Smith & Tinker, led by industry veteran Jordan Weisman, was founded to encourage social interaction and play between kids by bridging the Internet and physical world. Smith & Tinker's innovative flagship product, Nanovor, allows kids to battle tiny monsters that live inside computer chips. It is a multiplayer game designed for up to four players, and targeted at 7-12 year olds.
Lucas Nelson, Nanovor's hero, learned about dust mites in his high school science class. Fascinated by the concept of microscopic creatures crawling over everything (his skin, his hair, and even his dog!), he built a special device to look for other tiny creatures. When he connected the device, which he called a "Nanoscope," to his computer, he discovered an entire world of nanoscopic creatures living in microchips and circuits. Now, Lucas and his friends keep the Nanovor alive by fighting swarms of them against each other. But when the evil Dr. Diamondback tries to control the Nanovor to rule the Internet, the fight turns serious.
Nanovor combines the best elements of a digital trading card game with an online action game. Kids can start playing by simply picking up the Nanovor Online Battle Game from their local hobby store or downloading the game from Nanovor.com. The Nanovor Online Battle Game contains the game CD, an exclusive collectible Nanovor figurine, and $15 in Nanocash, the game's virtual currency. The Online Battle Game retails for $14.99, making it basically free!
Similar to traditional collectable card games, players add Nanovor to their collection by purchasing digital boosters using Nanocash. However, unlike most TCGs, only a small fraction, currently 12 Alphas, of the collection can be purchased through Smith & Tinker. Instead, Nanovor players discover most of the others by training and evolving the Alphas. Evolutions use special resources, called EMs that are found in booster packs, while others can be unlocked once a player or monster has reached a certain goal or mastery of the game. This aspect of discovery and evolution is unique - no other CCG (digital or otherwise) has put the players' in control of when new monsters are revealed.
New expansions of Nanovor will be released every four months - again with a limited number of Alpha Nanovor and most new evolutions discovered by players. Plus, each new expansion will add powerful new Nanovor evolutions to previous sets. This is guaranteed to add another level of excitement and strategy as players can discover them.
Players will also be able to trade Nanovor with friends in an environment managed by Smith & Tinker. This mechanic is similar to traditional TCGs, while providing a safe, secure experience for kids. Players looking for a specific Nanovor and resources - especially those that aren't available in booster packs - will always have a place to find them.
Before a match starts, players select their team (or swarm) of Nanovor. Battles typically include between two and six Nanovor using 1000- or 1500-point swarms. Each Nanovor has a point cost based on its strength in battle. This adds several elements of strategy to the game, challenging players to select their unique approach. Do players choose many low-point, fast-attacking Nanovor, fewer big hitters, or a balanced mix?
Once a battle begins, players plan their moves in secret by selecting the Nanovor they want to attack with, which attacks to use, and their target, just like table-top TCGs. Powerful combination attacks using different Nanovor add another level of strategy for the serious players. When everyone has made their choices, the battle is resolved with Nanovor leaping across the screen to damage one another. Nanovor also use ranged attacks, such as firing bolts of electricity by air or across the ground. Each Nanovor has more than 40 unique, high-definition CGI animations, including special attacks, victory dances, and dramatic death sequences. When a Nanovor is eliminated from the game, it usually goes out in a splatter of green or blue goo. Players need not fear; Nanovor regenerate between matches and are available for the next fight. The player with the last Nanovor standing wins the match.
Nanovor will include industry-standard guardian controls to ensure a safe play experience for every player. Parents will be able to limit who their child can trade and interact with, when their child can play, and even receive reports of their child's Nanovor activity. Smith & Tinker takes child online safety very seriously.
Nanovor also delivers an extensive online experience. Weekly animated cartoons tell the story of Lucas, his friends, and the Nanovor. In addition, Nanovor leverages Smith & Thinker's extensive experience in alternate reality gaming, to provide players with a whole world to discover and explore.
Fame exists for Nanovor players as well. The first players to discover new Nanovor evolutions will have their gamer tag listed in the online Nanovor encyclopedia, the Nanolog. They can also earn special badges by participating in weekly leagues and tournaments. These badges can be displayed online, and the best players each month will receive crystal trophies. For the more casual Nanovor player, quick-play matches and fun weekly challenges are always available.
Nanovor will be in stores in April. If you can't wait for the action, visit Nanovor.com now and sign up to be a beta player.
*******