Ubisoft has quietly launched a new game this week, a spin-off of the cult-favorite Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. Titled Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E., the title draws inspiration from the 2023 Netflix series Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix. This top-down multiplayer battle arena shooter even features a cameo from Ubisoft’s iconic mascot, Rayman, who appears as an in-game commentator. However, despite its connection to a beloved franchise, Ubisoft hasn’t invested heavily in marketing the game.
The reason for this subdued release becomes clear upon closer inspection—Captain Laserhawk is a Web3 game, requiring the purchase of an NFT to play. Ubisoft distributed 10,000 free NFTs called “Niji Warrior ID cards,” but players who missed out must now purchase one for 0.0055 ETH (around $17.80). These NFTs serve as unique in-game profiles, recording accomplishments and potentially increasing in value over time. The idea is that players can eventually sell their cards for a profit. In addition, the game features a marketplace of virtual items, further emphasizing its NFT-driven ecosystem.
Unfortunately, like many other NFT-based games, the actual gameplay seems to take a backseat. Early reviews, such as Polygon’s, describe the game as lackluster, with cheap visuals and uninspired mechanics that feel like an afterthought.
This isn’t Ubisoft’s first foray into NFT gaming. Earlier this year, the company launched Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, another NFT-focused title that included character cards selling for anywhere from a few dollars to tens of thousands. Ubisoft also attempted to incorporate NFTs into Ghost Recon Breakpoint back in 2021, but the initiative was met with widespread criticism and minimal sales. Despite the backlash, Ubisoft doubled down on its commitment to NFTs, famously claiming that gamers “just don’t get” the concept. However, by April 2022, the company quietly ceased NFT updates for Breakpoint.
While Blood Dragon remains a nostalgic gem for its over-the-top 1980s-inspired humor and action, Captain Laserhawk appears to be struggling to find a similar place in players’ hearts—likely overshadowed by its controversial NFT requirements and lackluster execution.
Source: https://www.techspot.com/news/106051-ubisoft-launches-blood-dragon-spin-off-featuring-rayman.html
The reason for this subdued release becomes clear upon closer inspection—Captain Laserhawk is a Web3 game, requiring the purchase of an NFT to play. Ubisoft distributed 10,000 free NFTs called “Niji Warrior ID cards,” but players who missed out must now purchase one for 0.0055 ETH (around $17.80). These NFTs serve as unique in-game profiles, recording accomplishments and potentially increasing in value over time. The idea is that players can eventually sell their cards for a profit. In addition, the game features a marketplace of virtual items, further emphasizing its NFT-driven ecosystem.
Unfortunately, like many other NFT-based games, the actual gameplay seems to take a backseat. Early reviews, such as Polygon’s, describe the game as lackluster, with cheap visuals and uninspired mechanics that feel like an afterthought.
This isn’t Ubisoft’s first foray into NFT gaming. Earlier this year, the company launched Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, another NFT-focused title that included character cards selling for anywhere from a few dollars to tens of thousands. Ubisoft also attempted to incorporate NFTs into Ghost Recon Breakpoint back in 2021, but the initiative was met with widespread criticism and minimal sales. Despite the backlash, Ubisoft doubled down on its commitment to NFTs, famously claiming that gamers “just don’t get” the concept. However, by April 2022, the company quietly ceased NFT updates for Breakpoint.
While Blood Dragon remains a nostalgic gem for its over-the-top 1980s-inspired humor and action, Captain Laserhawk appears to be struggling to find a similar place in players’ hearts—likely overshadowed by its controversial NFT requirements and lackluster execution.
Source: https://www.techspot.com/news/106051-ubisoft-launches-blood-dragon-spin-off-featuring-rayman.html