Chainmonsters: An Innovative Monster Taming Game with Flow Blockchain Integration

poetrybyjeremy (58)in #gaming • 4 years ago

What is Chainmonsters?

Chainmonsters is an upcoming monster taming MMORPG that is integrated with Flow Blockchain. Their Kickstarter collected 10 times more than their required funding, with 714 backers pledging €108,765 and crushing several stretch goals, and have already amassed 3,500 registrations. With the Alpha coming in April, this is the perfect time for you to discover Chainmonsters.

Chainmonsters image
Chainmonsters

First of all, the game will have a story campaign throughout which you can catch, trade and battle over 135 chainmons. Today, I would like to let you know what key features sets Chainmonsters apart from all the other games in the genre. Before I dive into this, I'd like to point out that this information has come from what I read on dev blogs and updates, and as this game as still yet to come out in Alpha, certain things might be subject to change.

Ancora: The 8 Island World

Ancora, the world in which Chainmonsters takes place in, is divided into 8 islands, each with unique styles. Each island is expected to specialise in one of the main elements available: Air, Cryo, Crystal, Electro, Geo, Hydro, Nature and Pyro. In their Kickstarter campaign, the devs have stated that players will be able to use a fast travel that can take them to previously visited places and friends. I definitely welcome such feature, especially if it means avoiding a lot of unnecessary wild combat that are nothing but time-consuming.

Ancora, Chainmonsters' world
Ancora, as seen on Kickstarter

Innovative Combat System

Elemental Reactions

B-Side Games have revealed the updated combat system in their February Development Update post. Instead of types that we often see in monster-battling games such as Pokemon and Temtem, Chainmons will instead have elements. The difference is not just a word, but rather the way that elements can be chained. Since all battles are 2v2, elemental attacks can have elemental reactions. The example we've been given is that if you use a Pyro attack, then follow it with a Hydro attack, the Hydro attack will then trigger an elemental re-action called Vaporize that deals 2x the Hydro damage. With at least 8 different elements available, I cannot wait to see what all the combinations do (I'm really looking forward for Crystal and Cryo in particular).

Aetherian using Flamethrower on Burbro
Flamethrower animation, as seen on Kickstarter

Stamina Points: No More Spamming!

Apart from the general base stats of HP, Attack, Defence, Elemental Attack and Defence and Speed, Chainmons also have a seventh stat called Stamina Points. As each ability costs Stamina to use, chainmons will have to restore their stamina if it runs out; this can be done by resting, abilities or the use of traits/items. From other games I have played, the introduction of Stamina Points (as compared to Power Points in Pokemon) adds a much needed layer of strategy.

2v2 Format

Personally I am super excited about this battle system! A 2v2 format tends to be healthier in turn-based monster battling games. The elemental reaction aspect is innovative to the genre and allow for a wider variety of team builds and combinations. With this in mind, I also expect the game to be intrinsically well-balanced with chainmons intended for team battles, rather than a bunch of individual chainmons put in a team together, each trying to do their own thing. I am also hoping that Stamina Points become a pivotal part of the PvP as it is in Temtem, where ideally, a monster is unable to stay out in the field spamming the same move unpunished. Good timing will give opponents the opportunity to make a comeback.

2v2 Chainmon Battle
Screenshot of a 2v2 Battle

Breeding and Mutations

In breeding, the child inherits some of the stats of their parents, but there it also mutates a new set of traits. In addition, the parents can only breed a certain number of times, which means breeding new chainmon with high stats and certain mutations can be quite challenging, but also rewarding. Perhaps because this is quite unique, I am unable to understand the full complexity of such mutations, so I will have to see once breeding and mutations are implemented into the game. As someone who enjoys breeding monsters, I can't wait to create a chainmon unlike no other, so competitors, you better watch out (or buy my cool chainmons to use against me!)

Cross-Platform Multiplayer

The game is not only multiplayer, but it is also cross-platform. What does this mean? Players will be able to trade and battle each other regardless of the platform they are on. Currently, the Alpha will be launched simultaneously on Steam (PC), Android and iOS, with other consoles planned for later release. I will delve into the key multiplayer aspects that stand out in this genre of games.

NFTs and Trading Outside Chainmonsters

Perhaps one of the key features that sets Chainmons apart from all of its competitors is that all chainmons, items and cosmetics are NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). Due to the integration with Flow blockchain, such NFTs can be traded not only to other in-game players, but also to people outside of the who may want to purchase or invest in such tokens. Although the game is blockchain integrated, players like me who may not quite understand blockchain or NFTs thoroughly would not need to worry, as NFT trading is not required, and one can play the game by purchasing a copy; just like any other game.

Flow Blockchain Logo

Raids, Dungeons and Global Community Quests

Another aspect that is uncommon in the monster battling genre is the existence of raids and dungeons. Not much information is yet revealed, but in their Kickstarter, they stated:

We are putting a lot of focus on community events and one of these examples are public Raids. Join together with hundreds of other players to defeat epic bosses!

Moreover, special Global Community Quests will appear for the community to face; with every participating player receiving a reward.

As much as I like to play solo, community events and content always ends up being an exciting feature that most games do not include. Especially in times like the past year, a lot more players are valuing online communities (such as streaming communities), particularly because this is their main social outlet. Thus, the inclusion of well-designed, fun, community events is something that I cannot wait to experience and wish other games in the genre offered!

More than twice the hours watched in 2020 compared to 2019
Image from: Streamlabs and Stream Hatchet Q4 Live Streaming Industry Report

Alpha Access and Exclusive NFTs

During the alpha, players will be able to complete the season pass to earn 25 alpha-exclusive NFTs. These will be yours to keep (or trade) even after alpha access is closed. Recently on Discord, the devs also confirmed that chainmons, items and basically all NFTs will also remain; whereas game progress (such as levels) will be reset when Beta is launched.

The amount of alpha keys available for purchase is limited, and since the alpha will be available in April, I would suggest pre-ordering your key quickly. The alpha game key also includes the alpha season pass; other season passes will be the game's main monetisation model. For those who are crypto-enthusiasts, B-Side Games provide the option to pre-order Chainmonsters with crypto as well!