The age of digital trading card games is in full swing. Pokémon TCG is taking the pocket gaming world by storm, and everyone is dying to see their deck on the screen. But Bandai Namco wants to change that and has created a brand new deck. Their upcoming card game, Digimon Alliance, is a story-driven VR game that takes you into a living world.
There's something new and big going on here; the game isn't on your phone, it's you in the game! Yes, you heard that right, and Kanata Hondo is here to guide you. Gaming is nothing new to him - he's already tackled countless virtual worlds.
Exploring the world of Digimon card games, he and his online friend Futre are ready to try out Digimon Liberator, Alliance's original VR mode.
Equipped with a sleek D-storage device and a full-dive "telephone" headset, this is no static match screen. Here, you have a front-row seat to watch your deck come to life - and your opponent staring at you across the battlefield.
Lacuna - The Metaverse Where You Live
Lacuna is a vibrant digital metropolis where battles, alliances, and mysteries are intertwined. When Kanata enters the arena, she doesn't just queue up for ranked matches. She:
Befriends other Digimon tamers.
Faces fierce rivals in matches where every game feels like a championship final.
Investigates mysteries that point to a deeper threat to Lacuna and Digimon.
One of those mysteries? Gaimon - a snow-white Digimon with a jewel on his forehead. Rare collectibles? Legendary Aces? Or the key to something even greater?
Old Friends, New Secrets, and a Dangerous Guild
Every good trading card game has its factions in the world, and here that faction is the Di:WO Guild, led by the powerful Valnor Dreaddog. He's hunting down former members, including Futre, and his reasons are... unclear. For Kanata, knowing why his friend is hiding from his past matters more than winning. And believe me, in games like these, secrets often have boss-level consequences.
The Digilly Meta - Where strategy and chaos collide
The Alliance offers you not only standard Digimon cards, but also Digilly cards, which are digitally exclusive cards that don't exist in the physical trading card game. This means new combos, brand new strategies, and a meta that's unpredictable from day one. A move that can keep competitive play exciting for years... or, if not used correctly, throw the game off balance.
Build a Deck, Build a Legacy
It's too early to expect to start with a top-notch deck. Your first few matches will be a little tough - but every win brings rewards, unlocks more powerful Digimon, and lets you optimize your build for maximum efficiency. The game is a master at understanding your opponent, inspiring them to play more, and timing your finishers like a pro.
Closed Beta - Only the Fastest (or luckiest) Can Join
Want to join early? The closed beta is your chance. Apply, hope to win the lottery, and keep an eye on your inbox.
Pro tip: use Gmail, make sure your Google Play Store is linked, and double-check your information.
Why Does it Feel Different?
Elysian isn't much different from a lot of digital collectible card games. But the world of Lacuna VR, the digitally exclusive cards, the blend of story and competition, and the way it respects both experienced and new players – it feels like Bandai Namco is building a platform, not just a game.
And for Kanata, Futre, Gaiman, and the rest of the digital artist crew, this isn't just another card duel – it's the start of something bigger.
