Normally, MeinMMO author Max Handwerk is rather skeptical about mobile games. However, the superhero card game “Marvel Snap” does a lot right – and can keep one glued to their phone.
I don’t actually care much for mobile games. A round of Subway Surfers on the train or a walk with Pokémon GO – those are the exceptions that can really convince me in terms of gameplay on my phone.
In contrast, typical barriers get in my way with many other mobile games. My “favorites” are:
- Repetitive gameplay
- Poor graphics and clunky controls on the touchscreen
- Progress barriers that want to extract money through microtransactions
Such factors have ruined a few mobile games for me, making them quickly fly off my phone.
When I first heard about “Marvel Snap”, I was accordingly skeptical. While I am a fan of superheroes and can also appreciate card games, I suspected it might be a typical “cash grab”. Big name, little effort.
I expected a perhaps nicely designed licensed game that would quickly feel stale if one doesn’t buy card packs to upgrade their deck.
But I was wrong. In fact, there aren’t even card packs that the game tries to push on you. Otherwise, I am not bothered by the monetization in the game so far. And the most important thing: The gameplay is simply fun.
Marvel Snap does a lot right – And stays on my phone
This is how Marvel Snap works: If you are not familiar with the game yet, here’s a brief summary:
You compete with a deck full of superhero cards. This consists of well-known and lesser-known Marvel characters. You find “stars” like Hulk, Iron Man, or Scarlet Witch, but also characters like White Tiger, Forge, or Kazar. That alone should be a good argument for Marvel fans.
Each card has its own “cost”, “strength”, and in most cases still a unique effect.
The goal is: You play the cards gradually on the game field, which consists of three “locations” that you want to conquer.
You can play four cards per location, just like your opponent. Each card has a certain “strength”, which is calculated at the location. Whoever has the highest strength at the end wins the location – and whoever has 2 locations wins the game.
An easy principle, but one that requires tactical action. Because it is also spiced up with a bit of chaos.
What makes Marvel Snap so good? To me, the game so far does everything right regarding the “3 barriers” I mentioned earlier.
About the gameplay: It is easy to understand, but offers plenty of variety.
- The 3 locations bring unique effects that differ from game to game. Sometimes clones of cards are created, sometimes there is bonus strength, and sometimes everything gets destroyed – every game feels different.
- The card effects themselves are fun. Scarlet Witch, for example, changes the effect of a location – if the opponent was just planning something there, it can be exploited.
- The game is fast, a match lasts only a few minutes. You don’t take turns, but play simultaneously, and all cards are simply revealed afterward – this brings a lot of speed to the match.
This makes the game perfect for a quick break. But also for “oh, one match more”.
Graphics and controls:
- The cards are beautifully designed, and there are cool effects on the game board. I have hardly any complaints about the graphics.
- The controls also work flawlessly.
Monetization and progress:
That was the point that made me skeptical at the beginning. I liked the gameplay but was sure: At some point, it will end, and I won’t progress anymore or only slowly if I don’t invest money.
So far, that hasn’t happened yet.
In Snap, you get new cards by “upgrading” old ones. For this, you need “boosters” and “credits”. However, the cards do not become stronger, they just become prettier. It is a purely cosmetic upgrade.
At the same time, you gain progress points in the “collection level” for the upgrade – a sort of ladder on which boosters, credits, and new cards lie.
These items can also be purchased to progress faster, but in the few weeks I have been playing, I have never felt the need to do so. So far, just playing is enough to regularly unlock upgrades and new cards.
When my opponents had strong cards, I sometimes looked at them enviously – but soon got them myself. There are no “packs” with random rare cards, as you would find in a card game.
Instead, you can buy “variants” of the cards in the shop if you want. These are pixel versions or other artworks. But again, it is only about cosmetic effects.
Additionally, there is a season pass that offers credits, boosters, and cards. You can also buy a premium version with more rewards. But even here applies: So far, I have had absolutely no reason or feeling that I need to buy it to keep up.
Were you a bit confused by the options in the last paragraphs? If so: Understandably, because the only criticism I can express about the system so far would be that it is incredibly confusing.
You constantly jump between season pass, “missions”, “rank rewards”, “collection level”, and your own deck for upgrades to pick up various rewards.
Why I receive which boosters for which cards after a match, I still haven’t understood to this day. That is all a bit irritating, but it hasn’t bothered me so far.
Overall, Marvel Snap manages to make me jump in for short sessions to play one or two matches – and then it turns into a few more.
The gameplay simply manages to suck me in and keeps me engaged by giving me new cards and deck-building possibilities – without making me feel ripped off or held back. It has achieved more with me than many mobile games before it.
What do you think of the game? Tell us in the comments!
Marvel has also left its mark in other games. For example, Fortnite regularly relies on the heroes – but some fans are quite fed up with it.
