As the years go by, and technology advances to heights once thought impossible, the world of gaming also changes. At one point in time, we as gamers were satisfied playing games revolving around moving monochromatic pieces across a wooden board. Now, games are full of complex storylines and hyperrealistic character models. However, even as gaming evolves, there is one type of game that remains the same.
Card games have been around for centuries. From Karnoffel to Red Dragon Inn, they continue to be created and launched at a frequency that puts even video games to shame. While a great many of these types of games have fallen out of favor, here are several that have not only lasted through the years, but have remained popular.
8 Settlers Of Catan: Card Game (1996)
Later renamed Catan Card Game, this is the card game adaptation of the popular Settlers Of Catan. This adaptation was initially developed by Klaus Teuber for two players in a tournament-style format, but since then seven expansions have been released, all which add numerous cards to spice up play.
Much like the board game, the purpose of the Catan Card Game is to earn points, by accumulating resources to build your cities and expand your settlements. While the rules of this game can be rather daunting due to their complexity, Catan has proven itself to be a popular game in every format it's introduced in.
7 Magic: The Gathering (1993)
Also known as MTG, or simply Magic, this strategy-based card game is one of Wizards of the Coast's most popular card games to date. Titled the "Most-Played Trading Card Game", this game is published in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, as well as English.
MTG allows players to take on the role of a planeswalker, a mage capable of summoning powerful creatures and spells. While, traditionally, Magic has two planeswalkers pitted against each other, over the years the game has introduced numerous formats and ways to play. With over 20,000 cards, no two decks are ever alike, allowing for unique gameplay every time it's played.
6 Blackjack (1899)
Blackjack, also known as Twenty-One, is one of the most played card games in any casino in the world. In the simplest terms, the goal of this game is to reach 21, but not exceed it. Players can also stop at a total that the dealer or opposing players will 'bust', or exceed 21. There are more rules, as well as other variations of the game, but at its core it's rather simple.
What most people don't know is that while this game officially came out in the late 1890s, it technically existed in the early 1800s under the name Vingt-Un. The first American rules of the game were printed in 1825, and the game was officially renamed around 1899.
5 Pokemon (1996)
In the late 1990s, the phenomenon known as Pokemon took the world by storm. Satoshi Tajri graced us with his genius in the form of the ever-popular — and ever-evolving — Game Boy title Pokemon. The card game would come shortly after the video game's initial release, but only came to America at the end of 1998.
The concept of the card game is to recreate the turn-based RPG-style gameplay of the video games. Players send out their Pokemon, load them up with items and energy, and evolve them to their strongest forms to overcome their opponents. As the franchise has grown, so has the card game, introducing forms such as Mega Evolution and Dynamax.
4 Apples To Apples (1999)
Surprisingly, Apples To Apples became incredibly popular in the same year as its creation. Created by Out of the Box Publishing, it has received a Mensa Select prize, earned the National Parenting Center’s seal of approval, and Games magazine's Party Game of the Year. It was so popular that games giant Mattel forked out to acquire it.
Players start with a hand of red cards, each depicting a noun. It’s up to players to match their red cards to the 'judge’s' green card, which depicts an adjective. While the game is rather simple, this doesn’t diminish the amount of fun that will ensue.
3 Poker (19th Century)
The exact date of poker’s conception is something that’s often debated. Several scholars have pointed out its similarities to a French game known as Poque, and the Persian game As-Nas. Whatever its origin, this game became highly popularized in the 19th century, thanks to the gambling riverboats that trekked up and down the Mississippi River during the 1830s.
As the years have gone by, poker has only grown in popularity — appearing in nearly every casino across the world. Even the virtual world has at least some mentions of this game, if not a mini-game devoted to it. Whatever its origin, there is no denying poker’s longevity or its popularity.
2 Yu-Gi-Oh! (1999)
There are very few card games that are as renowned as Yu-Gi-Oh!, and even fewer that are constantly growing and evolving. Based on the fictional card game Duel Monsters, Yu-Gi-Oh! was launched by Konami in Japan in 1999 before taking it to the United States in 2002. Just like in the original manga, Yu-Gi-Oh! cards depict a myriad of unique monsters, warriors, spells, and items, all designed to help a duelist overwhelm their opponent.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel: Older Cards Not Available In The Game
It was named the top-selling game in the world by Guinness World Records in 2009, having sold over 22 billion cards. Since then it has been estimated to have sold 35 billion cards, and that number continues to grow every day. With so many different cards, and an ever-growing system, Yu-Gi-Oh! is definitely a game that will stand the test of time.
1 Uno (1971)
Unbelievably, this iconic game had a less-than-spectacular beginning. Merle Robbins originally designed Uno for his friends and family back in 1971. Seeing how popular it was, he spent $8,000 to print 5,000 copies, which he sold from his barbershop. Robbins eventually sold the rights to Uno to Robert Tezak, who later founded International Games, Inc.
The original goal of Uno is to score 500 points by playing all the cards in their hand. Since its conception numerous house rules, alternative ways to play, expansions, and multiple variations of Uno have been released, ensuring that this game will forever be fresh and fun.