KARDS - The WW2 Card Game

Developer: 1939 Games
Release: Apr 15th 2020
Platforms:
Casual
Indie
Strategy
Free To Play
Addictive
Historical
Strategic
Pay To Win
Buggy
KARDS - The WW2 Card Game Poster

" Authentic WWII strategy card game with deep tactics and immersion but pay-to-win elements "

KARDS - The WW2 Card Game Review

KARDS - The WW2 Card Game offers a visually appealing and historically themed card battler experience that many players find addictive and engaging. The game features authentic WWII artwork and era-appropriate music, enhancing immersion for history enthusiasts. Gameplay is generally praised for being easy to learn yet strategic, appealing to both casual and dedicated card game fans. However, players note a significant pay-to-win aspect, with powerful elite cards creating a competitive gap that new or free-to-play players struggle to bridge. The matchmaking and random card draw mechanics have been criticized for imbalance and occasional bugs, including disappearing cards and server issues. While the developers continue to add new factions and content, some players feel the pricing for DLC and in-game currency is excessively high. The campaign mode is limited and mostly behind paywalls, which detracts from the overall experience for some. Despite these issues, the game retains a solid fan base appreciative of its unique WWII theme and gameplay depth.

Overall, KARDS provides a solid card game experience with strong historical appeal but suffers from monetization and balance challenges that impact long-term enjoyment for competitive players.

Highlights

Players praise KARDS for its authentic WWII art and melancholic music that enrich the atmosphere. The gameplay is described as addictive, easy to learn, yet strategically engaging, with a unique fog-of-war feel due to card randomness. The game stands out for its historical depth, appealing to history buffs and card game enthusiasts alike. The developers’ ongoing support with new factions and content updates is also appreciated. Visuals are noted as high quality, with cards resembling wartime propaganda posters, and the sound design adds tension and immersion.

Additionally, the campaign mode and multiplayer modes provide varied gameplay, and the game is recommended for those seeking a WWII-themed card game experience.

Criticisms

A common criticism is the pay-to-win model, where elite and special cards create a steep advantage for paying players, making it difficult for free players to compete at higher ranks. Players report imbalance in matchmaking and random card draws, with some feeling the game unfairly penalizes winning streaks through biased card distribution. Server and synchronization issues cause cards to disappear or appear unexpectedly, disrupting gameplay. The pricing for DLC and in-game currency is viewed as excessively high and not offering good value. The campaign mode is limited and mostly requires additional purchases, which frustrates players expecting more free content. Some also note a lack of achievements and slow matchmaking times. Overall, these issues detract from the game’s potential and player satisfaction.

Pros

  • Authentic WWII artwork and thematic music enhance immersion and atmosphere.
  • Gameplay is addictive, easy to learn, yet strategically deep and engaging.
  • Ongoing developer support with new factions and content updates.
  • Unique fog-of-war feel due to card randomness adds tension.
  • Campaign mode offers historical context and variety in gameplay.
  • Visuals resemble vintage wartime propaganda posters, very well crafted.
  • Multiplayer mode provides competitive and casual play options.

Cons

  • Pay-to-win elements create a large gap between paying and free players.
  • Matchmaking and card draw randomness can feel unfair and biased.
  • Server and sync bugs cause disappearing cards and gameplay issues.
  • High prices for DLC and in-game currency reduce value for money.
  • Campaign content is mostly locked behind paywalls, limiting free play.
  • No achievements, which reduces long-term engagement incentives.
  • Slow matchmaking times diminish user experience in multiplayer.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

KARDS, The World War II Card Game, combines traditional CCG gameplay with innovative mechanics inspired by classic strategy games and real battlefield tactics. Take command and challenge other players in grand-scale warfare on the ground, air, or seas.

Release Date Apr 15th 2020
Publisher 1939 Games
Developer 1939 Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Mostly Positive (37)
76% Positive 24% Negative

Online Reviews

Metacritic logo
Metacritic
80