What is it? A mix of strategy and story, with cards
Who is it for? Board game fans who like a good yarn
How much does it cost? $10/£10
What makes it special? Lovely presentation and plenty of replay value
Everyone loves a good card game, especially on iPhone where you can dip in for quick sessions. But it’s rare to find a deck of cards with this much personality – and an ever-changing storyline to boot.
That’s because the enchanting Foretales has landed on iPhone, bringing the same polished blend of narrative and strategy previously found on PC – and at half the price. The game puts you in the shoes of a crafty thief, thrust into a world full of richly drawn animal companions, quirky characters, and weighty decisions.
This isn’t your typical deck-builder, though. The big twist here is a choose-your-own-adventure style narrative that adapts to your gameplay choices. There are so many interactions between different cards, each of which might drastically change your story’s path. It’s designed for multiple playthroughs, with every attempt uncovering new strategies, alternative narrative paths, and unforeseen outcomes.
It helps that the game is so stylish, too, brought to life by vibrant hand-painted art and a lovely atmospheric soundtrack. It’s as snappy and tactile as you might hope from a card game, with alternate controls for those who might need them.
This is a game for those who love to experiment, testing out new combos and paths each time you start over. Combine these roguelike elements with a story as memorable as it is malleable and you get an iPhone game that feels a bit like playing a thoughtful solo board board. An easy recommendation – assuming you don’t mind a bit of repetition, that is.