Collectible card games (and mobile games in general) have a knack for being predatory. They usually limit players to one or two decks, forcing them to spend money on packs to have a chance at having diverse decks. Still, games like Legends of Runeterra and Shadowverse do a decent job at being friendly to those without a budget, but there aren’t too many other games available for players who don’t want to gamble with digital cards.
This is why the release of Marvel Snap is such a pleasant surprise. Unlike literally every other Marvel mobile game, Marvel Snap doesn’t require the player to spend a penny to play and be competitive. Every card can eventually be acquired just by playing the game. Even better, the gameplay is also enjoyable.
The Gameplay
Anyone who has played Gwent might be familiar with Marvel Snap‘s gameplay. Each player possesses a small deck of cards, each featuring characters from Marvel comics. A game is divided into just six rounds, in which players play their cards, into one of three zones, called locations. During the first round, only first location is known, then over the course of the next two rounds, the other two are revealed. The locations are randomized from a fairly large pool, and each changes the rules of the game. Some locations limited when cards can be played there, while others can push for inflated scores or even an extra round.
Like games like Hearthstone, Shadowverse, or Legends of Runeterra, Marvel Snap utilizes an energy system that limits what can be played. On the first turn, players only have one energy point. This will increase every turn until players have access to a full six energy points on the final turn. Every card has a cost, ensuring that powerful cards can’t be played on the first turn. This energy system forces players to be methodical about their deckbuilding. Being too lax about weaker cards will restrict what they are able to d for the first three turns, costing them points.
Speaking of points, every card gives the player a set amount of points when played. Cards with higher costs typically give the player more points. Every location allows for up to four cards to be played, and each one has its own score. The player who can win two of the three locations wins the match. Of course, there is a little more to the experience when it comes to depth. Most cards come with abilities that can be ongoing through a match, or simply activate when played.
Victory usually goes to the player that knows when they have won or lost a location. Marvel Snap is a game of give and take. It can be tempting to run up the score in a location, but this is usually followed by the rest of the locations being lost, resulting in defeat. The amount of strategy involved in such a small game is impressive. This is especially when one considers that a match is less than five minutes long. It’s a formula that beckons the player, forcing them to play many matches in an addictive loop.
Generosity
Free-to-play players will be delighted to know that almost every dollar that can be spent goes towards cosmetics and not new cards. Cards are unlocked through playing the game which is refreshing. There is a season pass that contains new cards that are temporarily locked behind the paid tier, but once the season ends, these cards are added to the normal pool.
For those who do care about cosmetics, the pricing structure is typical of the genre. Season passes are about $10, and card variants vary in price, from $7 to $15 depending on the rarity. Fortunately, the card variants can be purchased with one of the two in-game currencies that can be slowly accrued by playing. Every card and variant slowly gets minor upgrades as players finish matches. It isn’t necessarily a standout in generosity when it comes to cosmetics, but the accessibility to those who don’t want to spend actual money can’t be overstated.
Win or lose, every match leads to some progress on one of the cards that are in the player’s deck. Cards start as plain portraits, then get more bells and whistles such as 3D layouts and animated backgrounds as they upgrade.
Production Values
Marvel Snap is hit-and-miss when it comes to production. Some moments will make the player grin at the clever nods, while others will leave them wanting more. For example, the Ant-Man card shrinks when players drag it from their hand to the board. Captain America’s shield ricochets across the screen with haptic feedback buzzing on each impact. Mister Fantastic’s arms stretch towards nearby locations to touch their scores, boosting them. These moments are simple but bring joy to fans of Marvel’s characters.
This is juxtaposed by “animated cards” that aren’t really animated at all. There might be some debris floating or hair moving, but the animated upgrade is always disappointing. Those who played games like Gwent will be especially disappointed, as this effort is laughable when compared. Otherwise, this is a fine-looking card game that handles the IP well.
The Good
- Fun, fast games
- Great sense of progression
The Bad
- Animated cards are barely animated
