The Story Behind the Cards: UniVersus

When CGC Cards™ first began certifying cards in 2020, the only two TCGs that were accepted for grading were Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon. Later, CGC Cards announced the expansion of its grading services to include nearly all TCGs and non-sports cards. One of the new TCGs announced for certification in December 2021 was UniVersus, an interesting TCG that brings together many characters from different anime and fighting game franchises for spectacular one-on-one battles.

Click images to enlarge.

UniVersus — originally published as Universal Fighting System — was first released in 2006, with two card sets based on Street Fighter and Soulcalibur III. Several more anime, video game and manga franchises have been introduced to the game throughout the TCG’s lifespan, including Cowboy Bebop, Mega Man, Seventh Cross and YuYu Hakusho.

In 2021, Universal Fighting System was rebranded into UniVersus. Following the rebranding, UniVersus kicked off with the release of the My Hero Academia Collectible Card Game — a CCG with a TCG — and dedicated itself entirely to the My Hero Academia franchise until 2024, when UVS Games released an updated Cowboy Bebop set. Because of this, UniVersus is also known as the My Hero Academia CCG.

How to play UniVersus

Have you ever wondered what a clash between two different anime or video game universes would look like? Would Izuku Midoriya triumph over Vash the Stampede? These are the questions that UniVersus sets out to answer.

Like most other TCGs, UniVersus decks are made of 60 cards consisting of character cards, resources and more. However, unlike other TCGs, UniVersus gameplay doesn’t rely on summoning allies and creatures to fight for the player. Instead, the game takes a more direct approach. By using Attack cards, players try to damage their opponents directly, while defendants have the chance to block each turn.

Although most decks will only use characters and attacks from the same franchise, certain UniVersus formats allow players to build decks containing multiple franchises, giving players a true idea of what a massive battle between multiple universes might feel like.

To get started playing UniVersus, click here.

Click images to enlarge.

While some collect UniVersus cards to play the game, others purchase UniVersus cards — especially My Hero Academia sets — with the intent of building a collection of their favorite characters and scenes. Are you ready to expand your UniVersus collection? CGC Cards is here to help! The company has already certified more than 1,100 UniVersus cards, showing its dedication to third-party grading of TCGs and non-sports cards. Learn how to submit by clicking here.