Japanime Games News!

par Eric Price

Best Anime Board Game Gifts: Holiday Gift Guide 2022

Sleigh bells are jingling, carolers are caroling, and your shopping cart is overflowing. There's no denying it: the holiday season is here. The holidays are a time to share with the people you love most, to express your appreciation and show them how much you care. As a generous and devoted friend, you take your gift-giving seriously — and every year, you look forward to watching your friends and family unwrap what you've picked out for them. Nothing beats the smiles on their faces when they tear away the wrapping paper, the warmth that floods your body when they wrap their arms around you and give you a grateful squeeze. This year, you've made it your mission to find the perfect presents for the people you love.  Whether you're just getting started or are nearing the bottom of your list, chances are good that there is one person in your life whose gift you still need to find. This person is unique, a little competitive, and passionate about all things board games. What is the perfect gift for such a person, you ask? An anime board game. The Perfect Gift for the Game Lover in Your Life  Excitement, fun, strategy, and a little bit of friendly competition.  These are the essential elements of every good board game; the features that capture your attention and keep you coming back to the table time and time again. Anime board games have these features and then some.  Through an endless stream of thrilling adventures and action-packed storylines, these board games plunge you into the fantasy world of anime and manga, where you must use the power of your imagination to bring characters to life, fight off enemies, and outwit your foes. These board games bring the best of anime right to you — but you don’t need to be an anime expert to enjoy what they bring to the table.  In addition to the creative element of anime, these games feature the fun of friendly competition and the familiar mechanics of classic gameplay, coming together to create a board game theme fit for everyone.  With a variety of deck-builders, tabletop games, and even options for digital players, Japanime has a selection of anime-themed games suitable for players of all types and stripes — so you can find the perfect gift for the game-lover in your life, regardless of their skill level or anime knowledge.  Best Anime Deck Building Games  Tanto Cuore Tanto Cuore is a deck-building game deserving of a spot in every gamer’s coveted collection.  As a player, you act as the Lord of a mansion and hire maids with different skill sets to fill your house, trying to earn the title of the mightiest Master of the House in the game. The game's goal is simple: acquire the most Victory Points by obtaining and employing a range of maid cards. Certain card combinations grant you different strategies you can use throughout your gameplay. With every turn, you can employ more maids and use their powers to your advantage.  But keep an eye out for your competitors — they can hurt your maids or force bad habits upon them, which will lower your Victory Points and hurt your chances of winning! Heart of Crown  Heart of Crown is a deck-building game designed for 2-4 players. In this game, you play as an influential figure in a conflict-ridden empire. Your objective is to claim the throne as quickly as possible to unify the kingdom and return the realm to its former peace and glory.  Accomplishing this goal, however, is no easy feat. You must nominate a princess for the title, garner support from the community, clash with rival candidates, and rely on your skills and strategy to get your princess her rightful position as ruler.  