Had an amazing interview that I had with the Creator of Creatures of EXO TCG. I love all the amazing creations, and the incredible anime style art work that is used for the game. The gameplay itself is really cool as well the fact you can get this game in English or Italian.
Describe your game?
Creatures of Exo is a fantasy TCG (Trading Card Game) where players engage in 1v1 duels with the goal of defeating their opponent's Leader using various types of cards such as Vice Leaders, Evolutions, Creatures, and Tactic cards. It combines elements from various TCGs along with its unique resource management style.
What inspired you to create your own game?
I have always been drawing various monsters designed for collectible card games since I was young, so it was time for me to create my own game.
How did you come up with the game’s name?
It derives from Exodus, a video game I created at the age of 17 using RPG Maker. It was set in a dark and dystopian fantasy world where the choices you make influence the game's storyline. At that time, I hadn't started digital drawing yet, so all the monsters in the game were created using pastels and pens. The game is still available at exodusgioco.wordpress.com, and Creatures of Exo draws inspiration from some reimagined creatures and part of the lore.
How long have you been working on your game?
I have been working on it for about 3 years now, with the first playtests dating back to early 2021.
What makes your game different from other TCGs?
I wanted to introduce an original way of playing the cards. Every new TCG that comes out is always a copy of Magic, so I wanted the cards in Creatures of Exo to be both in hand and on the field, serving as the player's resources. By covering them face-down, you obtain the necessary "mana" to pay costs, and during the opponent's turn, they return to the owner's hand. You can play as many cards as you want as long as you can pay the resources, even with cards that are already on the field face-up. The potential for combos in Creatures of Exo is extensive. Additionally, I added the Crisis mechanic.
When your Leader loses X lives, it triggers an effect to turn the tide of the game and bring you back into a favorable position, allowing you to resolve the board and continue playing. This mechanism helps overcome situations where the opponent fills the field with the strongest creatures to defeat you in one turn. It gives the matches a different feeling from other games. You have to try it to believe it.
What is one of the biggest challenges you had in creating this game?
Initially, it was very challenging to manage everything on my own. I created the mechanics, layout, artwork, social media promotion, etc., all by myself. The work behind Creatures of Exo is done by a single person. Over time, I have added other artists, friends for playtesting, translators (since my English is terrible), and trusted players who believe in the project.
Do you have a favorite card in the game?
Fulminara is one of my favorites. It is one of the oldest designs, but it has never bored me. She is a pirate with lightning coming out of her boots and hands.
What are your future plans for your game?
I would like to find publishers to support the game financially and, most importantly, to introduce this TCG to more people. I already have another expansion of 72 cards ready and another one in the works. The work never stops, and more and more people are enjoying my game. It would be great to see Creatures of Exo in local stores and have tournaments. Additionally, there are programmers currently working to turn Creatures of Exo into a digital TCG.
As a creator, what advice would you give to others who are trying to pursue their dreams?
If you believe in what you're doing and have passion for it, you will succeed in realizing your dreams. In the meantime, in my case, I set aside some money for printing and various promotions by doing odd jobs like a baker, waiter, dishwasher, etc. You have to start somewhere. I truly hope that one day this will be my main job because I have several ideas and future projects for this game.
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