anime

by Eric Price

Anime Board Games: The Future of Tabletop Gaming

Anime board games are the perfect blend of Japanese anime and manga culture with the excitement of tabletop gaming. They bring players to fantastical worlds where they can immerse themselves as their favorite characters and strategize to come out on top. The tabletop gaming industry has been thriving, offering a wide range of games that cater to everyone's tastes. From the classic Monopoly to modern deck builder games like Tanto Cuore, there's something for everyone. With the help of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, there's a constant flow of new and innovative games to keep the industry exciting. Anime board games are a unique and thrilling addition to the industry. With their creative themes, engaging gameplay mechanics, and high-quality components, they provide a level of player engagement that can't be found anywhere else. As the tabletop gaming industry continues to grow, anime board games will play a big part in shaping its future. So let's take a step into the world of anime board games and explore the exciting future that lies ahead for this thrilling form of tabletop gaming. History of Anime Board Games Tabletop gaming has always been a beloved pastime, capturing people's hearts for thousands of years, from ancient games like Senet and Mehen to modern games like chess and checkers. The rise of anime and manga in the Western world sparked the creation of anime board games, which blended the excitement of tabletop gaming with the unique themes and storylines of anime. From simple, luck-based games in the early days, anime board games have come a long way. Today, they offer a wide variety of gameplay mechanics and captivating storylines that appeal to players of all ages.  Some of the most popular anime board games include Cowboy Bebop: Space Serenade, Narutu: Ninja Arena, and Sailor Moon Crystal. Even deck builder games have embraced the anime influence, like Domina and Heart of Crown, making it an exciting time to be a fan of anime board games. Characteristics of Anime Board Games Anime board games are a sensory delight, with their imaginative themes, engaging gameplay mechanics, and beautiful components. They transport players to incredible worlds beyond their imagination, whether it's battling giant robots, exploring fantastical kingdoms, or developing characters. One of the best things about anime board games is the variety of gameplay mechanics they offer. From deck building to resource management to character development and combat, there's something for everyone. These mechanics are designed to challenge players and keep them engaged, providing opportunities for growth as a player. The high-quality components and production values of anime board games are a standout feature. From custom dice and detailed miniatures to stunningly illustrated cards and boards, these games are not only functional but also visually pleasing. These high-quality components enhance the overall player experience and ensure the longevity of the game. Advantages of Anime Board Games over Traditional Board Games With their captivating themes and engaging storylines, Anime board games offer a gaming experience that traditional board games simply can't match. Not only do they offer hours of enjoyment, but they also bring people from all walks of life together. Anime board games cater to a wide range of anime board games that offer endless hours of entertainment and excitement; from deck builders to resource management games, players can choose from a variety of themes and storylines to find the perfect fit. And with the rise of virtual tabletop gaming, players can now experience anime board games from the comfort of their own homes. The Future of Anime Board Games Kickstarter and Patreon have revolutionized the tabletop gaming industry, especially for anime board games. The platform has enabled game designers to bring their creative and innovative game ideas to life by securing the funding they need. Players now have access to an exciting and diverse range of anime board games that would have been impossible without Kickstarter. As more and more people are drawn to the joys of tabletop gaming, anime board games will become a staple and grow in popularity. As anime board games gain popularity, game companies will take notice and invest more in the genre. This increased investment and support will drive the growth of anime board games and secure their place in shaping the future of tabletop gaming. Whether you're a seasoned tabletop gamer or a newcomer, anime board games provide a captivating and immersive experience that you won't want to miss. Closing Considerations We hope you’re ready to experience the thrill of anime-themed board games! These games are the perfect combination of creativity and fun, offering players a unique and immersive experience unlike anything traditional board games have to offer. Anime board games are the true stars of the tabletop gaming world and we can't wait to see the exciting future that anime board games will help shape!   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Japanime Games Brings Japan To You For over a decade Japanime Games has been dedicated to bringing you the finest games from Japan and beyond! We're committed to uniting the wonderful world of anime with the classic comfort of tabletop games — a fusion that brings the best of Japanese culture right to your table.  Join our Fanclub to get behind-the-scenes details on all our ongoing projects, our upcoming releases,  access to our private discord channels, a monthly gift card for 10% off all purchases, free shipping after $50, one-of-a-kind variant covers, promo packs, and much more! Did you enjoy this article? Good news - it was just Act 1.  For more tabletop wisdom, roll a D6: 1-2: Our Favourite Anime Board Games Of 2022 So Far 3-4: The Best Anime Board Games to Play With Friends 5-6:The Best Anime Deck Building Games for Beginners

