Star Realms Review
Price: FREE
Version Reviewed: 1.0.5
App Reviewed on: iPad 2
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The Blob have arrived, and all who stand against them will be reduced to ash. Their fleets - massive, terrifyingly organic ships - arrive with the catastrophic finality of a lightning strike, decimating anything in their path. The civilized races of the galaxy respond the only way they know how: they form and break alliances, taking the disastrous arrival of the Blob to grab for power. And so the fleets arise, intent on nothing less than total victory.
Though there are many ships from the four factions, the rules are fairly straightforward and easy to grasp. However, along with the relative simplicity of the design is a surprising amount of depth and strategy, as each of the factions has a different gameplay focus and bolsters and strengthens each other in unique ways. Deck-building strategies will differ not only based on what cards will form powerful combinations, but also based on what tactics are best suited to counter your opponent’s deck.
There is a campaign mode, which features several scenarios with unique rules such as specialized starting decks or opponent fleets. The other single-player option is a straightforward game against an AI opponent. The game also features online and local multiplayer, but you will have to pay to unlock the pass and play as well as the ‘Medium’ and ‘Hard’ AIs and full campaign. The game shines as a pass and play because of the simplicity and elegance of its gameplay; if you enjoy playing the game, it's definitely worth the purchase to be able to play it locally with friends.
Star Realms is a fantastic deck-builder, with all the sensibilities of games like Ascension but presented in an even tighter design. Played alone or against friends, it's a truly fun experience.