InQuest has put the ultimate stamp of approval on Vs. System, naming it the Game of the Year for 2005. Citing a knockout year with the release of Marvel Knights, Green Lantern, The Avengers, and Justice League of America, the editorial staff at InQuest had nothing but praise for how the game has continued to improve with each release.

“From game mechanics to tournament support, Vs. is an amalgamation of everything CCG companies have done right over the last ten years. And the game is just hitting its stride.”

Much of the praise goes where it rightfully belongs, to the R&D team. “Upper Deck did it right. After the game was designed, they found some of the most knowledgeable professional CCG players in the world and let them tear that game to pieces. When they put it back together, the polish on their Vs. System stood out like Jessica Alba at fat camp.”

Despite the praise, R&D remains humble, still looking to improve in the future with the help of the game’s strong community. Vs. System R&D head honcho Mike Hummel commented, “We’re not content to simply repeat the successes of the previous sets. Instead, we actively look for new areas of improvement and innovation. We also spend a considerable amount of time reviewing player feedback, fan articles, and tournament results so we can capture the most exciting elements of the Vs. System in each and every release.”

Of course, a good game can only go so far without a solid Organized Play program. As we’ve seen right here in Metagame.com’s live event coverage, Vs. System has an extremely strong, worldwide presence, with $10,000 Championships and the Pro Circuit giving players an opportunity to compete against the best for some serious prizes. Organized Play Manager Scott Elliott was quick to point out the innovations that Vs. System has made in the CCG world. “We have tried to build the best game and the best OP possible, while being willing to throw assumptions out the window and try things that seem crazy upon first glance. The one-game match system, mixing Constructed and Sealed Pack play at the Pro Circuit, not allowing ties in sanctioned play, having Top 24 person Draft at $10K tournaments, having players draw two cards per turn—all these things were controversial, but they’ve shown themselves out as exciting and rewarding new components of Vs. System not seen in other popular games.”

Vs. System has made a great impression on the gaming community, with no signs of slowing down. Thanks to a great R&D team that puts out exciting, innovative sets like clockwork, and to an excellent Organized Play program, Vs. has the potential to become even better in the future. Last year may have been a year worthy of great praise, but 2006 should be even better.

Toby Wachter

Managing Editor, Metagame.com