by Eric Price

From Attack on Titan to Sailor Moon: Top Anime Board Games to Play

Are you an anime fan looking for a new and exciting way to experience your favorite series? Look no further than anime board games!  These games offer a unique and immersive way to interact with the world of your favorite anime and manga, while providing a new level of engagement and excitement.  Whether you're a fan of Attack on Titan or Sailor Moon and everything in between, there's an anime board game out there for you. In this blog post, we will be exploring the top anime board games to play - so grab your friends and get ready for an epic adventure as we take a look at the best anime board games on the market. Anime Board Games: A Perfect Combination Anime board games are a perfect combination of two beloved forms of entertainment - anime and board games. They offer fans the opportunity to not only watch their favorite series but also actively participate in it. These games provide a new level of engagement and excitement, allowing players to become a part of the story and make decisions that affect the outcome.  Anime board games also provide a fun and challenging way to interact with other fans of the series, encouraging teamwork and strategy while exploring the lore and characters of the series in a deeper and more meaningful way. This combination creates a unique and exciting gaming experience that is perfect for fans of all ages. The Best Anime Board Games, Deck Building Games, and Tabletop Games Attack on Titan: The Last Stand  This fast-paced anime board game is based on the popular anime and manga series of the same name. In the game, players take on the role of a member of the Survey Corps, tasked with defending humanity from the giant Titans that threaten their survival. The gameplay revolves around using a combination of blades and grappling hooks to take down Titans, with players earning points based on their performance in battle. The rules of Attack on Titan: The Last Stand are relatively simple and easy to pick up, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. However, the difficulty ramps up quickly, challenging even experienced players to master the mechanics and strategies needed to succeed. Tokyo Ghoul: Bloody Masquerade Set in a post-apocalyptic world where ghouls – creatures who must eat human flesh to survive – coexist with humans, Tokyo Ghoul: Bloody Masquerade is an anime board game Players take on the role of ghouls, each with their own unique abilities, who must balance their hunger for human flesh with their desire to avoid being hunted by the Commission of Counter Ghoul (CCG). The game's objective is to earn the most points by fulfilling different objectives while avoiding the CCG hunters. The game is played in turns, with each player moving their pawn around the board, representing Tokyo's streets. The players can either hunt for humans or try to avoid the CCG hunters. Each player has a hunger meter, which depletes over time; if it reaches zero, the player loses the game. Tokyo Ghoul: Bloody Masquerade is a well-designed game that stays true to the source material while also offering an engaging and challenging gaming experience. The game's theme is dark, and it's not recommended for players who are sensitive to violence. The game is considered a must-have for fans of the series, as well as for fans of horror-themed games. Sailor Moon Crystal: Imposterous The next anime board game on our list allows players to embrace their inner detective. Sailor Moon Crystal: Imposterous lets players venture into the world of the Sailor Guardians and use their powers to defeat evil forces. This time you’re up against the Deathbusters, who have captured someone from the Guardians’ team and replaced them with a Daimon imposter! As you play, you will take turns asking questions and comparing your answers with those of other players. In every round, each player writes down the answer they think will match the one given by the other players. The more answers a player has in common with the others, the more points they earn! At the end of each round, everyone reveals their answers to see who has the least amount of points (maybe it's the imposter!) When a player reaches the last space on the game board, the