Ship Happens

In today’s note, I’ll share my review after playing Off The Grid, a new Web3 game that just launched its beta. There’s also an exciting opportunity to explore on the collectibles side, and I’ll wrap up by recommending a fantastic podcast focused on tokenized spirits. Let’s dive in!

Summary:

• Off the Grid: A Quick Review
• The Best Future Collectibles
• Recommended Podcast

New Game Shipped - My Review of “Off The Grid”

• TL;DR: Off The Grid is a promising Web3 battle royale game set in a cyberpunk world, featuring a mix of PvP and PvE with strong narrative elements and unique mechanics like customizable cybernetic upgrades. It impresses with its jetpack deployment and immersive graphics, but the beta version needs better onboarding for new players, tighter map sizes for small player counts, and more balanced combat. Despite these minor issues, the game shows great potential as it evolves.

My Review:

The Positives:

• The game's narrative-driven design is a refreshing twist on the battle royale format, combining fast-paced action with immersive storytelling. It has already started generating buzz for its potential integration of Web3 features, making it a standout in blockchain gaming. The rich mechanics, such as the cybernetic upgrades and extraction objectives, offer dynamic gameplay that feels layered and rewarding. The graphics and world-building are also impressive, setting the stage for a truly engaging experience.
• I also loved the jetpack mechanic for deployment. If you’re familiar with parachute drops in games like PUBG, you’ll find this to be a fun twist. The jetpack offers a sense of control and exploration right from the start. Figuring out the optimal way to use it was a fun challenge, and I can already see how experienced players will master its dynamics for strategic advantage.

Areas for Improvement:

While Off The Grid has a lot going for it, there are a few areas that could use refinement, though these may naturally improve as the beta progresses.

1. Onboarding and Tutorials: For new players, the game can be overwhelming. The battlefield is packed with loot boxes and objectives, but there’s no clear tutorial to help guide you through it all. A mandatory tutorial or onboarding process would greatly improve the new player experience, making it easier to get acquainted with the mechanics and objectives.
2. Map Size: The map feels too large for the current structure, leading to a lot of empty space and downtime between engagements. It’s reminiscent of Battlefield, but without the sense of progression that comes with larger-scale battles. This may change as additional game modes and objectives are introduced, but right now, the scale feels slightly mismatched with the player count.
3. Combat Balance: In my brief time playing, I noticed that players seem to take damage and die very quickly. The time-to-kill (TTK) feels too short, which can make engagements feel rushed and unforgiving. This could be balanced to provide a more rewarding back-and-forth in combat.

Collector Crypt/Pudgy Penguin - The Best Future Collectibles

• For collectors who cherish nostalgia, there's something special about the deep connection we feel with titles like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering. These iconic games often take us back to our childhoods, sometimes over 20 years ago. But when we look ahead, we wonder: what will be the collectible equivalent 20 years from now? I’d argue that Pudgy Penguins and other vibe-centric collectible card games will be among the top contenders.

• In partnership with Collectors Crypt, collectors now have the opportunity to bid on graded 10 cards from the new Pudgy Penguins trading card collection. This is a rare and early chance to own what could potentially become the Charizard-level collectibles of the future.
• If you’re looking to get your hands on some of these rare cards, you'll need to place your bids in the auction at this link. But act fast—there are only about 3 days left to take advantage of this opportunity!

BlockBar Podcast

• Collectibles aren't limited to just trading cards. If you're interested in tokenized assets, be sure to check out the latest episode of Real Talk NFT. This episode features a return visit from Sam, co-founder of BlockBar, the groundbreaking platform that connects premium wine and spirits with NFTs.
• BlockBar allows users to purchase and trade NFTs that are directly tied to physical bottles of rare spirits, all securely stored in a cutting-edge facility. It's a fascinating way to combine digital ownership with real-world luxury.

Authored by Matt Bartlett, CAIA. Follow Matt on x.com @MattBartlettVE

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE

Please note the author has invested in all NFT projects and Cryptocurrencies mentioned within this article. The Author owns assets created by the Futureverse team and ecosystem.

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