Altered - A Fresh Twist in the World of Trading Card Games

Hey there, card game enthusiasts and curious newcomers! Today, we're embarking on a journey into the captivating universe of Altered, a new trading card game (TCG) that's been making waves in the community. If you're a fan of classics like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon, you're in for a treat with "Altered." This game isn't just another addition to the TCG scene; it brings a refreshing and innovative approach that sets it apart.

What is Altered?

Altered is an inventive TCG set in a reshaped Earth following a mysterious event known as the Confluence. This game invites players to explore this new world, rich in lore and visually inspired by the works of Miyazaki and Dixit-like illustrations. It's not just about battling opponents; it's about embarking on an adventure through a constantly changing landscape.

The Key Differences Between Altered and Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon

Unique Card System

One of the most groundbreaking features of Altered is its card rarity system. Here's what sets it apart:

Algorithmically Generated Cards

In "Altered," each card is not just printed; it's created. The cards are algorithmically generated, which means that every single card has its own unique combination of stats, mana costs, and rules. This feature is a stark contrast to traditional TCGs like Magic: The Gathering or Pokémon, where each card of the same name shares identical attributes.

True Uniqueness

The concept of unique cards takes on a whole new meaning in "Altered." No two cards are exactly the same. This means the card you own is the only one of its kind in the world, offering a personalized touch to your deck and strategy. It's akin to having a custom-made piece in a sea of mass-produced items.

Dynamic Gameplay

This system adds an exciting layer of unpredictability to each game. Since you can't predict the exact nature of the cards your opponent holds, every match feels fresh and requires on-the-spot strategizing. This dynamic gameplay keeps players engaged and continually adapting their tactics.

Collectible Appeal

For collectors, this brings a whole new level of excitement. The thrill of discovering a card that nobody else has enhances the joy of collecting. It's not just about rarity in the traditional sense but about owning a piece of the game that is truly yours.

Balanced Play Experience

Despite the uniqueness of each card, Altered maintains a balanced play experience. The developers have implemented measures to prevent the generation of overpowered cards, ensuring that gameplay remains fair and enjoyable for everyone. Additionally, there's a limit to the number of unique cards allowed in each deck, preserving the strategic depth of the game.

Impact on Deck Building

The unique card system invites players to be more creative in deck building. With cards that no one else has, players are encouraged to experiment with unconventional combinations and strategies, leading to a diverse range of playstyles and decks in the game.

Phygital Experience

In the realm of trading card games, Altered is setting a new standard with its 'Phygital Experience,' a seamless blend of physical and digital gameplay elements. This innovative approach marks a significant evolution in how players interact with their cards and manage their collections.

At the heart of this experience is the unique QR code assigned to each playable card in the game. This feature bridges the gap between the physical cards you hold and a digital platform accessible via the Altered app. The moment you scan a card's QR code using your smartphone or a computer, the card becomes a part of your digital collection. This system not only digitalizes your physical collection but also opens up a world of possibilities in how you interact with the game and its community.

The Altered digital app is much more than a simple card catalog. It's a comprehensive platform where players can manage their entire collection. The app allows for detailed organization and tracking of your cards, making it easier to plan and build decks. The digital collection is not just a mirror of your physical cards; it's an extension, providing additional information, lore, and even the history of your gameplay.

Deck building, a core aspect of any TCG, is elevated in Altered through this digital interface. Players can experiment with different combinations, test strategies, and prepare their decks for upcoming matches or tournaments. This digital aspect adds a layer of convenience and accessibility, allowing players to engage with their decks and plan their strategies anytime, anywhere.

But the Phygital Experience extends beyond personal collection management. The app serves as a hub for the Altered community. Players can find and organize events, connect with other players, and participate in a broader TCG community. This feature is particularly beneficial for organizing official Altered events, making the game more accessible and fostering a sense of community among players.

In a move that further integrates the physical and digital realms, the app also features a marketplace. Here, players can trade cards, expanding their collections and interactions with others worldwide. This global trading system is facilitated by the digital registration of cards, ensuring secure and efficient transactions.

