Metazoo is Back! But is it Back for Good?
Today we’re stepping outside the MTG multiverse to talk about a TCG phoenix rising from the ashes: Metazoo. The game’s reboot has been making waves with its cryptid-themed charm, but as someone who dabbled in the first iteration (RIP), I’ve got thoughts about the art, the gameplay, and whether this revival can survive its own cryptid curse. Let’s dig in
The Art: A Love Letter to Cryptids (With a Modern Twist)
Let’s start with the obvious: Metazoo’s new art is breathtaking. The reboot has ditched the grungy, 90s cartoon-inspired style of the original for a sleek, modern aesthetic that pops with vibrant colors and hyper-detailed creatures. Cards like Mothman’s Midnight Hunt and Chupacabra’s Feast are visual standouts, blending realism and fantasy in a way that feels fresh compared to other TCGs.
But here’s the thing: I miss the old art. There was something magical about the original Metazoo’s retro vibe. It felt like stumbling into a forgotten Saturday morning cartoon. (The old watercolor art is still available on some cards but it seems that it’s currently locked behind higher rarities.) That said, the new direction has its perks. Every artist now gets to reinterpret cryptids in their own style, which means we could see multiple versions of Bigfoot, Jersey Devil, or Fresno Nightcrawlers down the line. (Please, Metazoo gods, give us a Mothman alt-art series!)
Gameplay: Better… But Baffling?
The original Metazoo was… chaotic. Remember Fourth Wall Effects, where you had to literally have physical items, have it be your birthday, or be in physical areas to activate abilities? Yeah, that’s gone (thankfully), and the new rules are lightyears better. Combat is streamlined, RNG is toned down, and the current system makes actual sense now.
But here’s my hang-up: the simultaneous turn system. Instead of taking traditional turns, both players act in real-time, reacting to each other’s moves like a high-speed poker game. It’s bold! It’s innovative! It’s… kinda confusing. How long do I have to make a decision? Are turns timed? Will this devolve into messy arguments about who played first? The gameplay tutorials help, but I’m holding off judgment until I see more official matches.
Availability & Community: The Elephant (or Bigfoot) in the Room
Let’s get real: Metazoo’s local scene is ghost-town levels of empty. (At least here in Illinois.) I’ve reached out to shop within 50 miles, and while many stocked the original Metazoo, none have committed to the reboot yet.
That’s a red flag.
TCGs live and die by their communities, and right now, Metazoo feels like a party without guests, (aside from the MetaZoo discord which is THRIVING!). I’m torn: part of me wants to buy a box to support the game, but without locals to play with, it’s just shelf décor. If Metazoo can’t rebuild its grassroots presence, this revival might be shorter-lived than a Flatwoods Monster sighting.
Hopeful… But Hesitant
I’m rooting for Metazoo. The art is stellar, the gameplay improvements are legit, and the cryptid theme oozes personality. But the lack of a local scene and the risky simultaneous turn system have me side-eyeing my wallet.
If you’re curious, grab a starter deck or two! They’re affordable, and the art alone is worth it. But if you’re expecting this to dethrone Pokémon or MTG? Pump the brakes. Metazoo 2.0 feels like a promising beta test, not a finished product. Here’s hoping it survives long enough to become the cult classic it deserves to be.
Until next time: Life is a stack, and I’m here to clear it.
P.S. To the Metazoo team: More Mothman alts, please. I’m begging you.