dreaming rather
than our Wraith or Mage games because Changeling has a
high-fantasy setting rather than a contemporary one. It doesn't
take place in the mundane world," said White Wolf Director
of Marketing Greg Fountain. He added that "Arcadia's char-
acter-based design is unique."
Cards are packaged in 15-card character and story booster
packs, which should sell for around $2.50 each. Each character
booster pack comes with a character card and other cards
which define character attributes and skills. Story booster
packs detail game locations and challenges.
There are no starter decks; one of each type of pack should
be enough for one player to start a game.
As characters journey through Arcadia and complete
tasks while trying
to hinder other
players from finish-
ing their own
quests, they gain
items and experi-
ence points that
can be spent to
improve their skills
or buy new ones.
Game designer
Mike Tinney said
"the most chal-
lenging part of cre-
ating Arcadia was
putting together
something that
could be played
and enjoyed with
only a single char-
acter pack and a
single story pack."
Many Rage artists worked on Arcadia. Tony Diterlizzi,
best known for his artwork in the Changeling RPG and Blood
Wars CCG, created Arcadia's signature art as well as many
card illustrations.
tasks while trying
to hinder other
players from finish-
ing their own
quests, they gain
items and experi-
ence points that
can be spent to
improve their skills
or buy new ones.
Game designer
Mike Tinney said
"the most chal-
lenging part of cre-
ating Arcadia was
putting together
something that
could be played
and enjoyed with
only a single char-
acter pack and a
single story pack."
Many Rage artists worked on Arcadia. Tony Diterlizzi,
best known for his artwork in the Changeling RPG and Blood
Wars CCG, created Arcadia's signature art as well as many
card illustrations.
The Wyld Hunt will be the first of a three-part "story arc."
The second part, King Ironheart's Mines, should be out in
late fall of 1996, while The Lion's Den, the concluding story,
will be released early in 1997. An Arcadia strategy guide
should be in game stores in September 1996.
- Charlene Brusso