Moreover, the Phygital Experience of Altered addresses one of the common challenges of physical card games: card availability. Through the app's Print on Demand service, players can order physical copies of cards from their digital collection, printed and delivered right to their doorstep. This service ensures that players always have access to the cards they need for their decks, whether for competitive play or casual matches with friends.

The Phygital Experience in Altered is more than just a digital extension of a physical card game; it's a comprehensive, integrated system that enhances every aspect of the gameplay experience. From collection management to community engagement, this innovative approach sets Altered apart in the TCG landscape, offering players a unique and immersive way to enjoy the game.

Expedition-Based Gameplay

The game's core revolves around expeditions, a distinct contrast to the creature-based combat of Magic or the strategic duels of Pokémon. Players lead expeditions across a map, aiming to join their two tokens on the same region to win, adding a strategic exploration element to the game.

Rich Faction Lore

Altered features six unique factions, each with deep backstories and playstyles. From the technology-driven Axiom to the mystical Yzmir, the game offers a diverse range of narratives and strategies, encouraging players to delve into its rich lore.

Limited Deck Impact of Unique Cards

To balance gameplay and maintain fun, Altered limits the number of unique cards per deck and employs an algorithm to prevent overpowering combinations, ensuring a level playing field.

Why Altered Stands Out

Altered is not just a game; it's an experience. It revives the nostalgia of early TCGs with the excitement of opening packs and discovering new cards. The game's innovative mechanics, combined with its deep lore and beautiful artwork, offer a fresh take on the TCG format. It's a game where strategy, exploration, and storytelling intertwine, providing a unique experience for both competitive and casual players.

As Altered prepares for its release, it's clear that this game is poised to make a significant impact in the TCG world. Whether you're a seasoned card player or new to the genre, Altered offers something for everyone. Its blend of innovative gameplay, digital integration, and captivating lore sets it apart, promising to be a game that players will cherish for years to come.

Altered TCG Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Altered set to be released? 

A: Altered is scheduled for an exciting launch, with its Kickstarter campaign kicking off on January 30, 2024. The game will also be showcased live at Gencon 2024. The official launch in retail stores is planned for August 26, 2024, so mark your calendars!

Q: Where will Altered be available for purchase? 

A: Upon release, Altered will be available in the USA, Canada, and the EU, with potential expansions to more countries. You can find it in local game stores and through various channels selected by our distributor.

Q: What languages will Altered be available in? 

A: For the Kickstarter campaign, Altered will be available exclusively in English. However, the retail version will broaden its linguistic reach, including English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish versions.

Q: Can you tell us more about the Kickstarter campaign? 

A: Details about the Kickstarter campaign are currently under wraps, but we promise it will be worth the wait! Expect exciting products, surprises, and exclusive offers tailored for our early supporters.

Q: What makes Altered different from other TCGs like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon? 

A: Altered stands out with its unique card rarity system featuring algorithmically generated cards, offering a new level of uniqueness and surprise in each pack. The game also focuses on expedition-based gameplay rather than traditional creature combat, adding an element of exploration and strategy. Plus, the integration of a digital app for card management and a rich, lore-driven universe set it apart from other TCGs.

Q: How does the digital aspect of Altered work? 

A: Every card in Altered comes with a unique QR code, allowing players to register their cards on the Altered digital app. This app serves as a platform for managing collections, building decks, organizing events, and accessing lore, merging the physical and digital experiences of TCG gaming.

Altered is more than just a game; it's a new frontier in the world of trading card games, blending innovative gameplay with a rich narrative and digital integration. Whether you're a seasoned TCG player or new to the genre, Altered offers a unique and refreshing experience. 

We're hosting an exclusive Preview Event with the Altered team here at Gamelandia on January 18th, 2024! 

Dive into the game’s colorful and dreamlike universe and discover the six available factions. Play as a Hero and lead your expeditions from region to region to explore the entire map! A session lasts 1.5 hours and will have limited seats available so if you're interested make sure you RSVP right here. 

During the event, a guide will walk you through the game rules and help you choose one or more decks to try. Each participation to a Preview Event is rewarded with an exclusive promotional Hero card!

Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey in the world of Altered!