Each player begins with the same deck of cards. You strengthen your deck by adding and playing cards according to your unique strategy. During the game, players take turns to gain Succession Points. These points represent the support of your subjects and other influential figures in the empire. The first player to earn 20 Succession Points ascends to the throne and wins the game! Best Anime Tabletop Games Attack on Titan: The Last Stand In Attack on Titan: The Last Stand, players take on the role of their favorite Scout — either Eren, Conny, Hange, or Levi — to protect the city of Trost, the last remaining human city in existence, from the wrath of the Titans. The Titan and castle walls create a vertical playing surface, so strategic positioning is critical in this game. Players must employ a range of tactical combinations to strategically move their characters along the playing surface, avoiding attacks and delivering devastating blows to bring the Titan down once and for all. Cowboy Bebop: Space Serenade  In Cowboy Bebop: Space Serenade, you play as a crew member of the infamous spaceship Bebop, traveling from planet to planet as you bring down criminals from all across the solar system. As a player, you will obtain new abilities and characters each round, fueling the spaceship to continue journeying between planets. On this journey, you will capture wanted outlaws and earn rewards — known as Points of Renown — for bringing down space criminals. You will continue earning points until the final confrontation with your most dangerous foe, Vicious.  The player with the most Renown at the end of the game will win and prove to their fellow crew members that they are the best bounty hunter in the galaxy. Best Anime Board Games for the Whole Family   BESM - Big Eyes, Small Mouth Hardcore anime fans and roleplaying pundits won’t want to miss out on the 4th edition of Big Eyes, Small Mouth.  This revolutionary and action-packed RPG plunges you into the vast realm of anime and manga. As a player, you can create your own anime character, traverse dangerous dungeons, tame monstrous creatures, and explore realms of your wildest imagination. This volume features over 100 beautiful illustrations spread across its 352 full-color pages, making it a dream come true for anime fans and gaming enthusiasts alike, no matter their experience level or expertise. Anime 5E  Creative thinkers and anime enthusiasts will love what Anime 5E brings to their gaming experience.  This 2-5 person RPG allows players to use the endless capabilities of their imagination to explore the fantasy world of anime. As a character of your creation, you will fight monsters, tame dragons, and discover paths that take you to entirely different worlds. Anime 5E is just the beginning of your gaming journey — and the enthralling elements found in anime and manga will bring your biggest fantasy adventures to life. Take Advantage of Our Anime Board Game Winter Sale! There you have it: a variety of anime-themed board games suitable for gaming enthusiasts and anime fans of all types and stripes. With the games featured on this list and the selection available on our site, we’re confident that you will find the perfect gift for the game-lover in your life. That said, you’re not the only one in the spirit of giving… This holiday season, we want to spread the love to you, our loyal Japanimaniacs and devoted friends — and what better way to show how much we care than a discount? From now until December 25th, you can get 50% off all select titles — from hidden gems and sought-after classics to games you’ve been itching to buy but haven’t had the chance, now listed at their lowest price ever. Consider it a gift — from our family to yours. Browse the Winter Sale collection now! Closing Considerations If you’re looking for a gift for the gaming enthusiast in your life, you can’t go wrong with an anime-themed board game. Combining classic board game mechanics, unique characters, and action-packed storylines, anime board games bring the best of anime to your table.  Board games are a great way to bring people together — and spending time with the people you love is what the holidays are really all about. With an anime-themed board game, you can show the game lover and anime fanatic in your life how much you care while gifting them a gaming experience you can enjoy together. Not sure what game to get for the Japanimaniac in your life?  No worries, you can still give the gift of gaming this holiday season — with a Japanime gift card!  Grab a gift card today and take a look at our selection of amazing anime-themed titles. We’re confident you’ll find a game fit for all kinds of fun! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  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!

