Platform(s): PC (via Steam, version reviewed)
Genre: Deckbuilding, Strategy, Medieval, Anime

Japanime Digital has recently launched HEART of CROWN Online, a digital version of the popular Heart of Crown 2nd Edition card game. The original game, which debuted in 2011 and sold over 50,000 copies in Japan, has cultivated a dedicated fanbase. With the release of HEART of CROWN Online with developers illuCalab and FLIPFLOPs, players worldwide can now immerse themselves in the strategic and thrilling gameplay that has captivated audiences in Japan.

In a rapidly expanding realm of deckbuilding card games, including titles like Balatro, Shogun Showdown, and Card-en-Ciel, HEART of CROWN Online faces tough competition in 2024. Having spent 10 hours engaging in solo and online play, it’s evident that Heart of Crown serves as an ideal entry point for players looking to explore online deckbuilding games but may not offer the flashy features that some players anticipate.

A Noble Gesture

In this game, you take on the role of a noble competing against three others to nominate a princess for the kingdom’s throne. To succeed, you must amass funds, expand your territory, and recruit allies. Victory is achieved when your “Succession Points” reach 20 and no other players surpass your score in the subsequent round. At the outset, each player starts with a basic deck, comprising three Apprentice Maids and a mix of seven Farming Villages and Orchards.

While both generate one coin, Farming Villages come with a minor drawback, deducting one point from your Succession Points. Additionally, a market deck of 52 cards, including five copies of ten supply cards, as well as a single copy of the Imperial Capital and the Imperial Crown Cards, is always shuffled in. Other obtainable Territory Cards include the City, which yields two coins, and the Large City, which yields three coins. Players can also purchase Royal Maid (2 Points), Senator (3 Points), and Duke (6 Points) cards to gain Succession Points.

At the start of the game, eight piles are formed around the market deck, and each player shuffles their deck and draws five cards to commence the race for the princess’s throne. The average match lasts 15 to 20 minutes, during which players gather territories, recruit allies, and strive to nominate a princess, all while accumulating Succession Points to declare the Coronation Ceremony.

Players must strategically play cards with a Link symbol, which grants additional moves to utilize more cards. These Link cards are primarily Action cards with special effects, such as Flea Market, which allows players to draw an extra card from their deck. Success hinges on amassing Action and Territory Cards for coins, as well as powerful figures to accumulate the required Succession Points and be the first to declare the Coronation Ceremony.

A Humdrum Period

The heart of the game lies in its gameplay, both in CPU Battles and Online Matches. The CPU Battle mode offers a range of matches using different cards and CPU levels, providing a diverse and engaging experience to get familiar with all the cards and improve one’s playstyle. The Online Match mode enables players to progress their online ranking and accumulate points for each victory. Your accumulated points and ranking will be shown in the Online Board, which adds a nice touch for players to keep up with their progress.

The game’s animations are somewhat repetitive, featuring the same princess animation sequence every time a player selects them. The music, which consists of upbeat medieval march tunes, can become monotonous. There is no voice acting or dialogue to drive the storyline, leaving players to engage solely in playing cards within an anime royal medieval setting. Even in Online Matches, the setup is similar to CPU battles, making the overall experience feel unmemorable in the long run.

HEART of CROWN Online offers a modest deckbuilding experience for enthusiasts and serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers to the genre. Its simplicity and accessibility make it a great choice for those just starting. While it features occasional anime sequences, it may not stand out amidst the release of newer deckbuilding games.

Pros

• Play at your preferred level with ease of accessibility.
• Tutorial and basic gameplay are easy to learn.
• Great entry point for deckbuilding beginners.

Cons

• Little to no storyline.
• Monotonous music and anime sequences.
• Environment setups are made the same.

Final Score: 60/100

Review copy provided by the publisher.