Z-G
Encyclopedia
Z-G is the first collectible action figure game
, created by Mark Rein·Hagen
and released in 2001 as the first product of his solo company, Atomoton. It uses posable 4.5" action figures with 14 points of articulation and each figure comes with 8 interchangeable accessories in the form of weapons/armour.
role-playing game
, founded Atomoton, a company that would focus more on collectible forms of gaming. Its first product was Z-G, which debuted at Gen Con
in 2001. A large departure from his previous work, this was a science fiction game featuring cybernetic gladiators. It is based on the setting developed for the pen and paper RPG Exiles.
Initially, the game was released with three figures (colored red, blue, and green) with their own interchangeable equipment and ability sets. This was quickly followed by "Citizen Z-G", a collectible card set (sold in 10 card randomly inserted booster packs) used to play an expanded version of the game. Planned for future release was a second card set, new accessories for the figures, a nationwide sanctioned tournament league, a companion video game, an animated series, and an accompanying role-playing game.
However, by 2003, the game had been canceled, and Atomoton shut down. Many factors are cited for this failure, but the largest single reason was the loss of its main distributor following 9/11
(a difficult time for the entire tabletop game
market). Other reasons include its targeting of children rather than serious collectors, and criticism of the fallibility of the randomizing element in the combat system.
and a miniature wargame
. The figures (known as "Zigs") move about on a self-constructed battlefield, with their movement and actions determined by a set of cards. Each of the three initial figures came with 10 cards (one for each piece of removable equipment and one for the figure itself), as well as a stat card representing the character inside the suit. Each round, players choose three pieces of equipment out of their deck and use the stats on each to determine turn order, movement, and attack type and strength. The center of the game is the card. Movement of the characters is measured in card lengths and combat is randomized by spinning the cards. Actual attack success or failure was determined by comparing 3 colored dots on the attacking card with a random card from the defender's deck. Two or more matching colors indicate a successful hit and destruction of the equipment shown on the defender's card. The game is lost when a player is reduced to less than 3 cards/parts, or his figure ("ulster") card is destroyed.
The game could also be played in an expanded format using the collectible card set. Here, upgraded forms of the base equipment cards could be found, as well as "maneuver" cards, which could be held in reserve to allow its user to carry out special techniques.
Collectible action figure game
A collectible action figure game is a collectible tabletop game in which the primary component is some sort of action figure. The first collectible action figure game was Mark Rein-Hagen's Z-G. Subsequent collectible action figure games have included WizKids' Shadowrun, Toy Biz's Marvel Legends...
, created by Mark Rein·Hagen
Mark Rein·Hagen
Mark Rein·Hagen is a role-playing, card, video and board game designer, best known as the creator of Vampire: The Masquerade and its associated World of Darkness games...
and released in 2001 as the first product of his solo company, Atomoton. It uses posable 4.5" action figures with 14 points of articulation and each figure comes with 8 interchangeable accessories in the form of weapons/armour.
History
In an attempt to branch out, Mark Rein·Hagen, creator of the Vampire: The MasqueradeVampire: The Masquerade
Vampire: The Masquerade is a role-playing game. Created by Mark Rein·Hagen, it was the first of White Wolf Game Studio's World of Darkness role-playing games, based on the Storyteller System and centered around vampires in a modern gothic-punk world....
role-playing game
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
, founded Atomoton, a company that would focus more on collectible forms of gaming. Its first product was Z-G, which debuted at Gen Con
Gen Con
Gen Con is one of the largest and most prominent annual gaming conventions in North America. It features traditional pen-and-paper, board, and card-style games, including role-playing games, miniatures wargames, board games, live action role-playing games, collectible card games, non-collectible...
in 2001. A large departure from his previous work, this was a science fiction game featuring cybernetic gladiators. It is based on the setting developed for the pen and paper RPG Exiles.
Initially, the game was released with three figures (colored red, blue, and green) with their own interchangeable equipment and ability sets. This was quickly followed by "Citizen Z-G", a collectible card set (sold in 10 card randomly inserted booster packs) used to play an expanded version of the game. Planned for future release was a second card set, new accessories for the figures, a nationwide sanctioned tournament league, a companion video game, an animated series, and an accompanying role-playing game.
However, by 2003, the game had been canceled, and Atomoton shut down. Many factors are cited for this failure, but the largest single reason was the loss of its main distributor following 9/11
September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
(a difficult time for the entire tabletop game
Tabletop game
Tabletop game is a general term used to refer to board games, card games, dice games, miniatures wargames, tile-based games and other games that are normally played on a table or other flat surface...
market). Other reasons include its targeting of children rather than serious collectors, and criticism of the fallibility of the randomizing element in the combat system.
Gameplay
Game play is a combination between a collectible card gameCollectible card game
thumb|Players and their decksA collectible card game , also called a trading card game or customizable card game, is a game played using specially designed sets of playing cards...
and a miniature wargame
Miniature wargaming
Miniature wargaming is a form of wargaming that incorporates miniature figures, miniature armor and modeled terrain as the main components of play...
. The figures (known as "Zigs") move about on a self-constructed battlefield, with their movement and actions determined by a set of cards. Each of the three initial figures came with 10 cards (one for each piece of removable equipment and one for the figure itself), as well as a stat card representing the character inside the suit. Each round, players choose three pieces of equipment out of their deck and use the stats on each to determine turn order, movement, and attack type and strength. The center of the game is the card. Movement of the characters is measured in card lengths and combat is randomized by spinning the cards. Actual attack success or failure was determined by comparing 3 colored dots on the attacking card with a random card from the defender's deck. Two or more matching colors indicate a successful hit and destruction of the equipment shown on the defender's card. The game is lost when a player is reduced to less than 3 cards/parts, or his figure ("ulster") card is destroyed.
The game could also be played in an expanded format using the collectible card set. Here, upgraded forms of the base equipment cards could be found, as well as "maneuver" cards, which could be held in reserve to allow its user to carry out special techniques.
External links
- Atomoton Official website, archived by the Internet ArchiveInternet ArchiveThe Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library with the stated mission of "universal access to all knowledge". It offers permanent storage and access to collections of digitized materials, including websites, music, moving images, and nearly 3 million public domain books. The Internet Archive...
August 16, 2003 (last update) - Z-G Interaction Official discussion forum on Yahoo! Groups