Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond Is Fun! But Should I Be Worried?

I just started playing the new card game Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond, and I’m having a good time. But then I checked Steam and saw it’s sitting at an “Overwhelmingly Negative” review score. Now I’m side-eyeing it. What’s going on?

From what I’ve read, players are frustrated. The card economy feels tight. Cosmetics from the original game didn’t carry over. Monetization seems more aggressive than fair. Longtime fans are warning that the shine wears off fast.

It hits a little close to home. I used to be deep into Hearthstone. I’d wake up and play a few matches before even getting out of bed. Any free moment in my day? Filled with Hearthstone. Heck, I used to play on the toilet. And then, one day, I quit cold turkey. It had taken up too much of my time, money, and brain space. I haven’t really touched a card game since.

I gave Legends of Runeterra a shot, but it didn’t click. Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket felt more like a collecting app than a real CCG. I still play Magic: The Gathering in person now and then, but that’s more of an occasional hangout than a habit. Nothing has really sparked that old flame again.

So I was hoping Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond would be my new Hearthstone. I’ve been craving that fix. And so far, I do like it — the vibrant anime aesthetic, the mechanics, the evolution system, the unique classes. It’s fun. But now I’m seeing all the red flags others are raising, and it’s making me second-guess things.

Maybe the complaints are valid. Maybe the cracks will show the deeper I go. But I’ve missed enjoying a card game like this — and if it gives me even a few weeks of fun without draining my soul (or my wallet), I’ll take it. Let’s see how long it lasts.