Upper Deck's new Avatar TCG, due for release in January, will introduce the company's new Quickstrike game engine, making the Avatar TCG release compatible with all future releases using the new engine.  The Quickstrike mechanic will feature 'lightning-fast one-on-one card combat moves.'  Upper Deck pioneered the concept of a trading card game engine that applies to multiple intellectual properties, the Versus System, which allows play that incorporates characters from competing companies Marvel and DC. 

 

The new Quickstrike engine won't be the only new feature introduced in the Avatar TCG--the release will also feature new foil Zenemental cards.  Like the Shaman King TCG (see 'Upper Deck's Full House for 2005'), the Avatar TCG will also include slide-open Chamber Cards, which allow players to reveal hidden moves .  Masters of Elements Starter Sets, which will include two 30-card decks, two Chamber Cards, one rulebook, and two game mats, will be packaged in the company's new Udeck plastic storage case. 

 

Masters of Elements Booster Packs will each contain 9 cards and one Chamber Card. 

 

Avatar:  The Last Airbender is the #1 rated show for kids 6-11, which should give the game a strong send-off.  It's the most popular of several anime-inspired shows currently running on American television (see 'Faux Anime Feted in New York Times').