Since we brought you our first selection of card battle games, the genre has experienced a huge boom, so this time our new top 5 (+1) comes with even more new titles than usual. Here's a selection of some of the must-have collectible card games from the App Store and Google Play.
Hearthstone
Hearthstone has the honor of being the only title in our first selection, and it has rightfully earned its place as the essential classic of the genre, undoubtedly the benchmark against which all others have been measured. Furthermore, its inspiration from one of the most famous medieval fantasy universes in the world of video games, World of Warcraft , is another great reason to try it if you haven't already (if you enjoy this type of game, we highly doubt that's the case, but if this is your first foray into this genre, and you've played this MMORPG before, it certainly deserves to be given priority).
Clash Royale
Although Hearthstone came first, and without its success none of the other games on this list would likely exist, the reality is that the current benchmark for collectible card games is Clash Royale . Its spectacular download numbers make it quite likely you've already tried it and therefore need no further introduction. It's also a continuation of another tremendously successful franchise, Clash of Clans , and it's worth mentioning that, to encourage those who haven't yet tried it to give it a go, it's a game that receives constant updates, which greatly helps maintain interest.
Plants vs. Zombies Heroes
Another huge hit mobile game that jumped on the collectible card game bandwagon is Plants vs. Zombies . This might seem odd, but it's really no more so than in the case of Clash of Clans, since it is, after all, also a strategy game (a tower defense game, to be more precise). And, in fact, aside from its heroes having a more endearing and, at first glance, less fierce tone (by the way, we'll have the option again to fight with plants or zombies ), it has little to envy in the genre's benchmarks in terms of complexity.
Yu-Gi-Oh
Another card game, this time from Konami , inspired by the universe of a classic franchise that has amassed a huge user community, including on mobile devices. It's perfect for those of you who are already fans of the original video games, of course, but also for those who generally prefer the manga aesthetic . As with all the other games in the series, the heart of the game is online matches, but one of its strengths is its engaging campaign mode, ideal for those who prefer to play solo or simply want to hone their skills.
Card War the Kingdom
Another game that's interesting to play solo (though we must acknowledge that the best part is still playing against other players) is Card Wars: The Kingdom , inspired by the Cartoon Network series Time Adventure . As with all the other games, the universe it's based on is one of its biggest draws, but here we find that the humor in this title is an attraction that will also appeal to those unfamiliar with the series. The version we've chosen to recommend is the free one, but it's worth noting that there's a paid version you can try if this one appeals to you.
The Elder Scrolls Legends
This week's bonus entry in our top 5 is a game that, unfortunately, isn't yet available on Google Play. However, the fact that it finally arrived on the App Store this year is fantastic news, as it's one of the most anticipated titles, and many were eager to get their hands on it on any platform. As the title clearly states, its greatest appeal lies in being inspired by the universe of the acclaimed Skyrim , but the execution is also excellent. We hope to announce its availability on Android soon.