par 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

par Eric Price

Introduction To Deck Builder Games

While the rules will differ from game to game, most deck building games share one ultimate goal: build the strongest deck and use it to gain advantages over other players. What strategy will you use to win?

par Eric Price

The Best Anime Deck Building Games for Beginners

Why Are Deck Building Games So Popular?  Almost every deck-building game follows the same structure: players begin with identical decks of beginner cards and add new ones to their hands as they move along, building their decks around different characters and themes.  While the rules change from one game to the next, the overarching principle remains: build a better deck than your opponents and use it to win the game.  Deck-building games typically entail multiple players competing against each other. They are also great for one-on-one gameplay because they are fast-paced and relatively easy to learn, so confusion is rare, and boredom won't be a problem between turns. Additionally, deck-building games offer the perfect balance of strategy and luck. Players control which cards they purchase to expand their decks, but there is no telling when these cards will circle back to their hand — so a strong strategy is vital. This combination of excitement, versatility, strategy, and chance makes deck-building games a must for any gamer's collection. What We Look For in Anime Deck Building Games  Anime deck-building games are similar to standard deck builders in that they follow the same mechanic but offer a few additional features that set them apart from the rest. Here are a few elements that we look for in an anime deck-building game: Synergy & Adaptability The best deck building games have an element of synergy and adaptability. This means that each card is unique and works well with the others, and every new hand of cards gives you a new way to play the game.  In addition, top-tier deck builder games will give you more playing options than others — for instance, one card may provide you with money while another lets you draw more cards. This way, whenever it’s your turn in a particular game, it feels like anything could happen. An Exciting Twist That brings us to the second feature to look out for: excitement.  The best deck-building games are balanced but never boring. They bring an element of excitement because the gameplay is constantly changing with each turn. Every action has its unique effect on the game and plays off against other players' strategies as well as yours. This makes deck-building games exciting because there's always something new during every round of play. Gaming Accessories  The final feature worth considering is gaming accessories.  Gaming accessories like card sleeves and playmats can be an easy way to elevate your deck-building gameplay experience. Card sleeves protect your cards from wear and tear while you’re playing, which means they’ll last longer than if you were using them without protection. Playmats are another fun way to build out your collection of gaming accessories. Setup playmats feature the deck layout for your main play area and provide a space to place all of your cards in one central location during gameplay, so there’s no confusion about where each card belongs.  While we’d recommend starting with just one or two sets at first, it doesn’t hurt to have more options available if you enjoy more games than you initially expected! Our Shortlist of the Best Deck Building Games  With the perfect balance of adaptability, excitement, and opportunity to elevate your experience, anime deck-building games give good gameplay a whole new meaning. Whether you’re a board game newbie or an experienced player, there is a range of anime-themed deck builders that are worth considering.  So keep reading to explore our favorites!  Heart of Crown Players looking for a game that is as challenging as it is whimsical will love what Heart of Crown brings to the table.  