I’ve Discovered a New Love for Card Games Through Video Games

My history with card games, both physical and digital, was quite limited until recently. Apart from some childhood Pokémon card collecting and a few rounds of Uno, I never delved deep into this genre. However, in 2024, everything changed as I found myself immersed in various digital card games, especially on my mobile device.

Balatro: A Surprising Revelation

For many gamers, Balatro has been a standout title, blending poker elements with a gripping roguelike experience. While poker has never been my strong suit due to my lack of poker face and memory for hand rankings, Balatro hooked me in after its mobile release in September. The game’s simple yet effective gameplay mechanics, like unlocking the checkered deck and focusing on flushes, kept me engrossed to the point of almost missing my train stop.

Pokémon TCG Pocket: A Beautiful But Repetitive Experience

Shortly after Balatro, I was drawn to Pokémon TCG Pocket for its stunning digital card designs and innovative mechanics that make exploring the cards an engaging experience. However, the initial thrill faded as the gameplay became repetitive, leaving me simply hoping for better card pulls with each pack opening.

Queen’s Blood: A Game-Changer

Amidst the sea of card games, Queen’s Blood stood out as the one that truly captured my interest. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth cleverly combines a card game with an epic RPG adventure, offering a unique gaming experience that resonated with me from the first playthrough.

Gameplay Mechanics and Strategy in Queen’s Blood

Queen’s Blood features a strategic card game played on a 3 x 9 board, where players strategically place cards to dominate the grid. The game’s evolving complexity, accompanied by a lively jazz soundtrack, keeps players engaged as they progress through the world and collect new cards with unique abilities.

Queen’s Blood is simple to start and tricky to master | Image credit: Square Enix / Eurogamer

Strategic Depth and Puzzle Mode in Queen’s Blood

Queen’s Blood offers a challenging puzzle mode that tests players’ abilities to think strategically with limited moves and specific card placements. The game evolves beyond simple board dominance to include card destruction, buffing, and deck management, adding layers of complexity to the gameplay.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth screenshot showing Andrea challenging Cloud to a game of cards — Queen’s Blood is also an excuse to bring back some recurring characters for a quick game | Image credit: Square Enix / Eurogamer

Exploring the Quirky World of Queen’s Blood

What sets Queen’s Blood apart is its ability to blend the card game with the whimsical world of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, offering a lighthearted and engaging experience that pays homage to the original game’s spirit. From quirky characters to melodramatic moments, the game brings a unique charm to the card game genre.

Queen’s Blood: A Game of Longevity and Creativity

While many card games offer innovative twists, Queen’s Blood stands out for its complexity and the ability to reinvent itself through diverse gameplay modes. Whether tackling challenging puzzles or engaging in epic card battles, Queen’s Blood keeps players coming back for more.