team unmasks the imposter and rescues their captured teammate to end the game. The game is easy to learn and allows you to focus on comparing your answers with those of other people, which is bound to make for a fun social experience and encourage plenty of collaboration. Cowboy Bebop: Space Serenade Anime board games let you experience the fun and adventure of your favorite series. While you can watch Cowboy Bebop and see Spike Spiegel in his element, it’s a whole other experience to play alongside him as you hunt criminals across the solar system in Cowboy Bebop: Space Serenade. In this deck builder game, you take on the role of a crew member of the infamous spaceship Bebop, traveling from planet to planet as you bring down criminals from all across the galaxy. Players collect new cards each round that allow them to power up their spaceship and travel between planets, capturing outlaws and earning rewards. The player with the most Renown at the end of the game wins! Sword Art Online: Sword of Fellows Sword Art Online: Sword of Fellows is an anime board game based on the popular anime and manga series, Sword Art Online. Players take on the role of characters from the series, including Kirito, Asuna, and Sinon, as they navigate the virtual world of Aincrad and take on various quests and battles.  SAO: Sword of the Fellows is a cooperative, dice-based battle game. You and up to 5 of your friends will take on the roles of one of six characters trapped in Aincrad. Use your Sword Skills, along with other abilities, to defeat the enemies you encounter as you explore this world. You cannot defeat your enemies on your own—only together can you launch powerful chain attacks! If you can manage to survive long enough to face the final fearsome foe, you will have a chance to beat the game and earn freedom for you and your friends. But if you are not strong enough…well, let’s just say that losing this game could have serious real-world consequences… Naruto: Ninja Arena Naruto: Ninja Arena is a board game based on the famous anime and manga series, Naruto. Players take on the role of characters from the series, including Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, as they compete in various battles and tournaments to become the strongest ninja. The objective of the game is for players to try to bring down their rivals by inflicting damage that will add up to wounds, knock outs, or even worse – final elimination. The last Ninja standing wins! Using the Roll & Clash system, players throw dice as quickly as they can and use the results to activate Techniques without stopping the game. It’s an all-out dice brawl that’ll have you and your friends playing frantic round after round. Closing Considerations Anime board games are a great way for fans of anime and board games to experience their favorite series in a new and interactive way. These games offer unique and engaging gameplay mechanics, allowing players to actively participate in the story and make decisions that affect the outcome. They also encourage teamwork and strategy, making them a fun and challenging way to play with friends. Additionally, anime board games offer a way to explore the lore and characters of the series in a deeper way.  With high replayability, these anime board games are a must-try for any anime fan looking for a new way to experience their favorite series! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Japanime Games Brings Japan To You For over a decade Japanime Games has been dedicated to bringing you the finest games from Japan and beyond! We're committed to uniting the wonderful world of anime with the classic comfort of tabletop games — a fusion that brings the best of Japanese culture right to your table.  Become a Japanimaniac to get behind-the-scenes details on all our ongoing projects, our upcoming releases,  access to our private discord channels, a monthly gift card for 10% off all purchases, free shipping over $50, one-of-a-kind variant covers, promo packs, and much more! Did you enjoy this article? Good news - it was just Act 1.  For more tabletop wisdom, roll a D6: 1-2: Why We Love Anime Deck Builder Games 3-4: The Best Deck Building Anime Board Games 5-6: Anime Board Games - The Good, The Great, And The Must-Plays