Heart of Crown is a multiplayer deck-building game for 2-4 players. In the game, you take on the role of an influential figure in a kingdom teeming with conflict. Your objective is simple: claim the throne as quickly as possible to unify the empire and return the realm to its former glory. Though simple in theory, accomplishing such a task is no easy feat. You must nominate a princess for the title, clash with competing candidates, garner support from the community, and count on your skills to earn your princess her rightful place as ruler of the kingdom. As a player, you start the game with a deck of cards identical to that of your opponents. You build your deck by incorporating and playing cards according to your unique strategy. Players take turns to gain Succession Points as the game progresses. These points represent the support of your subjects and other influential figures in the kingdom. The first player to obtain 20 Succession Points ascends to the throne and wins the game! Already own the base game? Browse the Heart of Crown collection for game accessories and exciting expansion packs! Kamigami Battles: Rise of the Old Ones The next game on our list is Kamigami Battles: Rise of the Old Ones, an incredible deck-builder for 2-6 players. In the game, you play as one of the Great Old Ones, enlisting Warriors and Disciples to fight alongside you in your battles against the gods who wish 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. Regardless of your playing mode, the game's objective remains the same: defeat all opposing gods by reducing them to zero energy or being the first player to obtain 25 energy points. Accomplishing this goal requires drawing cards from your deck to boost your stats or attack enemy gods directly. There are two other factors to help you achieve this goal. First, you can use your Powers, which are unique capabilities that give you an advantage over other players during battle. Second, you have Domain Cards. These cards grant access to more abilities based on the various domains they control. The versatility of Rise of the Old Ones and its compatibility with other games in the Kamigami Battles franchise make it a must-play game on our deck-builder list. Investing in a few expansion packs will give you more options within the base game itself — and elevate your gameplay.  Explore the Kamigami Battles collection today! Tanto Cuore Tanto Cuore is yet another deck-building game worthy of a spot in your coveted collection.  In this 2-4 player game, you act as the Lord of a mansion, hiring maids of diverse skill sets to serve you as you fill your house. Your ultimate goal is to become the mightiest Master of the House in the game.  The game's objective is to acquire the most Victory Points by obtaining and employing various maid cards. When combined, certain maid cards give you different strategies you can use throughout your gameplay. Every turn brings an opportunity to hire more maids and use their skills to your advantage. But do not lose sight of your opponents — they can hurt your maids or give them bad habits, which will lower your Victory Points and hurt your chances of winning the game. Looking to elevate your gameplay? Shop our Tanto Cuore selection for new ways to expand your game collection! Heiki Strike Alternative  On a day like any other, mysterious beings suddenly appeared all over the world, triggering a series of military operations.  Known to the world as Heiki, these mysterious beings are the spirits of weapons that have taken human form — weapons with power beyond human strength. Weapons are made and used by humans, and weapons can only be confronted by other weapons. For some reason, the Heiki follow orders from humans.  In the game, you take on the role of a Commander, building your own force of Heiki to confront your opponent. You can take the aggressive offense and attempt to seize three Battlegrounds, or play defensively and drain your opponent’s resources to secure your victory. Heiki Strike Alternative, a tactical card game for two players, is the first joint project between Japanime Games and Kamikaze Games — one you won’t want to miss out on.  Check out the Heiki Strike Alternative base game here! Closing Considerations The best deck-building games have unique personalities that push the boundaries of the genre. Their excitement, adaptability and versatility bring various strategies to the table and offer countless opportunities for combo attacks, breathing life into the game with every play. Anime deck-building games have all of these features and then some.  Anime deck builders combine the best features of anime and traditional deck-building gameplay. Not only do you get the strategy element and a little luck, but you also get the exhilarating and imaginative elements of anime wrapped into one game. No matter your anime knowledge or deck-building expertise, there is an anime-themed deck builder for everyone. So if you’re a gaming enthusiast searching for a game that gives you the best of both worlds, look no further than the titles featured on this list! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  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!

