The Fusion of Diverse Genres in Wild Country: A Captivating Collectible Card Game

Wild Country, developed by studio Lost Native, is a strategy card game with city-building elements. It offers a cozy and competitive gameplay experience. In this animal-themed world, players can collect cards and engage in challenging battles with friends and other competitors. The game is set in the serene setting of Big Sky Canyon. We recently conducted an interview with Becky Matthew, the CEO, co-founder, and design director of Wild Country, where she discussed the game's city-building mechanics, collectible card gameplay, and the team's unique approach to combining different genres. She also shared the reasons behind choosing this approach in the popular world of online card games.

How Wild Country's City-Building, Collectible Card Gameplay Works

In Wild Country's card battle gameplay, the objective is to earn a significant profit of five thousand dollars before the opponent does. This is achieved by strategically combining card and tile-based city-building, where the placement of tiles can have positive or negative impacts. Matthew elaborated on the similarities to SimCity, stating that there are many shared mechanics, but in card format. This allows players to construct either Residential or Commercial-focused systems based on their card choices and placement strategies. The interaction between these systems is crucial, as Matthew explained, if someone is constructing a Commercial-focused city and you have a Residential-focused city, you can capitalize on their benefits by expanding into their city.

Matthew also mentioned that some people mistakenly perceive Wild Country as being "quite light" in terms of gameplay. However, he pointed out that the game actually possesses a comparable level of complexity and depth to popular titles such as Hearthstone or World of Magic, for players seeking that kind of experience. Additionally, Matthew revealed that Wild Country currently features over 100 cards, with plans to expand the collection to 150. Apart from building cards, the game also incorporates various other card types with unique functionalities. This includes spell cards that grant players the power to demolish, freeze, or transform cards, as well as cards that trigger unforeseen events like snowstorms, which Matthew likened to the thunderstorms in SimCity. Moreover, Wild Country boasts special cards that, when combined, strive to deliver a complete cinematic journey to its players.

How And Why Wild Country Integrates Relaxing, Cozy Gameplay

Wild Country's incorporation of cozy gameplay sets it apart despite its complex game mechanics. Unlike games such as Slay the Spire, which blend storytelling and rest while progressing through a map, Wild Country offers a relaxing open-world experience in Big Sky Canyon. Players can explore this picturesque setting and engage with non-playable characters from a third-person perspective, assuming the role of a customizable animal character. While the chosen character does not affect the card gameplay directly, Matthew highlights the purposeful nature of exploring Big Sky Canyon. Doing so not only allows players to delve into the game's narrative but also provides opportunities to acquire more cards through quests and mini-games.

Matthew from Wild Country explains that blending multiple genres was done to make the game more approachable to card game newcomers and casual gamers. The team aimed to create a stress-relieving and cozy gameplay experience that is not punishing. By incorporating elements of city-building and cozy mechanics, Wild Country hopes to attract both veteran and newcomer CCG players.

Editor's P/S

Wild Country is a captivating collectible card game that seamlessly fuses diverse genres, incorporating city-building elements and a delightful, soothing gameplay experience. In this animal-themed world, players collect cards and engage in challenging battles with friends and competitors. The game is set in the serene setting of Big Sky Canyon, where players can explore and interact with non-playable characters from a third-person perspective.

I am very excited about the release of Wild Country. It is a unique and innovative game that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of card games, city-building games, or just want a relaxing and enjoyable experience, Wild Country has something to offer. I can't wait to dive into the game and explore all that it has to offer.