by Eric Price

Our Favourite Anime Board Games Of 2022 So Far

It’s no secret that anime is woven into the very fabric of modern pop culture.  With multiple series releasing year after year, it’s no wonder that so many anime lovers also find themselves interested in other aspects of Japanese culture and entertainment. In addition to many other facets of popular media like video games, manga, and music, there are also a number of amazing anime board games available on the market today.  Whether you’re an adventurous anime enthusiast looking to delve further into the worlds you already know and love, or a board game fan wanting to add new games to your collection, we guarantee there’s a game out there you’ll enjoy.  So keep reading and come with us as we journey through five different board games inspired by beloved anime series and fan-favorite characters.  The Best Anime Board Games to Bring People Together Attack on Titan: The Last Stand  If you’ve ever browsed the anime section on Netflix, then you’ll probably recognize this title.  In Attack on Titan: The Last Stand, players take on the role of their favorite Scout — either Eren, Levi, Conny, or Hange — to defend the city of Trost, the last remaining human city in existence, against the wrath of the Titans. The Titan and castle walls create a vertical playing surface, so strategic positioning is key in this game. Players must tactically move their characters around to avoid attacks and deliver devastating blows to weaken the Titan and bring it down once and for all.  We enjoyed the various tactical options and combinations within this game. The gameplay itself pairs well with the thematic world of Attack on Titan, so if you’re a fan of the anime series — or just strategic gameplay in general — then you’ll love what this game brings to the table. BESM 4th Edition  If you’re already a hardcore anime fan — or a Japanimaniac, as we like to call ourselves — you’ll want to check out the 4th edition of Big Eyes, Small Mouth! Set in the vast world of anime and manga, this innovative roleplay game lets you create and play as your own anime character, delve into the depths of dungeons, tame wild creatures, and explore the realms of your own imagination.  We love the freedom of RPGs, but recognize how overwhelming they can be when you’re just getting started. Thankfully, this volume is a complete system that includes everything that you need to play, so you can dive right into the world of anime and BESM with ease.  With over 100 gorgeous illustrations spread out across its 352 full-color pages, this game is a dream for any and all anime enthusiasts, regardless of their experience level or expertise. Kamigami Battles: Rise of the Old Ones  Kamigami Battles: Rise of the Old Ones is a deck-building game for 2-6 players. You play as one of the Great Old Ones, recruiting Warriors and Disciples to assist you in your battles against the gods who wish to conquer your domain. The game is playable in two distinct modes: Team Match and Free-For-All. In Team Match mode, players partner up with one another to defeat their opponents. In Free-For-All mode, everyone battles each other at once. Regardless of the mode you play in, the goal of this game is simple: destroy all opposing gods by reducing them to zero energy, or by being the first to reach 25 energy. To accomplish this feat, you must draw cards from your deck to boost your stats, or attack an enemy god directly. You can also use your Powers — special abilities that give you an edge over the other players during battle; and Domain Cards —  which give you access to more abilities based on the domains they control.  We really enjoyed the versatility of Rise of the Old Ones and its compatibility with other games in the Kamigami Battles franchise. Picking up some expansion packs will give you more options within the base game itself — and help you take your gameplay to the next level! Heart of Crown: Fairy Garden  Fairy Garden is a standalone expansion for the original Heart of Crown deck-building game. You can play it on its own or combine it with any of your favorite Heart of Crown sets. Like other games in the Heart of Crown franchise, you serve as a powerful figure in a conflict-ridden empire, and must nominate a princess and garner the support of your subjects to claim the throne and reunite the kingdom. To do this, you’ll first need to build your personal deck through strategic card play and collection — earning you Succession Points along the way. These points represent the support of your community and other influential figures in the empire. The first player to obtain 20 Succession Points wins the game! We enjoyed the multiple card combos, exhilarating gameplay, and range of strategies that Fairy Garden has to offer. If you’re looking for a fresh and exciting deck-building game, but still want to enjoy the familiarity of the Heart of Crown base game, then you’ll want to check this one out on our store! Mangaka: The Fast & Furious Game of Drawing Comics  Mangaka: The Fast & Furious Game of Drawing Comics is a creative and fast-paced card game where you play as an aspiring mangaka: a manga artist.  The game begins with 4-8 players pulling Theme Cards, which represent their character’s artistic passions. Over the span of 4 timed rounds, players earn points called ‘Fame’ by drawing comic stories that reflect these themes and trends. The player with the most Fame at the end of round 4 wins the game!  We love this game because it’s fun for all ages — even parents can enjoy playing it with their kids since there are no complicated rules or mechanics involved. We also like how fast-paced it is — there’s never any downtime between turns because everyone has something important they need to do during the next play!  As an added bonus, this game comes with 64 comic pages, and features beautiful anime-style art on each and every card — so it’s a must-have for every home collection! Closing Considerations We hope you had fun exploring our favorite anime board games — and if you want to learn more about any of these titles, be sure to check them out on our website! Our goal is to create an exhaustive guide for fans who want an immersive experience with their favorite series and characters, and we’re always looking for new and exciting games to add to the Japanime selection.   So if there’s a game that you think deserves mentioning, please let us know! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Japanime Games Brings Japan To You For over a decade Japanime Games has been dedicated to bringing you the finest games from Japan and beyond! We're committed to uniting the wonderful world of anime with the classic comfort of tabletop games — a fusion that brings the best of Japanese culture right to your table.  Become a Japanimaniac to get behind-the-scenes details on all our ongoing projects, our upcoming releases,  access to our private discord channels, a monthly gift card for 10% off all purchases, free shipping over $50, one-of-a-kind variant covers, promo packs, and much more! Did you enjoy this article? Good news - it was just Act 1.  For more tabletop wisdom, roll a D6: 1-2: The Best Anime Board Games To Play With Friends 3-4: Japanime Games, Crunchyroll & ZU Studios Partner on ZU Tiles and Fruits Basket 5-6: The Domina Anthology 2: Now on Kickstarter!

