Alpha Clash - is a superhero style TCG plus graphic novel. With this said, they decided to first release the story behind the cards first with the Graphic Novel Vol 1, which you also get a chance to get exclusive promos for the eventual TCG. Which had recently found success with the Kickstarter; and they lined themselves up into starting another Kickstarter for the TCG itself later this year.
But first we will check out what the graphic novel is all about. What I can judge on is the illustrations look right, and gives me a mix between anime and cartoon, more or less a “The Boys” vibe. The story seems pretty standard in terms of origin story for you to get to know all of the characters within the TCG itself. Which of course will give people who invested a more personal connection between the characters themselves. Meaning that with certain characters you connect with you put additional value behind the future cards themselves. Best example I love Dark Magician Girl from yugioh, it is nowhere near a top tier or used card competitively. But she is my girl, and I own every card that has her in it, which is what I personally love as a collector paying too dollar for some cards. With this said this same effect can be played within other card games as well, and will be the same for Alpha Clash making this an incredibly good move for them.
Pics are from official Kickstarter -
You get the basics for a graphic novel, a softcover as well a hardcover which features an Alt-artcover, exclusive promo cards that can be used in the TCG later on or be collected. But the KOBA graded card that is one of the exclusive promos is an awesome way to bring in potential investors at the time.
With this said you can still get a few things from the original Kickstarter awards if you missed out on all the action via the backerkit.
Now moving on to gameplay as you can see for yourself in the video below -
Now I won’t get into too much details of gameplay, but will go through a few highlights of the gameplay mechanics. This game has a standard draw of 8 cards from your deck, and where you can mulligan if you wanted to. You can remove any number from your hand, and then after a shuffle replenish your deck with the same amount. They have contender cards or more or less leader cards, which from the looks would have a standard ability, and a secondary ability when their health is dropped low.
Your standard fighter type or monster cards in this game are Clash cards, and you also have accessories that can be equipped to them. The rule book states that the maximum number of accessories that can be equipped to a Cash card is 1. Standard you cannot draw or attack on your first turn, a typical scene seen in every TCG or card game. In this game you need resources, and from the looks of it can be any card that can be used as a resource which is placed upside down in your resource zone. You tap your resources like MTG or DBS. Now I won’t get any further into details, but you also have trap style cards plus a Clash ground which works like an area type card.
As you can tell in the video some cards don't have the illustrations with them, but do not worry Alpha Clash has made a statement to this -
“Appreciate it! We’re doing all 130 illustrations for set 1 before the Kickstarter. So as we get closer we’ll be showing off the entire set and gameplay of everything. The game is done and the cards are 99% done for gameplay. Everyone that plays it loves it 👊” - Alpha Clash
I also asked how was the balance in this game so far with all the play testing?
"So far in testing, there is no clear meta. I will say we are revamping one color to make it more desirable and competitive. However the other 4 colors are very balanced so far!" - Alpha Clash
Below we have a couple of the illustrations for the cards, plus a few completed ones that you will be able to get - Pics from the Alpha Clash Instagram
Note - Clarity, Foreseeing Fate - is my favorite card currently out of the bunch released due to art plus its ability, which supposedly it’s a good turn 5 play for any deck that runs white!
Now Idk if I am missing anything, but the fact is this game is super simple to pick up to play. A lot of familiar mechanics including attacking, defending, counter, and with familiar machines we see in any TCG.I haven’t even played the game myself yet, but just by watching this video I can understand how to play. Meaning that they made sure that it was simple to pick up, but complex enough to create a competitive game environment.
This game is just like Nestlgix in the thought, and feeling that this game feels like any of my favorite mainstream TCG. But with more thought was out into it the base rules, which will hopefully see this game flourish long term.
Final Thoughts -
I am seeing a lot of indie TCGs hit the market within this year, and that total is actually at 31 in total if you include this one as well. I only have my sights on this one, Nostalgix, Back Alley Mages, and Everlight CCG that has really caught my eye on worth investing for my own personal enjoyment. I hope this TCG when it’s Kickstarter is released does hit what I call the “Indie Wall”. Indie Wall is what I believe is what it takes for a new Indie TCG to break into the mainstream or world market. Like MTG, YuGiOh, Pokemon, DBS, Digimon, ect. Which means for it to survive in the long run is how much money it will make over the course of time or Kickstarter, the continuing development of the the cards plus gameplay maintaining balance, not damaging the brand name, and the amount of sets released per year. which currently right now in my predictions only 4 maybe 5 can contend with the Indie wall.
I am looking forward to seeing the next Alpha Clash, in high hopes for its success. You guys have done an amazing job so far, and you have many looking to support you in the long run. Thank you for checking out this article, check out some of my other articles below. Till next time!