Dev Log: A First Look at Lanternfang: Cryptid Card Game

Mothman, Bigfoot, the Jersey Devil, the Loch Ness Monster. Every region has its legends, and I think they deserve a card game of their own. Lanternfang is the card battler I’m building for Android, and it’s coming soon to Google Play. It’s still in development, so everything in this post reflects the current design and may change as playtesting continues.

The idea in one sentence

Lanternfang is a quick card battle where you build a deck of creatures from folklore, play them into three lanes and try to outsmart your rival.

A cast of legends

The roster leans into cryptids and folklore, with names like the Jackalope, the Chupacabra, Mothman, the Jersey Devil and the Flatwoods Monster. Cards come in rarities from Common up to Mythic, with painted, dark-fantasy art that’s spooky rather than cute.

How you’ll play

You’ll battle computer opponents, and the game works offline, so you can play on a plane or with a weak signal. There’s no account to make and no sign-in. A short tutorial teaches the basics, and then the Rookie Trail lines up your first opponents. Your progress and cards are saved on your phone.

Free to play

Free to play with optional in-app purchases. Pack drop odds are shown in the game.

You earn Tallow by playing. Foxfire is the premium currency: it’s sold through Google Play and buys Premium Lantern Packs and cosmetic items. The game also shows ads, and a one-time Remove Ads purchase turns off the ads between matches.

When can you play?

Lanternfang is coming soon to Google Play. I don’t have a release date to share yet, and I’d rather get it right than rush it. The best way to hear the news first is to join the KaeIce Games email list. Until then, keep your flashlight handy. Something walks the woods tonight.