by Eric Price

Why We Love Anime Deck Builder Games

Growing up is hard.  Whether you're trying to balance school and friends or battling a quarter-life crisis, the various stages of adulthood come with immense pressure. Things can become overwhelming quickly, and you need an outlet to escape your problems now and then.  Enter anime deck-building games. In deck-building games, players begin with small decks of beginner cards, adding new ones to their decks throughout the game. Players pull cards from a central pool with each turn, building their decks around specific characters and themes. Ultimately, the goal of the game is to create the strongest deck and to use that deck to gain advantages over  your opponents. Deck-building games are immersive and addictive — but anime deck builders have features that make them stand out from the rest. Deck Building Games Bring People Together Ask almost any dedicated gamer, and they’ll tell you that board games are a great way to bring people together. Anime-themed deck-building games are no exception. Thanks to their simple mechanics and straightforward gameplay, these games are easy to learn — so you don’t need to be an experienced gamer or anime expert to enjoy them with your peers.  Additionally, these games are a fun way to spend time with friends and family, whether you’re introducing them to anime or just want to explore the magic and mystery that anime-themed games bring to the table.  Characters and Storylines are Compelling in Anime Card Games At the core of all good deck builder games is a compelling story. With captivating characters and storylines, anime deck builders offer an immersive experience that keeps players engaged during every round. You get invested in the character you’re playing, whether an ancient omnipotent being or a lord of a mansion, and you follow along as they interact with other characters. What’s more, you’re not just playing with a deck or building one — you are shaping an ongoing narrative. Every decision you make affects your character, creating a ripple effect of consequences that alter the rest of the game. As a result, you can’t help but stick around and see things through to the end! Anime Deck Builders Are Fast-Paced and Exciting One of the best things about anime deck-building games is their fast-paced and exciting nature. Every decision matters when playing an anime deck-building game. Each choice shapes your deck, which then adapts to your playing style.  When you’re not changing the course of the game with your card play, you’re strategizing and anticipating your opponent’s next move. That said, you can’t rely on a single strategy to get you through the game — you need to be quick on your feet and adaptable to win. With every turn, you get an adrenaline rush, the pace picking up like a roller coaster gaining speed as it rears that near-vertical drop. It is an exhilaration you can typically only experience when you are physically there, strapped into the seat. Anime deck builders bring that excitement right to your table — and keep you coming back for more. Our Favorite Anime Deck Builder Games You can see why we love anime deck-builders so much, and naturally, you want to add a few to your coveted collection. Lucky for you, there are endless options available for you to choose from. Here are some of our favorites: Heart of Crown Heart of Crown is a deck-building game for 2-4 players. In this game, you play as a powerful figure in a conflict-ridden empire and must claim the throne to reunite the kingdom. The task itself, however, is a challenging feat. You must nominate a princess for the title, garner support from your subjects, clash with rival candidates, and rely on your skills to earn your princess her rightful position on the throne. Players begin with the same deck of cards and strengthen their