WizKids Inc., creators of the collectible miniatures game (HeroClix) and the constructible strategy game (Pirates of the Spanish Main), has announced the test marketing of Zypods, a 3-D Collectible Action Game created for ages 8 and up.  WizKids sees Zypods, in which players combine the tops and bottoms of strange and colorful creatures to create the ultimate fighting team-up, as a great entry vehicle to get kids interested in collectible games. 

The game features 90 creatures to collect, which allows for limitless combinations -- and it takes only about 30 minutes to play.  This fall WizKids plans to test the Zypods game in just a handful of U.S. markets including Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and St. Louis.

The actual playing pieces for the Zypods game come in pods.  When a Zypod is damaged, it cracks and a new, smaller Zypod hatches from inside, similar to a Russian nesting doll.  Eventually the Zypod reveals a small collectible figure. 

The game, which is based on original WizKids IP, is set on the planet Terrasis where the evil Dr. Zoren Greene has developed the Zybrid technology that allows players to combine the ZNA blueprints from animals, machines and even ancient fossils to create one-of-a-kind beasts that live for a short time to battle each other -- and then dissolve.  Players can engage in official tournaments where all the Zybrids are legal and safe, or, if they dare, they can take part in 'street' battles where any Zybrid combination is allowed.