Parallel Alpha, Atari X, Chimpers and more
Traversing the world of non-fungible substances is a daunting task. With so many new NFT projects, artists, and major collections popping up weekly, it’s become nearly impossible to keep up with each successive development.
In the past, a simple review of OpenSea was enough to find the latest NFT craze. But things have changed drastically since the NFT boom of 2021. Now, NFT enthusiasts have to be very careful about what and where they collect.
To help uncover awe-inspiring NFT work both new and old, nft now presents Undervalued: a weekly column highlighting innovative projects, collections and artists pushing the NFT space forward.
Parallel Alpha, launched on 25 March 2021, is an NFT trading card game centered on the story of a global catastrophe referred to as “The Event”. In the wake of a scientific experiment conducted in hopes of solving future Earth’s dwindling energy supplies, humanity left the planet, developing separately in five parallel streams of evolution.
The sci-fi project involves collecting a set of cards to compose a playable deck associated with one of the five parallels: Earthen, Marcolian, Augencore, Kathari and Shroud. As one of the first NFT-powered trading card games to gain traction on the Ethereum blockchain, Parallel has continued to offer a unique use case for blockchain-powered gaming.
Launched on 20 September 2022, 50 Years of Atari is the first NFT project from Atari X, the legacy video game brand’s Web3 imprint. The collection contains 2,600 unique NFTs created by artists Butcher Billy in celebration of Atari’s 50th anniversary.
The Atari X Genesis collection is more than simple memorabilia. Although it includes 15 original Atari IP, 35 logos, 16 stickers and more, the project as a whole is centered around a multi-faceted game ecosystem created in collaboration with a number of prominent Web3 brands. Learn more about the collection and Atari Easter Eggs via the Atari X website here.
Chimpers, launched on 20 May 2022is a popular PFP NFT collection made by prominent collectors and pixel artist Timpers. The idea behind the project began in July 2021and has since evolved into a Web3 adventure story filled with art, lore, and metaverse/community initiatives.
Although Chimpers was originally announced as a unique mash-up between pixel art PFPs like CryptoPunks and primate-themed collections like BAYC, the project has since grown into a massive ecosystem of animation, games, literature, and more. The attempt is a testament to the slow burn/growth of a multi-strand collection from an independent creator.
RTFKT x Jeff Staple, launched on 6 May 2021is a collaborative metaverse wearables project created by digital fashion brand RTFKT and revered streetwear designer Jeff Staple. Affectionately known in the NFT space as Metapigeons, the collection launched as one of the first collaborations to come from the formerly up-and-coming Web3 brand.
Although the Metapigeons hype has seemingly run its course, when the collection first launched it was seen as one of the most innovative endeavors in the digital wearables market. A gift that kept on giving, the collaborative project would continue to tie into the larger RTFKT and CloneX ecosystem, serving as a badge of honor for those who were fans of RTFKT early on.
CrypToadz, launched on 8 September 2021is the first major PFP project from prominent anonymous artist Gremplin. Having grown from the fusion of social commentary and meme culture, the collection has stood the test of time, retaining its relevance even after a year of existence.
CrypToadz became known early on in the NFT space for their humorous nature and rag-tag origins. As the project (and Gremplin himself) has grown and evolved alongside the NFT market, Toadz has remained a compelling example of an independent artist creating something out of nothing, as well as a reminder of the volatile and random nature of the NFT ecosystem .