decks by incorporating and playing cards according to their unique strategy. Throughout the game, players take turns gaining Succession Points, representing the support of their community and other influential figures in the empire. The first player to acquire 20 Succession Points wins the game! Already own the base game, but want to add to your collection? Check out our Heart of Crown selection! Kamigami Battles: Rise of the Old Ones Next on the list is Kamigami Battles: Rise of the Old Ones, a fantastic deck-builder for 2-6 players. In the game, you take on the role of one of the Great Old Ones, enlisting Warriors and Disciples to fight alongside you in your war against enemy gods attempting to conquer your domain.  You can play the game in two modes: Team Match and Free-For-All. In Team Match mode, you partner up with another player to defeat your opponents in battle. All bets are off in Free-For-All mode — everyone battles each other simultaneously. No matter your playing mode, the game's goal remains the same: defeat all enemy gods by reducing them to zero energy or being the first player to obtain 25 energy points. Achieving this objective requires pulling cards from your deck to boost your stats or attack enemy gods.  Rise of the Old Ones is a versatile game, and its compatibility with other games in the Kamigami Battles franchise makes it a must-play on our deck-builder list.  Explore the Kamigami Battles collection today! Tanto Cuore Tanto Cuore is another deck-building game deserving of a spot in your collection. In this 2-4 player game, you play as the Lord of a mansion and hire maids of various skill sets to serve you as you fill your house.   The game's objective is to acquire the most Victory Points by obtaining and employing different maid cards. When combined, certain maid cards give you different strategies you can use during your gameplay. Every turn brings an opportunity to hire new maids and use their skills to your advantage. But look out for your opponents — they will hurt your maids or give them bad habits if they get a chance, which will lower your Victory Points and hurt your chances of winning the game. Want to take your gameplay to the next level? Shop our Tanto Cuore selection for new ways to expand your game collection! Closing Considerations We love anime deck builder games because they combine the storytelling elements of anime with the strategic gameplay of card games. The result is a compelling combination that keeps us coming back for more.  The world of anime deck builder games is an exciting place. There’s always something new to discover, and these games are enjoyable for anyone who enjoys strategy or anime. We invite you to give them a try yourself, whether you’re already an anime enthusiast or someone looking for something fun to pass the time. You might just find yourself getting swept up in a whole new world of exciting possibilities! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Japanime Games Brings Japan To You For over a decade Japanime Games has been dedicated to bringing you the finest games from Japan and beyond! We're committed to uniting the wonderful world of anime with the classic comfort of tabletop games — a fusion that brings the best of Japanese culture right to your table.  Become a Japanimaniac to get behind-the-scenes details on all our ongoing projects, our upcoming releases,  access to our private discord channels, a monthly gift card for 10% off all purchases, free shipping over $50, one-of-a-kind variant covers, promo packs, and much more! Did you enjoy this article? Good news - it was just Act 1.  For more tabletop wisdom, roll a D6: 1-2: The Best Anime Board Games To Play With Friends 3-4: Japanime Games, Crunchyroll & ZU Studios Partner on ZU Tiles and Fruits Basket 5-6: The Domina Anthology 2: Now on Kickstarter!