Lord of Vermilion

The Lord of Vermilion arcade machine is a unique trading card and real-time strategy hybrid cabinet developed by Think Garage and distributed by Square Enix. Originally released in Japan in 2008, the series expanded through several updates and sequels (including Lord of Vermilion II, III, and IV) before development concluded.

Players purchase a starter pack or randomized booster packs containing trading cards featuring original dark-fantasy artwork or crossover characters from iconic franchises (like Final Fantasy, NieR: Automata, and Dragon Quest).

When a card is placed on the reader panel, the cabinet scans it instantly, summoning that corresponding avatar or "familiar" unit onto the digital battlefield.

Moving, pivoting, or sliding the physical card around the flat surface dynamically changes the formation, movement direction, and target positioning of the units on the screen.

Matches typically pit players against a single opponent or in 4v4 team configurations. The core goal is to protect your own base while successfully destroying the opposing team's Arcana Stones.