When fans fall in love with a trading card game, it is hard for them to give it up. Such was the case with Upper Deck’s Vs. System game which was discontinued in January, 2009. Legions of fans continue to play the game and fight for the return of it on Facebook groups like the Vs. System Collective and Bring Back Vs. System. Upper Deck shared in 2011 that the company had put the game on the shelf for now. After looking at the market and continued fan demand for the game, a special announcement was made on Thursday at Gen Con; the Vs. System would be back.
A preview version was available exclusively for the Gen Con show, and over 100 fans immediately got in line to grab a copy of the Vs. System. This is basically a test to see if fans are really willing to support the game at the show. If fans buy the game, share the game and help us grow interest in the game, Upper Deck will support it by releasing new sets and expansions using the company’s existing licenses.
The game would not be back in the traditional trading card game (TCG) format with booster packs and rare cards. This concept allows players to compete on a level playing field. Cards from the older set would not be eligible for use in the new game.
Things are looking good for Upper Deck to formally bring the game back based on feedback and sales at the Gen Con show, but the team will need to review all show data before we formalize plans to publically announce future plans for the Vs. System. We understand die-hard fans have a lot of questions, we ask for you all to be a little patient while we work out the details.
26 Comments
Thanks for the update – looking forward to seeing the new stuff! I like the idea of the non-TCG format, especially if it includes the kind of OP support you’re doing for Legendary.
This is exciting news, BUT…
While yes, patience is a virtue, there needs to be as short a gap as possible in terms of information flow. Plans for an online community/site, organized play and what it MIGHT look like, if new licenses will be acquired now that it is a living card game (you know, so the “Vs System” can spread to non-superhero based properties).
I am very happy and will do all I can to support the relaunch.
This makes me nervous “Cards from the older set would not be eligible for use in the new game.”
My son went to gencon and bought us both a box! Lets make this happen!
Looking forward to seeing this in stores. More details about the game would be great. Like is DC going to come also or is it only marvel? Thanks guys! Keep up the good work.
I’m SUPER excited this is back. Our group has been playing consistently despite the discontinuation.
Please don’t just reprint preexisting cards in the new format. If “classic” cards are included alongside new cards, no problem. We just can’t justify spending money exclusively toward cards we already own. New content will open the floodgates at our local group.
Regardless of DC’s status, I’d love to see some of the independents, like Invincible, Powers, Chew or something from the Millar-verse. There are a wealth of quality options without card games.
Here is an interview with Jason Brenner from Upper Deck regarding the relaunch — lots of good info in there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBxXWMr8x6A
I think like a lot of people, what I love about Vs. most is the engine. I think the core gameplay mechanic is astounding, and I would love to see that extend to other properties, not just Marvel and DC.
I am less concerned about the licensed parts of the game, and more that the game receives new content, and that UD is committing to sustainability.
I agree with Justin, in that new content will open the floodgates. Many of us still have our “classic” cards, and news of a return and new format was most exciting because of the possibility of new mechanics, keywords and more.
We want to see this game thrive. We want to throw money at it. I think a lot of people do. But we need to know that Vs. isn’t just “back”, we need to feel like it’s “new and improved”, and “here to stay.”
I am also really excited for the possible return of Vs – and, I support the decision to go non-TCG! However, you might want to have your legal team look at the use of the term “Living Card Game,” as I believe FFG has that term trademarked. Take a cue from AEG with their Doomtown: Reloaded – they are calling it an “Expandable Card Game” – or come up with an original term.
As for OP – I think the FFG living card games set a very good model for the kind of OP players are looking for. I think Vs could easily overtake Netrunner as the most popular game of that type, with the right kind of OP support.
My friends and I are very excited that this great game is coming back! We were hoping that this was the big announcement at Gen Con and I was lucky enough to be there!
I think that a few reprints (like we saw with Marvel/DC Legends)are fine, but this game will not succeed without new cards. Personally, I would love to see the game incorporate new licenses/properties (like UD is doing with Legendary).
I’m glad to see that VS is making a comeback, especially as an LCG. I’m hoping that the new cards are compatible with the old CCG although they have a different back (maybe with opaque sleeves). With that said, the group of players that are still playing VS on a regular basis in my area have tons of decks. Reprinting old cards and rebranding them as an LCG would be pretty terrible, and would put a bad taste in the mouths of the old players. New cards (with a mix of reprinting key deck building cards) would be HUGE for all VS players.
This is interesting.
I hope the game engine is the same. VS system had the best game engine of any TCG I’ve played. I know some of the old devs felt it was too complicated, but it really wasn’t. Go look at the number of of keywords MTG has.
If it is initially successful maybe you can create a format with the old and new cards. It could be doable with a well thought out ban list on the old stuff.
Looking forward to hearing more on this.
Oh, I hope you are planning out both organized and casual play. The game needs both.
LOVE this. Thanks for listening! I hope you release a quality product that stays consistent (either sticks with the new card frame or old). I also hope you venture out into other IP’s you have (Alien V Predator or Firefly!).
Super excited!
Hey what’s with using the old card layout? I actually ended up liking the revised wide layout a lot better. It made for more real estate for the art work. If you have to reprint the LCG stamped cards, you should switch to the wide layout now so it doesn’t make things confusing later.
This is a great idea! The VS System is one of the greatest card game systems of all time!
I like the LCG model and believe it to be a great plan, but do not scrap the need for multiplayer to make this game survive. Even Magic: The Gathering has had to adapt to serious multiplayer to stay in the “game”. Game of Thrones had to adopt a multiplayer and LCG element to stay afloat. You need tournaments and you need kitchen tables.
I strongly encourage UDE to not scrap the previous editions. You do not just need the “core” you need compatibility and a developed concession for previous cards. It might just be a kitchen table concession, but do not ignore it.
All previous cards (with the exception of the banned list) need to be playable in some capacity. I realize the difficulty with balance that causes, so kitchen table/multiplayer it. People get to use their cards and you get to take the game to a new level! Which we all want to see!!!
I’m so excited about this! I can’t wait to support this new incarnation of Vs!
I am soooo wanting to buy one right now!!!!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on this!!!!!!
Any sort of update?
i´m realy sad to hear that the old cards will not be compatible, but i really hope the game back and internationally!! not onlye USA… ¬¬
Any way thumbs up, and hopping for more news 😀
Is this still going to be released? I haven’t heard any news since Gen Con… I’m really hopeful for it.
I think bringing it back is an awesome idea, I also like how they did the Hellboy expansion, they shold do more with the watchmen or TMNT and of course it’d be a little out there but street sharks even lol
Just heard about this if it’s coming back give me a thousand dollars worth I will support it you know me if your tournament player
Has there been any updates to when this could be releases? I was an avid vs player and would love to dust off my old cards and play.
Are there any new details concerning the VS System release this summer? We’re dying for details! The biggest questions are: 1) are there still shared turns and 2) how will the chain be changed (if at all)? I know that a lot of people would love some details! Thanks!
Wow! Was going to EBay and see about getting some new cards and found this. Will let all my family and friends know. Glad to see this. Great system and great for all ages to play together. So happy!!
STILL WAITING… HOPING THAT THEY COME OUT WITH THE REMAKE SOON.. BEEN WAITING TO PLAY AGAIN. ME AND MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS PLAY FROM TIME TO TIME.. TRYING TO KEEP OUR SKILLS UP LOL.. PLEASE GIVE US SOME MORE INFO OF WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO GET THIS GAME STARTED. ME AND ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY OUR WAITING. THANX..