Nukotoys to Offer Two New iPad Card Games for iPad
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In a new twist on a time-tested theme, CA-Based Nukotoys announced plans to release two collectible card games that work with the iPad. Monsterology and Animal Planet will likely appeal to boys and girls, though the games seem to target the sweet spot (that most children succumb to at some point) occupied by Pokemon cards.
Nukotoys attempts to meld the timeless appeal of collecting and manipulating cards with the cache of the iPad. Aimed at children ages 7 and up, the cards come with proprietary technology built into them so they will interact with corresponding iOS apps, as if by magic. Both the apps and the cards will be released in March 2012.
Monsterology draws from the popular Ology series of books, so the game promises to maintain the series’ high standards in bringing a well-executed fantasy world to life. According to TUAW, the games creators got input from a Wizards of the Coast founder and Pokemon game creator, which bodes well for the quality of the gameplay as well. Monsterology players collect the game cards that depict mythical monsters such as unicorns, cyclops, and sea serpernts, then control the monsters via the cards to play a 60-level strategy game on the iPad.
The Animal Planet cards, which will be known as Wild Lands, brings to mind Kinectimals or Nintendogs. Players can collect 50 exotic animal cards as well as environment cards (i.e. “Rain” or “Dust Storm”) which will both offer details about the animal, trigger interactions between two animals, or between an animal and its environment. For example, after adding the Lion card, the player could add a Gazelle card, then watch the lion chase the gazelle on the screen.
Both iOS games will be free to download, and will include a free virtual pack of cards that will function much like the trading cards, with the exception that their attributes will be weaker than the store bought variety. A mini-pack of three cards will retail for $1.99, while a full pack of seven will sell for $3.99 and will be sold at big box retailers including Target and Toys ‘R Us.
