Traversing the world of non-fungibles is a daunting task. With so many new NFT projects, artists, and large-scale collections cropping up weekly, it’s become nearly impossible to keep up with every subsequent development.
In the past, a simple browse of OpenSea was enough to find the latest NFT craze. But things have changed drastically since the 2021 NFT boom. Now, NFT enthusiasts have to be acutely mindful of what and where they collect.
To aid in the unearthing of awe-inspiring NFT endeavors 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 March 25, 2021, is an NFT trading card game centered on the story of a global disaster referred to as “The Event.” In the aftermath of a scientific experiment executed in hopes of solving future Earth’s dwindling energy supplies, humanity abandoned the planet, progressing separately in five Parallel streams of evolution.
The sci-fi project encompasses 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 provide a unique use case for blockchain-powered gaming.
Launched on September 20, 2022, 50 Years of Atari is the first NFT project from Atari X, the legacy video game brand’s Web3 imprint. The collection features 2,600 unique fine art NFTs created by artist Butcher Billy in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Atari.
The Atari X Genesis collection is more than simple memorabilia. Although it encompasses 15 original Atari IP, 35 logos, 16 stickers, and more, the project as a whole is centered around a multi-faceted gaming ecosystem created in partnership with numerous prominent Web3 brands. Learn more about the collection and Atari easter eggs via the Atari X website here.
Chimpers, launched on May 20, 2022, is a popular PFP NFT collection created by prominent collectors and pixel artist Timpers. The idea behind the project began in July 2021, and has since developed into a Web3 adventure story filled with art, lore, and metaverse/community initiatives.
Although Chimpers was originally heralded as a unique mix between pixel-art leaning PFPs, like CryptoPunks and primate-themed collections like BAYC, the project has since grown into a vast ecosystem of animation, gaming, literature, and more. The endeavor is a testament to the slow burn/growth of a multi-pronged collection from an independent creator.
RTFKT x Jeff Staple, launched on May 6, 2021, is 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 erstwhile up-and-coming Web3 brand.
Although the Metapigeons hype has seemingly run its course, when the collection first launched, it was viewed as one of the most innovative endeavors in the digital wearables market. A gift that kept on giving, the collaborative project would go on to tie in with the greater RTFKT and CloneX ecosystem, acting as a badge of honor for those who were fans of RTFKT early on.
CrypToadz, launched on September 8, 2021, is the first large-scale PFP project from prominent anonymous artist Gremplin. Having grown from the melding of social commentary and meme culture, the collection has stood the test of time, retaining its significance even after a year of existence.
Early on, CrypToadz gained notoriety in the NFT space for its humorous nature and rag-tag origins. As the project (and Gremplin himself) has grown and developed alongside the NFT market, Toadz has remained a compelling example of an independent artist creating something out of nothing, in addition to a reminder of the volatile and random nature of the NFT ecosystem.
