Card RPGs seem to be all the rage now and there is good reason for that: phones. It’s an easy concept to toss out to people on their commute and when trying to kill some time. A notable example is Blizzard’s Hearthstone.
That said, card RPGs in video games have existed long before phones. This article will go through ten of the very best, each bringing a new element to the table. Some will be turn-based, others will incorporate action, and some will even add multiplayer. Whatever flavor one is craving, the following entries will surely provide a hearty snack.
10 The Eye Of Judgment
This is the closest thing fans will get to a Yu-Gi-Oh duel in real life. This early PS3 game used the camera in order to simulate monsters populating a board. It was basically augmented reality. It never really caught on despite some warm reviews. It was experimental and didn’t go anywhere, but it remains a hidden gem for those that discovered it.
9 Pokémon Trading Card Game
Who wants to play a virtual trading card game when there is already a superior set of main games based on Pokémon? Yeah, the concept never really made sense. That said, this game, and its Japanese exclusive sequel, are great RPGs. Again, they aren’t as adventurous as the main games, but they are well-made despite the confusing setup.
8 Dragon Ball Z: Chou Saiya Densetsu
Before the PS1, Dragon Ball video games didn’t cross over officially in the West. Despite that fact, Japan made tons of them. Thankfully fans can experience them now thanks not only to emulation but work on fan patches as well. Dragon Ball Z: Chou Saiya Densetsu is a Super Nintendo game that retells the story of the Saiyan and Namek arcs as turn-based, card RPGs. It sounds odd for a game in this series, but it works.
7 Culdcept Saga
Thinking outside the box for typical card RPGs, Culdcept Saga is like Monopoly. Players will go around a board, purchasing land to then place cards onto. Make enough money and the watch is won. Like regular Monopoly, it can last awhile especially with friends. That said, this Xbox 360 game is a hidden gem for solo play or parties.
6 Hand Of Fate 2
Both Hand of Fate games are worth investing time into, but the sequel improves the original’s formula. Anyway, this is sort of a roguelike in which a mysterious stranger is telling the player’s fortune as a metaphor through cards.
Make decisions by playing cards and scenarios will pop up. Combat is actually played out like an action game so it is a great mashing of genres for those that want their card games with a little more pizazz.
5 Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings And The Lost Ocean
The GameCube didn’t have many RPGs. Like the PS1 and N64 generation, PlayStation once again took the better RPGs for the PS2. That said, there were some standout titles including the first Baten Kaitos and its sequel. Fans may be curious to know that Monolith Soft help made them aka the Xenoblade Chronicles team.
4 Metal Gear Acid 2
This is another duology of card games that are now lost to time. Both this and the original Metal Gear Acid were for the PSP. They play out like a typical Metal Gear games with stealth, big bosses, and all that. However, the gameplay uses cards in a sort of tactical RPG overlay. The second stands out more because of its wild color palette.
3 Kingdom Hearts: Chain Of Memories
This was the sequel that acted more like a bridge between the first and second game. For Nintendo fans it was great because they could more or less experience Kingdom Hearts albeit in action card form via their Game Boy Advances.
Diehard PS2 fans may have found this not as good because there wasn’t much new to it. The fan base is split on this one is the point, but as this made the list, it is obvious to see what TheGamer thinks. There are so many ways to play this one whether one goes for the classic GBA release, the PS2 remake, or the various HD ports of that.
2 SteamWorld Quest
This is actually one of the newest games on the list and the latest in the SteamWorld series. Instead of going after pirates in space, or digging for treasure in the Old West, this is a medieval take for the series. It plays out in turn-based form, with actions being taken with cards. It’s simple, but good.
1 Slay The Spire
Last, but certainly not least, Slay the Spire will slay time away. It’s so easy just to think “one more round” and by that point several hours have already passed. This roguelike card RPG is similar in nature to the choose your own adventure style of Hand of Fate, but with a lot more randomness. It’s hard to master and equally as hard to put down.