If you like CCGs like Hearthstone, you should definitely check out Shadowverse (Free), a new CCG that’s now available in a number of countries (including the US and the UK) with more countries coming in August. Developed by Cygames, the Japanese developer responsible for Rage of Bahamut, Shadowverse will definitely remind you of Hearthstone, but it has enough to offer both in terms of gameplay and world-building to make it stand on its own. And yes, I know I’m constantly referencing Hearthstone, but Blizzard’s game has become the golden standard for mobile CCGs. Add to that how Shadowverse‘s gameplay has plenty in common with Hearthstone‘s, and you’ll understand the reason I keep bringing it up.

For instance, Shadowverse‘s mana mechanic works just like Hearthstone‘s since you get one crystal each turn. Each turn you can play a number of cards depending on your available mana and you can attack minions on the board or the enemy hero. Even the way the board looks will remind you of Hearthstone.

So why should you bother playing it you might ask? Because Shadowverse brings some interesting changes to the formula that make it stand out. For instance, there’s the ability to Evolve one unit every few turns. Evolved units become much stronger and if evolved on the turn they are played, they can immediately attack. There are also Amulets, cards that can’t attack or be attacked but have effects that last as long as they remain in play.

And since the game has been developed in Japan, it has a very different art style and art direction than Hearthstone (which is mostly a good thing). Its production values are among the best I’ve seen in some time, with great visuals and music. Finally, Shadowverse offers an extensive story that should please those looking for a narrative-based CCG rather than simply a competitive one.

The game is free to play, of course, and offers a main story, unranked and ranked matches, as well as private challenges. It’s currently out in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, the UK and the US. I’ve been enjoying Shadowverse so far, even though I haven’t put too much time into it yet. So, if you enjoy CCGs and have been looking for something with a different feel than Hearthstone, you should check out Shadowverse;