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Navia Dratp. An upcoming commercial chess variant with collectible, tradable pieces. (7x7, Cells: 49) [All Comments] [Add Comment or Rating]
Robert Pedroza wrote on Fri, Jul 2, 2004 03:13 PM UTC:Good ★★★★
I got a demo of Navia Drapt at Origins in Columbus, OH. I found it mildly entertaining. As a chess variant it is more comparable to WizKids Creepy Freaks than any of the other clicky games. While Creepy Freaks, for the most part is failing, I would say that that is more because of the theme and demographic that the game targeted. Creepy Freaks childish, gross out theme appealed to no one. I couldn't even give pieces away to children in the neighborhood. Navia Drapt is promoting the quality of their anime pieces. While I don't necessarily believe these figures are that much better than some of the other pre-painted miniature games, they are very good, and we have yet to see the color, painted versions of the Maseitai. The Anime theme is popular at this point in time and it should appeal to a larger audience than Creepy Freaks. All that being said Creepy Freaks was a decent game, despite how it was sold, and the same game will soon be translated into an online version. So perhaps pre-painted miniature, chess variants have a future. The advantage I see with a chess variant miniature game like this over some of the other current miniature games, is that even if you can't find someone who already plays this game, you can always teach someone on the fly. Learning a chess variant game like this is probably as easy as teaching someone to play chess or backgammon for the first time. I can't say the same thing about most other current miniature games. Any miniature or CCG game can become a money game, but only if you are interested in competing at the highest level play, which usually isn't the most fun. I can see this game being fun with just the two starter sets. A few boosters could be added for variety without making the game too competitive. The anime figures will likely also appeal to some collectors which should help the health of game through added sales and possibly create some new gamers. I believe the game is worth checking out. It is definately worth trying to download or pick up some rules to gauge it for yourself.