Monday June 01, 2009
An explosive hit in Japan, Bandai is preparing its Battle Spirits TCG for a North American release this summer.
Retailers will have the first chance to try out the game at April’s GAMA Trade Show, with previews and demos scheduled at conventions throughout the summer, culminating in the game’s full release at Gen Con Indy. Currently, Battle Spirits ranks as the #3 trading-card game in Japan, behind only Duel Masters and Yu-Gi-Oh!

Battle Spirits will be a hobby-exclusive product through 2009, boasting an extensive organized play system with free launch kits and tournament kits with prizes for weekly tournaments.

In the fantasy world of Battle Spirits, players utilize an innovative “core” mechanic to summon spirits to do their bidding. The core mechanic allows for quick, action-oriented gameplay right from the start of the game.

Battle Spirits: Call of the Core is a 154-card set in both 40-card Starters and 8-card Boosters. The rarity scheme is six Commons, 3 Uncommons, and 1 Rare card per pack, with Master Rares at 1:6 packs and 4X Rare Cards at 1:12 packs.

There is a Battle Spirits anime and a manga, both being driven by the popularity of the game. While Bandai is in discussions to bring the anime to the U.S., no plans are currently set.

Battle Spirits Anime Renewed In Japan
The Battle Spirits anime, based on the TCG soon to be launched in the U.S. by Bandai America, has been renewed for a second season in Japan.

The information was released in the July issue of Kadokawa Shoten’s Kerokero Ace magazine, according to 2channel via Anime News Network.

The magazine is the home of the Battle Spirits manga, also based on the TCG.

The additional episodes and continuing success of the anime make it more likely that it will appear on TV in the U.S.