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Cards and Castles

PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Mac, Android • 2015

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Quick resume

Collectible cards come to life in this tactics and CCG hybrid! Collect cards, build decks, and challenge players head to head on a Tactical Game Board. Play as Vikings, Pirates, Ninjas and more!

Global score

73/100

Genres

Indie, Massively Multiplayer, Strategy, Free To Play, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Card & Board Game

Similar games

    Pros

    • Strategic deck building and tactical gameplay
    • Asynchronous multiplayer supports flexible play
    • Fair free-to-play model with no pay-to-win
    • Active and responsive developers
    • Engaging fantasy art style and factions

    Cons

    • Steep crafting costs and grind for new players
    • Frequent balance changes can disrupt strategies
    • Limited social and cooperative features
    • Minimal narrative or story content
    • Occasional connection issues reported

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Status, Story, Expression. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Idle, Fantasy. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Fellowship.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players have freedom to build decks from multiple factions and choose strategies; game supports asynchronous play allowing personal pacing."

    • Competence
      4

      "Game requires skillful deck building, tactical positioning on a grid, and strategic play; players report learning curve and skill development."

    • Competition
      4

      "Strong multiplayer focus with ranked modes, tournaments, and leaderboards; players compete against others and strive for rank."

    • Continuation
      3

      "Many players report habitual play, daily quests, and long-term engagement; asynchronous mode supports ongoing play sessions."

    • Cooperation
      -4

      "Game is primarily competitive and individual; no evidence of cooperative multiplayer or teamwork-based goals."

    • Creativity
      4

      "Deck building from multiple factions and card combinations allows creative strategies and customization of play style."

    • Domination
      -3

      "Interactions focus on balanced competition rather than exerting control or superiority; community described as friendly."

    • Escapism
      3

      "Players use game for casual distraction and stress relief; asynchronous play supports flexible engagement."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for fun and personal interest; no reports of obligation or pressure to play."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Players try new deck combinations, explore faction synergies, and adapt to frequent balance changes."

    • Exploration
      1

      "Some exploration in discovering card synergies and strategies; limited physical environment exploration."

    • Expression
      3

      "Players customize decks and castle appearances; some cosmetic options available."

    • Fantasy
      4

      "Game features fantasy factions, magical spells, and imaginative units; cartoonish art style supports fantasy theme."

    • Fellowship
      -3

      "Community interaction limited; social features minimal beyond forums and friend chat."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players develop skills in deck building and tactical play; progression through leveling and unlocking cards."

    • Health
      -4

      "Sedentary gameplay typical of card games; no physical activity or health-related features."

    • Idle
      3

      "Supports asynchronous play and short sessions; players can engage in bursts or longer sessions."

    • Intimacy
      -4

      "Limited social interaction; no evidence of close relationships or emotional sharing."

    • Leadership
      -4

      "No leadership or group management roles; gameplay is individual and competitive."

    • Progression
      4

      "Players collect cards, craft upgrades, and unlock new content; progression is a core motivation."

    • Relaxation
      3

      "Players find the game relaxing and enjoyable; some tension from competitive play but balanced by casual modes."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Cartoonish visuals and sound provide moderate sensory stimulation; not highly intense or thrilling."

    • Status
      3

      "Ranked play and leaderboards provide recognition; some social appreciation within community."

    • Story
      -3

      "Minimal narrative content; focus is on multiplayer matches and scenarios rather than story immersion."

    • Strategy
      5

      "Strong emphasis on tactical positioning, deck building, and strategic decision-making."

    • Thrill
      2

      "Some suspense from competitive matches and sudden death mechanics; overall moderate thrill."

    • Value
      2

      "Free to play with reasonable progression; some complaints about grind and crafting costs but generally fair value."

    • Violence
      1

      "Combat is cartoonish and strategic rather than graphic; some destruction of units and castles."

    • Survival
      2

      "Players manage resources and positioning to avoid defeat; strategic defense of castle is key."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026