Sometimes, I feel that I may stand out due to my unusual taste in online games. Specifically, my preference for the Final Fantasy Trading Card Game (FFTCG) might not match the majority. Although not frequently publicized by its producers, Square Enix and Hobby Japan, FFTCG has a dedicated fan base.
Even though I’m not here to convince you to play this game, I would say that if you’re losing interest in Magic: The Gathering (MtG), this could be a refreshing change. The gameplay is relatively similar, making it easy for MtG players to get onboard. FFTCG does address some of the longstanding issues in MtG and its cards are top-notch. Being a Final Fantasy fanatic is not a prerequisite to enjoy this game. Explore it!
Although FFTCG remains my staple competitive TCG/CCG, I do check out almost every other TCG around. I’ve dabbled in MtG, Force of Will and Argent Saga to name a few. I also hold onto my starter decks of the retired 24 Trading Card Game based on the TV show starring Keifer Sutherland. Beyond these, I’ve also experienced other games such as Star Wars, Star Trek, and The Lord of the Rings. In essence, I have a soft spot for trading card games.
Despite my love for such games, I hardly relish digital card games and that leaves me questioning my own preference. Why is it that I don’t enjoy the convenience and flexibility of digital access to decks, players, and matches at any hour of the day? Why is it that I don’t appreciate the facility of constructing and testing a deck without physically owning or purchasing the cards? This lack of appreciation for digital formats baffles me!
Given that I’m drawn to physical goods, enjoying holding onto my purchases rather than accessing their digital versions, avoiding digital gameplay does make some sense. But, my fondness for TCGs and my aversion to their online versions seem a paradox few can understand.
I never stay long with any digital card game despite engaging with every new release covered here on MMOBomb. Digital versions may offer mechanics that are not possible in the real world and are typically less expensive. But, they are not for me.
Hearthstone, for instance, is a game that I find particularly intriguing. With a fast-paced gameplay that couldn’t mirror its traditional counterpart and an easy learning curve, it seems custom-designed to my tastes. Yet, I haven’t played it for years. Now, some games have put me off with their monetization strategies, but if I look beyond that, the overall picture remains unchanged.
An official online version of FFTCG is absent and many fans, including me, have voiced their desire for it on various platforms. However, when I do play online, I use unofficial platforms like OCTGN or UnTap. Yet, my predilection is to avoid online play whenever possible. If Square Enix ever launched an official FFTCG digital version, my play would likely be infrequent at best. It is a mystery why this is so.
There have been moments when I’ve wished for a game of FFTCG but not found any local players available, and despite having online options, I’ve opted not to play. I wish I could attribute this to poor online service, but that’s not the case.
Even purely online games like Marvel SNAP or Legends of Runeterra have been unable to hold my interest for long. I’ve tried to decipher why I’m less enamored by digital games despite my love for their physical counterparts. All I’ve concluded is that digital versions don’t align with my interests.
I’m sure I’m not alone in having this peculiar inclination, am I?
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