Age of Rivals

Fun card game with lots of replayability.

Good

Fun combos and counterplay

I highly recommend this game to anyone considering it among the seemingly endless alternatives on the App Store. The truth is, however, that I have not come across anything else like this game. The multiplayer is fast and really well integrated. The UI and graphics work great together and facilitate allows the player to zone in and just play. No pay to win mechanics and a limited pool of improvements which is very quick to max out so the focus is all on the core gameplay which is really enjoyable and deep enough to keep your interest.

There’s just such a finite replayability factor. You grind out all the challenges, unlock all the card packs, then...what? Wouldn’t be as bad, except for how overly random most of the actual gameplay is. The ability to influence what comes up is limited, and still random enough you can end up not being able to get it anyways. What gets knocked out vs restored doesn’t seem to have a method to its madness. Lots of potential, poorly utilized. Fun time killer, though, I guess.

Been playing for years, love it!

Everything about “Age of Rivals” is my cup of tea. I like strategy games but more casual pacing. I’m not much of a strategist. But this game let me have the fun of building up imaginary civilizations while -also- making smart moves. Like, I actually learned how to quickly analyze the situation and take risks. It’s rewarding when the enemy plays into your hand; but I also learned something when they didn’t. The rule set is very easy to grasp, online play is quick, and it’s always fun seeing how new cards flip existing mechanics. Plus, the setting is evocative. There are card names like “Broken Tabletop,” “100 Day Festival, “Warrior Poets.” Gets the wheels turning. Way more fun than—King, Queen, Merchant, etc. I get that’s not a prerequisite for games like this, but for me the well thought scenarios and charming artwork sealed the deal. I’m actually surprised this game hasn’t gotten even more love. I first played it on itch.io and then snatched it up here—PC or mobile, gameplay is smooth. If there’s ever a sequel, I think making better use of the setting would be a bonus. As much as I like reading, hiding the characters’ bios in a tiny paragraph is a waste of the (game) medium’s potential. It’s nice, but most players will just skip it. Further, there’s really not much incentive to pick one character over another except for aesthetics. Each character can have up to 3 guaranteed cards dealt during their turn, but at the end of the day you’re still deciding if you’re going for a rogue/economic victory or total martial victory, whatever combo is your fancy, no matter the portrait. I remember thinking up my civ’s story during the final rounds when they slowly reveal and take away the 16 cards gathered for the final round (mostly ‘cause I had the time to do so—its a bit -too- long). But I thought it’d be a nice addition for fans of the game’s setting if the cards told a story at the end. Like, [Player 1]’s civilization focused on siege weaponry in round 1, made its wealth through gem trading and raiding the north, and ultimately proved victorious despite the loss of the Emperor’s Wall, etc. Dunno, when there’s optional reading most people skip it but I -love- when games acknowledge the specific wins, losses, and choices in a particular game. The reason I still play strategy games despite not being a strategist is because of the underlying -drama-. Anyhoot, this is a long review but this game deserves it. I’m looking forward to more from this dev.

If you like Race for the Galaxy, 7 Wonders or Through the Ages, check out Age of Rivals. It’s really REALLY good!

But beware: She is a fickle mistress.

This game is in my top 5 phone games. Easy to learn, but it grows in complexity as you understand it better. The challenges are just that. You pay for the game, and there are no in game sales or ads to watch. Hours of entertainment and well crafted.