Abalon

I recently left a highly competitive game mode that I was a part of for ten years. I spent thousands and really enjoyed my time. I needed something to really drive a solo experience that was extremely challenging but very fun. This game hits on every level. Fantastic leveling system, great pre-game strategy, followed up with great in-game strategy, and hours needed to learn all the hidden advantages of your character in combination with the cards. The difficulty scales very nicely and the highest levels are easily attainable over time. The ultimate win for this game is the developer who actively participates in discord and responds very quickly to any in-game questions or noted bugs. Add in the RNG element that can literally crush your game and you have the best game I have found in the app store.

I’ve never played MTG or D&D, which the developer has said this game is a mash-up of, but this game is absolutely amazing nonetheless. I’ve spent loads of hours playing and haven’t even come close to feeling burnt out or bored; the events of the game changing each playthrough keep it feeling extremely fresh and exciting while the sheer amount of summoners, cards, & artifacts allow any playstyle to shine. I will say, the graphics were kinda goofy at first (the look up feature lol), but this can be turned off (although I have become charmed by it). The developer is a one-man show, but is absolutely the most active and engaged developer I’ve ever come across - he’s extremely responsive on Discord regarding gameplay, bugs/support, deck building, and takes issues regarding any of the above seriously. Even if this game doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, it’s the only mobile game I’d recommend you give a chance!

An amazing blend of top down grid based tactics, deck building, synergy strategy, looting hoarding, and overarching rougelike mechanics that unlock new game modes and starting bonuses with each run. There’s a ton of game to have fun with here, no doubt. I have not bought any of the additional content as of yet. There are tons of characters to add on, and they all look interesting, even if perhaps a little expensive. I say expensive while simultaneously telling you this is, subjectively, one of the most fun mobile games I’ve ever played. I’m sure I’ll buy one or two, but the cost of unlocking them all is off putting to me, so I’ll hold out hope for a sale or bundle deal while I lose track of runs on the OC! TL;DR This game is top notch, top 5 on iOS in my opinion. The dlc characters feel pricey.