par Eric Price

Tips & Tricks: Deck Builder Games

Each Deck In A Deck Builder Game Is As Unique As You Are In a deck builder game, each deck is as unique as the player building it. The game typically provides a pool of cards for players to choose from, allowing them to create a customized deck that reflects their playstyle and strategy.  Players can experiment with different card combinations and synergies to find the perfect balance of offense and defense. The beauty of a deck builder game is that no two players will have the same deck, making each match a new and exciting challenge.  The variety of cards and options available means that the possibilities are endless, making the game endlessly replayable and providing a sense of personalization and ownership over the deck. Each deck is a reflection of the player's choices and creativity, making it truly unique and special. Deck Builder Tips & Tricks Don’t Stress - Adapt and change your strategy to counter your opponent One of the most important deck building tips to remember is not to stress and instead adapt your strategy to counter your opponent. In any deck builder game, there will be a variety of opponents with different strategies and playstyles. It is important to remember that no single deck can be the best against all opponents. Instead, it is better to focus on building a deck that can adapt to different situations and be flexible enough to handle different opponents. This means that if you encounter an opponent with a strategy that is particularly effective against your deck, don't stress about it. Instead, take a step back and consider how you can adjust your strategy to counter their moves. This might mean swapping out some cards or changing the way you play. The key is to be flexible and adaptable, which will help you to stay ahead of your opponent and come out victorious in the end. Try Something New - if you play the same build too much, your opponent will counter it Playing the same build for too long can make you predictable to your opponents and they will start to counter your strategy. This can lead to a stale gameplay experience and make it harder for you to win matches. To avoid this, it is important to try new things and experiment with different card combinations and strategies.  This can be as simple as swapping out one card for another or trying a new theme for your deck. You can also try playing in different formats or tournaments to see how your deck performs in a new environment. By trying something new, you can keep your opponents guessing and stay ahead of the curve. It also allows you to discover new ways to play the game and can make the experience more enjoyable. Remember, a good deck builder is not afraid to take risks and try new things, so don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you. Play Towards Your Strengths Playing to your strengths is an important strategy when building a deck in a deck builder game. Each deck has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it is important to identify and focus on what your deck does best. This will help you to create a deck that is powerful, consistent, and can effectively execute your chosen strategy. For example, if your deck excels at creating a large number of creatures quickly, you should focus on building a strategy that takes advantage of that strength. This might mean including cards that buff your creatures or give them special abilities. On the other hand, if your deck is weak in creature control, you should include cards that can deal with opposing creatures or prevent them from attacking. Playing to your strengths also means understanding the matchup and sideboarding accordingly. It means knowing what cards in your deck are good or bad against certain opponent's decks and swapping them out accordingly. By playing to your strengths, you can create a deck that is tailored to your playstyle and can effectively handle the challenges that you may face in the game. This will help you become a more successful player and enjoy the game more. Have Fun! At the end of the day, a deck builder game is a game and should be enjoyed as such. A crucial aspect of building a successful deck is to have fun while doing it. The process of deck building can be challenging and rewarding, but it's important not to get too caught up in the details and to remember the joy of playing the game. When building your deck, don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. Experiment with different card combinations and strategies, or even different deck builder games, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The process of trial and error is an important part of learning and improving your skills as a deck builder. Also, don't be too hard on yourself if things don't go as planned. Every player has losses and bad runs, and it's important to learn from them and use them to improve your game. Most importantly, remember that the goal is to have fun and enjoy the experience. Whether you're a casual player or a competitive player, the most important thing is to find what you enjoy and do it to the best of your ability. Our Favorite Anime Deck Builder Games Heart of Crown Heart of Crown is an exciting deck-building game for 2-4 players where you take on the role of a powerful figure in a conflict-ridden empire. Your objective is to claim the throne as quickly as possible in order to reunite the kingdom and restore peace and glory. To achieve this goal, you must nominate a princess for the title, earn the support of your subjects, compete with rival candidates for the throne, and use your skills and strategies to secure your princess's rightful place as ruler of the kingdom. Each player starts the game with the same deck of cards, but you can build your personal deck by collecting and playing cards according to your unique strategy. By doing so, you will earn Succession Points throughout the game, which represents the support of your subjects and other influential figures in the empire. The first player to earn 20 Succession Points will ascend the throne and win the game. A thrilling and challenging game awaits you in Heart of Crown. Kamigami Battles Kamigami Battles: Rise of the Old Ones is a thrilling deck-building game for 2-6 players where you take on the role of a Great Old One, a powerful God from the Cthulhu Mythos. You will recruit Disciples and Warriors to join you in your battle against rival gods trying to conquer your domain. You can play the game in two different modes: Team Match and Free-For-All. In Team Match mode, you team up with another player to face your opponents together. In Free-For-All mode, all players fight each other at the same time. The objective of the game remains the same in both modes: defeat all the enemy gods. Each god has a pool of life force called energy. The game can be won by reducing a god to zero energy or by being the first player to attain 25 energy. To achieve this goal, you will draw cards from your deck to boost your stats or attack an enemy god. Additionally, you have access to Powers, special abilities that give you an advantage over other players during the game. Lastly, you have Domain Cards, which give you access to additional abilities according to the different domains they control. With the right skillset and strategy, you can triumph over the evil gods and secure your place as a powerful ruler of the domain! Tanto Cuore Tanto Cuore is an exciting deck-building game that is a must-have in your collection. You play as the Lord of a Mansion and hire various maids with different skill sets to fill your house (card deck) with the goal of becoming the most powerful Master of the House in the game.   The objective of the game is straightforward: earn the most Victory Points by acquiring and employing different maid cards. Different card combinations give you different strategies that you can use against your opponents in your gameplay. Each turn offers an opportunity to hire more maids and use their powers and skills to your advantage. However, it's important to keep in mind your opponents, as they can make your maids sick or give them bad habits, which will lower your Victory Points in the long run and hurt your chances of winning. At the end of the game, the player with the most Victory Points is deemed the 'perfect master' and wins the game. Tanto Cuore offers a thrilling gameplay experience that will keep you engaged and challenged. Closing Considerations Ultimately, the choice is yours if you're looking for an exciting new deck building game to bring to the table. Finding a game that matches your playstyle, whether it's combat-heavy or more laid back, and then collecting the cards to build that deck is a process that can be enjoyed by a variety of gamers. Whether you're just starting out or if you've been playing deck builder games for years, there's something here for everyone. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  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!

par 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!