Reiner Knizia's Modern Art: The Card Game Review
Price: $2.99
Version Reviewed: 1.00
Device Reviewed On: iPad
Graphics / Sound Rating:





Game Controls Rating:





Gameplay Rating:





Replay Value Rating:





Overall Rating:





Reiner Knizia's Modern Art: The Card Game is a very different type of game from the traditional Modern Art that many gamers may already be familiar with. Yes, the theme is the same, and the idea of increasing the value of artists is marginally unchanged, but the game mechanics have been streamlined tremendously. This is a card game, first and foremost, and it shows most notably in the speed of gameplay as well as the reduced number of tactical decisions. Bidding and auctions have been removed entirely, replaced instead with a much simpler mechanic. Each card represents a work of art by one of five artists, and each player takes turns playing one card face-up (some cards grant "extra powers" like the ability to play more than one card in a turn). At the end of a round, the artist with the most works played is ranked first, and players with that artists' works in play receive a significant point bonus. The same goes for the artists in the numbers two and three positions as well. After three rounds, the player with the most points accumulated wins the game. I'm not ashamed to say that my computerized opponents continue to take me to school in this game. As is the case with many of Knizia's games, winning takes significant time and practice.
This spare design is a consistent theme throughout the game. The card art is present and accounted for, but the game lacks any real visual flair or style. Every element does what it is supposed to do, of course, but not much more. There are a few basic sound effects, but not many. Perhaps most discouraging is the lack of online multiplayer (or even local multiplayer). The AI is good, no doubt, but Euro games are famous for their social aspects. Sadly, they are not to be found here.
Reiner Knizia's Modern Art: The Card Game is a good, but not great, adaptation of the real thing. Eurogamers will enjoy it for what it is, but others may long for more.