As we usher in the age of smartphones and tablets, it’s expected that many of our traditional games get ported into mobile devices. From classic 8-bit titles to epic massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), each beloved genre had experienced a revival on the smartphone platform. However, one type of game has captured the hearts of geeks of all shapes and sizes – card games.
Last year, digital card games appeared on the mobile on the app market. Both independent studios and giant names on the industry took a jab at capturing the unlimited fun of collecting and drawing cards, strategizing move by move, and the sweet taste of unraveling rare packs. We take a look at the new, and not so new, card games that changed the gaming scene for good.
Faeria, a hidden gem with rough edges
Created by independent Belgian game devs Abrakam, Faeria had its foot on the sinkhole when it decided to sell the game as a B2P (buy to play) title. Most card games are being offered for free, and many wonder how this little game would fare against the microtransaction-heavy competition.
It’s innovation with the playing board is its main selling point. Apart from the usual resource management and card tactics, Faeria gives the players the chance to outsmart their opponents by strategic card placement and ground control. Beautifully designed art and concept-wise, Faeria looks like it has the polish of an AAA high quality game, but with its own fantastical quirk.
The client is still a bit subpar compared to the others, but it’s definitely forgivable flaw. Just take a look at the promo for the game: “Continents bend to your power, enchanted tribes listen to your mind, events occur at your will… Increase your lore’s knowledge (cards!) and dispute a strategic warfare against other divinities!” We can’t wait for the open beta for this Belgian work of art.
HEX, a poker-inspired Magic tribute
In more ways than one, HEX feels like a game of poker. There are many card combinations that you can do with HEX, and the proper timing on when to lay them down usually dictates the rightful winner. It’s no surprise that many digital card games are borrowing the core concepts of poker.
Before digital collectible card games (CCGs) became a massive hit, poker apps have dominated the charts. One of the leading poker website, based on TopTenReviews.com, with a successful mobile app is PartyPoker.
Their website traffic report showed that it attracts more than 1.3 million unique players monthly and a page view of 2.3 million per month. Their app has been reviewed by 38 iOS users, with an overall 3.5-star rating.
HEX, on the other hand, only wishes to have the same prominence in the social sphere. The game fully embodies the card-combo and strategies of poker while staying true to the fantasy and traditional moves of Magic: The Gathering.
Hearthstone, the clear winner
What’s so groundbreaking about Hearthstone? Hearthstone is unapologetically casual, with familiar names and easy to understand mechanics. There is a fine line between terribly easy and hardcore, and Blizzard managed to balance both qualities in the game in such a way where it caters both for casuals and competitive gamers. Think of it as the League of Legends of the card world.
Hearthstone has gathered a massive following that even access codes during its test phase have been sold (and bought, at hefty prices). Now that the game has been officially released in most regions, and the iOS version is impending, it’s certain that Blizzard’s attempt to play the risky game of mobile game development has not faltered.
Some would argue that there is no substitute to playing the real titles on console or PC. But, as far as we are concerned, as long as titles like these continue to innovate our beloved game genre of choice, we welcome the digital, the mobile, and the Magic-al with open arms.
