I am sure many have talked about the fact that with quite a few of the blockchain games, specifically the more decentralized ones like Splinterlands. There is a chance for developers to build on top of the status and assets that players own in these games. 

Now, this obviously is not going to work for all games, but for the most part, Splinterlands at least seems open to others using the assets without bother.

I think a big difference is that @Splinterlands does intend to be a decentralized game. As opposed to Gods Unchained, Spider Tanks, @RisingStarGame or @DcityGame which are just games that happen to be powered by blockchain. 

As for the artwork, I am sure Splinterlands can pull that at anytime or request royalties since all art is <a href="https://splinterlands.com/?p=terms">copyrighted</a> by them. Not that we need the pictures but I might be wrong. For the most part, Splinterlands allows people to do as they wish merely as a gesture of goodwill. I guess will see. 

Till then we get to see the start of sorely needed initiative and growth. <br>

<h2><a href="https://splinterforge.io/">Splinterforge.io</a></h2>

<img src="https://images.ecency.com/DQmPKd1qZLSwnkyb2Z9aTWz8MDLXfxNH7BwV3yZox7c4rRT/image.png">

Enter Splinterforge, a game which promises to expand your Splinterlands universe a bit. Personally, I have never played boss battle things. But it seems that is what it is called, there is a big baddie and it takes many many people and many many attempts to clear each level of baddies. 

With Splinterforge you get to battle with your existing Splinterlands Monsters and Summoners. Aside from that you get to lead them as the Hero. 

Your hero starts out weak as hell, and with additional Splinterforge cards which provide equipment and gems, you then make your Hero stronger and stronger. Like in an RPG. 

<img src="https://images.ecency.com/DQmWnWg4jFTiGMfiWMB9iHVtRYLAi3CC6Bpmiq4fJ1cdctc/26172704_brave_ictuqrnuob.png">

Starting out, since the game is in testing and active development. You get a 100K forge and 100 packs (equipment) and bags (gems or runes) each.

That is quite a lot to get a feel for how it might be to start for real. Well Assuming pack prices are not too bad say it is $4 a pack then sure normal peeps would maybe be able to get 10 packs. Anyway just guestimating. 

<blockquote>*Correction<br><sub>Packs cost 3,000 Forge which is the Splinterforge version of DEC. The game accepts forge at $1/1000. Other payment methods are available as well such as DEC. <cite>Rentmoney - comments</cite></sub></blockquote> <br>

All data gets wiped after this testing phase and the pre-sale launches. Everyone who plays now and helps to test I think then gets considered for an airdrop. 

<img src="https://images.ecency.com/DQmYvxH16jCxUSveAQRsjg9Xz2miQDMjocioidPdqZ8FUD4/26172424_brave_ysoayz0ezj.png">

As you can see I got quite a few cards, since well I used my 100K and 100 packs and opened the whole lot.

<img src="https://images.ecency.com/DQmfBhr1finLLzTFq7qXQyvrmfRaf2RKbxUAVYUjogkwrmn/26173600_brave_llliqrqsx1.png">

You can then use those cards to level them up, or Reforge and or Transmute them. Reforging is the term for equipment and Transmute is just the term for the Gems. 

Reforging is kinda like rolling the dice, yes you will get a higher rarity card but you might not actually get a higher rarity of the specific card you want. 

Combining your cards will at least give you a higher level card but then it is still a low rarity. By the looks of it, getting a Epic version of a level 3 Common card is equal in stats. Or something like that. To get an Epic though is not ensured. 

<img src="https://images.ecency.com/DQmNqGczym7VK4vur1ESossndJfRn7g8aE1ekvXhc4ypLep/26172519_brave_yvsextrqri.png">

Basically you can combine reforge common -> rare, rare -> epic and epic->legendary. 

This is actually a nice system and makes sense for equipment vs if Splinterlands had it for monsters. 

Each level takes more of the previous level so 8 Epics = 1 Legendary for example. 

<img src="https://images.ecency.com/DQmcmKkfE3iu8LhcXAWgzKPPY2YaFpy9MGgS1Xpb6kcdn6c/26173624_brave_mwzowmehet.png">

<div class="pull-right"><img src="https://images.ecency.com/DQmPuppi7idvpXqfKWqqENXefA6kaw1j9ZamsTA1UAy7hTp/26172615_brave_qlgxpzgntk.png"></div>

When you Reforge or Transmute, since the game is in testing be sure to check what it is asking. Currently it is only asking to check that you have the active key. When the game is live it will possibly then require the active key to pay for the reforging etc. 

Be sure to not auto allow anything and possibly keep an eye on every transactions data. 

<hr>

<h2>Battle Time</h2>

<img src="https://images.ecency.com/DQmX63U44aRhZgtRGirJAXofSF89ayL1Kd6shxJhqEtrz4c/26172225_brave_nnqp0wzehj.png">

The battles as mentioned is just your chosen squad of 2 Summoners, Your Hero, and 7 other monsters. 

Currently the lowest level Boss is the Mighty Chicken, and as you can see it has 200K health, and 3 attacks with very irritating counter abilities. 

Mainly I think this part needs to be streamlined a lot when it comes to visual feedback. Although as a MVP product they have done a ton of work already. 

I think I do like the random attack mechanics but that does lend itself to not being able to actually strategize using weaker monsters. I may be wrong but it seems unless you use taunt you will always lose any support monsters first. 

This limits the monsters you choose to only the highest health types. 

Aside from that, and surely so much will still change that it hardly matters to point out; but I do hope they focus on an intuitive UI that is also mobile first. 

One of the worst things Splintlands and seemingly it may be a Hive issue is that the interfaces are particularly lacking in any modernity. Simple things like responsive design go out the window and or at least considering the mobile experience and finding a good solution for it. 

Having an app is a cheat and a last step copout in my opinion. I think Splinterforge definitely has a solid product and hopefully it will bring some new life to the ecosystem and not just Splinterlands. 

<h2>Their token</h2>

<img src="https://images.ecency.com/DQmaSEvx2UDKP7vaMv7j5s2f5w785crYpEq6y1TFtRageLz/image.png"> 
https://tribaldex.com/trade/FORGE 

For any concrete info do visit their Discord - https://discord.gg/26nSGFsfNK ; They do have a token called FORGE which you can get on Tribaldex, from what I read it will act like DEC with a potential peg at $1 to a 1000. So chances are if you see the token trading at $0.001 then there really is no point buying it. Then again we all know how Hive deals with pegs, and the only use of a peg is to shove it where the sun don't shine. 

Regardless I got some, and merely mention it so people don't think I am trying to pamp my bags. Or am I?