da Emma Recher
Blades, Bravado, and Brilliance: Enter the World of Blade Rondo
da Emma Recher
Ghosts, Glamour, and Gumption: Welcome to Tanto Cuore: Memento Mori
da Emma Recher
Madness, Myth, and Madness... Welcome to Kamigami Battles – Rise of the Old Ones
The stars are wrong. The oceans churn. Something ancient has awakened—and it's looking to deck you. In Kamigami Battles: Rise of the Old Ones, the gods of madness and myth have decided it’s their turn to rumble. The elder gods have risen, and rather than causing the immediate collapse of civilization, they’ve chosen a much more refined method of domination: divine combat with a deck of cards and a flair for the dramatic. Cthulhu? Present.Nyarlathotep? Absolutely.A disturbingly strategic octopus in formalwear? You know it. Deck-Building with a Hint of Madness At its core, Rise of the Old Ones is a deck-building battle of cosmic proportions—except instead of noble gods or martial heroes, you're commanding Lovecraftian horrors and eldritch champions who'd rather drive you mad than shake your hand. Each player chooses an elder god and builds a deck around that entity's twisted strengths. You'll recruit Champions, collect Artifacts, and tap into Domain Power—a unique resource system that fuels your growing influence. Artifacts aren’t just shiny extras—they’re potent tools that can tip the balance of power, offering passive buffs, nasty surprises, or combo synergy that makes your deck hum (or howl, depending on your deity). Gameplay is all about balance: do you ramp up your domain and tech into long-term power, or rush your opponent with overwhelming force before they can summon that unspeakable abomination hiding in their deck? Champions bring tactical variety, while Artifacts and Domain Power add layers of timing, tempo, and delicious dread. You'll need to adapt, exploit synergies, and know when to go full tentacle. And when the stars are right? Well, let’s just say your opponents won’t know what hit them. (Or which dimension it came from.) So: ready to shuffle the unknowable and deck the divine? Of course not. But you’re going to try anyway. Madness makes it fun Want more tentacules? We’ve got expansions for that. Into the Dreamlands adds the full surreal horror of dreams turned sideways. The Stars Are Right unleashes even more cosmic chaos, introducing powers that might cost you your lead—or your grip on reality. Mix and match them with the core game, or throw them in with other Kamigami sets for a battle of mythological proportions. Eldritch Beauty, Anime Bravado It’s spooky. It’s stylish. It’s surprisingly colorful for a game about world-ending nightmares. The card art blends otherworldly horror with dynamic anime-inspired action—and you’ll either love it, or it will love you back from beyond the veil. (Same difference.) Still on the fence? Check out this review from Board Game Heaven for a closer look at the gameplay, mechanics, and just how much existential dread can fit into a deck-builder. So, if you’re ready to channel madness, command mythic beasts, and possibly sacrifice your sanity for a shot at victory—this is your divine invitation. Shuffle the unknowable. Draw from the void.And above all: play to win, even if it costs you your mind.
da Emma Recher
Magic, Mana, and Mayhem: Conquer the Black Clover: Star Festival
da Eric Price
The Evolution of Deck Builder Games
Japanime Games is obsessed with the future of the vibrant world of tabletop games, especially the genre of deck building games! But where did it all begin? Today, the genre of deck building is beloved by countless gamers and the community is diverse and widely spread! The world of deck building games has immensely grown since the inception of the genre in the early 2000s. Originally, game makers marketed deck builders as a niche genre that might only appeal to a small group of tabletop gamers. As game developers advanced the mechanics and gameplay of deck building games, the games became more accessible and enjoyable to a wider audience. Today, deck building games have become a staple in our community, and their evolution continues to shape the industry. Let's take a closer look at the evolution of deck builder games, shall we? The Origin of Deck Builder Games The first deck building smash hit was Dominion, released in 2008 by game designer Donald X. Vaccarino. Dominion allowed players to build their own decks by acquiring new additions from a central pool of playable cards, each card varying in its abilities. This new gameplay mechanic was a huge hit, and Dominion quickly became a popular game among tabletop gamers. As Dominion gained popularity, other game designers began incorporating deck building mechanics into their own games. With the release of games such as Ascension, Thunderstone, and Legendary, game developers added their own unique twists to the deck building genre. Deck Builder Games and their Impact on Tabletop Gaming The rise of deck building games has had a significant impact on tabletop gaming for players and developers alike. Players crave the challenges that come with constantly evaluating and adjusting their decks based on the available cards and their opponents' moves. With each subsequent release in the past two decades, game developers further incentivized thinking more strategically and applying outside-the-box gaming tactics; avid players were eager to take on exciting challenges and developers constantly strived to introduce new and unique game mechanics. Now, communities are built around exploring the challenges of deck building games, but these communities almost always start with a group of friends looking to expand their gaming circle. Extended gaming sessions encourage players to form alliances with each other to acquire new cards and strategize against their opponents. The result is that bonds built around the table often live on after the game has finished. These bonds among players grow into communities all over the world, all united by the love of deck building games. As these communities have grown, the demand for new deck building games, and more creative gaming mechanics has expanded. Deck Builder Games in the Digital Age The introduction of digital platforms has evolved the gaming experiences for fans of deck building games. Where previously, you would have to organize a gaming session around when all your friends would be in the same room, digital deck builders offer the advantages of being able to remotely play with fellow players all over the world. Players are excited about how digital deck building games have introduced new features, such as solo play, improved graphics, and online tournaments, which means there is always a new way for you to experience your favorite games. Some of our popular digital deck builders are Tanto Cuore and Heart of Crown. These games have attracted players worldwide, and offer exciting game play for all deck building fans! Future of Deck Builder Games As we watch the future of deck building games continue to unfold, we can expect to see new trends and innovations in the genre. One such trend is the use of narrative and story elements, where players build decks to progress through story-driven campaigns. Another trend is the integration of other genres, such as role-playing games or city-building games, with deck building mechanics. We can also expect to see continued growth in the digital space, with more players and more sophisticated features becoming available. Deck builder fans are hungry for new ways to play their favorite genre, and are welcoming of the innovative trends set by game developers. For us at Japanime Games, deck Builders are like canvases, ready to be endowed with exciting game mechanics. Japanese stories are full of charming characters and harrowing dynamics, all painted in an art style so dear to millions around the world. We’re excited about what’s on the horizon for deck builders, and passionate about helping craft a new generation of deck builder games! Closing Considerations The evolution of deck builder games has been a fascinating journey. From its humble beginnings with Dominion to the current crop of digital games, deck building has proven to be a versatile and engaging mechanic that has captured the imagination of gamers worldwide. The impact of deck building games extends far beyond the tabletop gaming world, fostering online and in-person communities, and engaging fans through professional esports. As the genre continues to evolve, we can look forward to even more exciting developments in the world of tabletop and digital gaming! In conclusion, deck builder games have come a long way, and their evolution has had a significant impact on fans of tabletop and digital gaming. Whether you prefer the traditional tabletop version or the digital experience, deck building games offer a unique and engaging experience that has something to offer 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. 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:Japanime Games, Crunchyroll & ZU Studios Partner on ZU Tiles and Fruits Basket
da 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!