Two seemingly disparate worlds collide in today’s headlines: the alien invasion antics of “Destroy All Humans!” and the card-slinging romance of a “Magic: The Gathering” manga. One explores the potential for future destruction, while the other has reached its final chapter.
Crypto’s Mayhem: Is There a Future for “Destroy All Humans!”?
“Destroy All Humans!” is an open-world action-adventure video game franchise that parodies Cold War-era alien invasion films. In the game, players take on the role of Cryptosporidium 137, a Furon alien spy, tasked with harvesting human DNA on Earth. The original “Destroy All Humans!” was released in 2005, and the remake was released in 2020.
Remake Recap: A Nostalgic Trip with a Few Hiccups
The 2020 remake of “Destroy All Humans!” aimed to recapture the spirit of the original while updating the graphics and gameplay for modern audiences. Reviews were mixed, with many praising the updated visuals and faithful recreation of the original’s humor and gameplay. However, some critics found the gameplay mechanics outdated and repetitive. Despite these criticisms, the remake was generally well-received by fans of the original series.
Will Crypto Return? The Future of the Franchise
Following the successful remake of the first game and the 2022 remake of its sequel, “Destroy All Humans! 2: Reprobed,” questions arose about the future of the franchise. Will there be a “Destroy All Humans! 3,” or will the series continue with remakes of the other games?
Several factors suggest a new installment is possible:
- Fanbase: The “Destroy All Humans!” series has a dedicated cult following that enjoys the franchise’s unique brand of humor and destructive gameplay.
- Remake Success: The remakes of the first two games introduced the series to a new audience and reinvigorated interest in the franchise. The first remake sold around one million units.
- Precedent: The success of remakes often leads to the development of new entries in a franchise, as seen with “Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time” following the “Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.”
However, there are also reasons to be cautious about expecting a new “Destroy All Humans!” game:
- Niche Appeal: Compared to other major franchises, “Destroy All Humans!” has a more niche appeal.
- Development Costs: Creating a new game is an expensive and time-consuming process. Studios are more likely to invest in projects with a guaranteed return. The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy sold 10 million copies, dwarfing the one million sales of the Destroy All Humans remake.
Ultimately, the future of “Destroy All Humans!” depends on the success of “Destroy All Humans! 2: Reprobed” and whether THQ Nordic believes a new installment would be a profitable venture.
Black Forest Games: What’s Next?
Black Forest Games, the studio behind the “Destroy All Humans!” remakes, is currently working on a new project codenamed “Super Shotgun.” The game is planned for release in May 2025. The studio received 3.16 million Euros from the German government for its development. It is unknown whether this will be an original IP or based on a previous property.
“Destroy All Humans. They Can’t Be Regenerated.”: Manga Series Concludes
On a different note, the “Destroy All Humans. They Can’t Be Regenerated. A Magic: The Gathering Manga” series is coming to an end with its 18th volume.
A Unique Blend: Magic, Manga, and Romance
The manga, written by Katsura Ise and illustrated by Takuma Yokota, is a unique blend of “Magic: The Gathering,” slice-of-life, and romance. The story centers on two high school students, Hajime Kano and Emi Sawatari, who develop a connection through their shared love of “Magic: The Gathering.” Set in the 1990s, the manga incorporates real-world “Magic” history and metagame elements into its narrative.
A Critical Darling
The manga has generally received positive reviews. Critics have praised its engaging characters, relatable story, and incorporation of “Magic: The Gathering” lore. Even those unfamiliar with “Magic” have found the manga enjoyable due to its slice-of-life and romance elements.
English Release and Promo Cards
Viz Media licensed the manga for English publication, with the first volume released in October 2024. Each volume of the manga includes a limited-edition promo card, which has further boosted its appeal among “Magic: The Gathering” fans.
End of an Era
The conclusion of “Destroy All Humans. They Can’t Be Regenerated. A Magic: The Gathering Manga” marks the end of a unique and beloved series. While fans may be sad to see it go, the manga has left a lasting impression on both the “Magic: The Gathering” and manga communities.
From Alien Invasions to Card Game Romances
These two news items, while seemingly unrelated, highlight the diverse landscape of entertainment. One explores the potential future of an alien invasion franchise, while the other celebrates the conclusion of a beloved manga series. Both “Destroy All Humans!” and “Destroy All Humans. They Can’t Be Regenerated. A Magic: The Gathering Manga” have resonated with audiences in their own way, and their impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
