I first dipped my toes into the world of deck-building back in my university days, picking up a physical copy of a game called Dominion. The thrill of crafting that deck is something that’s stayed with me ever since.

At first, the whole concept of buying cards to build a deck felt a bit alien. But once you get a few rounds under your belt, it’s hard to stop. There’s a genuine rush—something beyond mere luck—when you see your carefully curated engine finally click into place. That was the moment I was hooked, and naturally, I started hunting for similar experiences. That search led me to the game I’m discussing today: Heart of Crown.

The first thing that hits you about Heart of Crown is the artwork. It feels like a piece of Japanese medieval fantasy anime, standing out with a visual identity that is, to put it mildly, quite assertive compared to most tabletop titles.

Honestly? I had my reservations initially. The design concept is worlds apart from the Euro games I’d been playing. I’d heard glowing reviews about its refined take on deck-building, but when I actually held the cards, that aesthetic clash was hard to ignore.

Perhaps that’s why I was hesitant to bring it to my local game group. Yet, I bought it because I was genuinely curious about the mechanics. I had this lingering itch for more deck-building since Dominion, and I was looking for something to satisfy that craving.

At its core, the flow of Heart of Crown isn't lightyears away from Dominion. You draw five cards each turn, play actions, and buy new cards from the market to bolster your deck.

But if you look closer, there are some clever refinements. In Dominion, you’re constantly mental-mathing your action counts, but Heart of Crown uses a 'Link' system that makes the whole process intuitive. You can finally stop narrating your action count out loud every turn.

The market structure is also different. In Dominion, all market cards are laid out from the start, but Heart of Crown keeps things veiled. This adds just enough variance to keep the gap between veterans and newcomers manageable. It means even a first-timer has a fighting chance.

But the real differentiator in Heart of Crown is something else entirely: the 'Succession' mechanic.

Winning in Heart of Crown isn't just about hoarding victory points. You must nominate a Princess and reach 20 Succession Points under her banner to secure the win.

To enthrone a Princess (or 'nominate,' as the game calls it), you need a total of 6 coins. From that point on, your deck shifts focus entirely to the cause of the crown. You’re constantly weighing whether to buy cards to boost your points or to sabotage your opponent's progress.

Each Princess has a unique ability, which adds a layer of strategic depth. The timing of your nomination and the choice of Princess itself become vital tactical decisions. While Dominion feels like managing your own estate, Heart of Crown feels like a political power struggle in the royal court, where you’re fighting to ensure your chosen Princess takes the throne.

As I mentioned, the physical copy sat on my shelf for a while. I just couldn't get used to the design. Thankfully, the Steam version offered an olive branch. I picked it up at launch and played it solo, which helped me naturally fall for the game’s charm.

The greatest strength of the digital version is not having to worry about finding players. You can play against the AI, from 2 to 4 players. I particularly enjoyed how the variety of market card combinations kept every session feeling fresh.

It’s not without its flaws. You have to rely solely on the text on the cards to understand their effects. Since it’s a digital port, don't expect flashy animations to explain things—you have to learn by doing. The lack of screen resolution options is also a bit of a nuisance. Still, having the time to mull over your strategy without an opponent breathing down your neck is a distinct luxury.

Once I was sufficiently comfortable with the Steam version, my aversion to the art style faded. That’s when I finally felt ready to crack open the physical box again.

Playing it in person was a much smoother experience than I anticipated. The Link system really keeps the pace faster than Dominion. Even with the recommended starting setup, the interaction—especially through Scout cards—was surprisingly cutthroat.

The game also shifts significantly depending on player count. In a 3-player game, everyone is so busy building their own engine that active sabotage is tricky. But in a 2-player game? The tension is palpable. The race to boost Succession Points after nominating a Princess becomes an intense staring contest, where a single card can decide the winner.

Through this, I realized that victory depends on how well you understand your Princess’s traits and tailor your strategy accordingly. Once you’ve nominated, delaying your opponent’s tempo is just as important as advancing your own. The constant tension of choosing between buying cards or pushing for points is where the true fun lies.

Heart of Crown faithfully inherits the grammar of Dominion while crafting its own identity through the 'Succession' goal and the clever Link system. It’s more intuitive than Dominion, making it easier to pick up, and the clear objective of enthroning a Princess provides a steady sense of direction. If you love deck-builders, or are just looking to get started, it’s well worth your time.

If you’re a fan of Japanese subculture, this is a no-brainer. The art style and card mechanics are perfectly in sync with the theme of raising a Princess to the throne.

On the other hand, if you prefer grim, serious themes, you might find it hard to warm up to. I’ve been there—letting the art style keep a game off the table—so I can't deny that it’s a potential barrier to entry.

But with the Steam version as an alternative, that barrier drops pretty quickly once you actually start playing. The game is just too fun to let a little art style get in the way. I’d suggest giving the digital version a whirl before committing to the physical purchase.