Star Realms 4+

Bugs make this Game hard to play

I really do like this game I think it’s an incredible deck builder and always have a ton of fun when I play in person with friends but the app has some problems.
My biggest issue with the app is one specific bug that happens to me 1/3 games. As far as I can tell the bug happens when my turn starts in a live game (arena or just online) when I am looking at what’s in either my opponents or my own discard pile or deck. What the bug does is prevent you from playing any cards for your whole turn. The only thing you can do is watch the turn timer tick down or go into the pause menus and end your turn. It has been a part of me losing 2 arena games in a row two weeks ago and I was very frustrated because it was an arena I paid my previous winnings to get into. This bug is debilitating and game ruining. In a game today I lost a great hand that would have allowed me to get in an excellent position and buy a command ship but because of the bug I got steam rolled as my opponent was able To get out three outposts and destroy me.

I hope this is something the devs can fix because I really do love the game and aside from a few other minor issues (not being able to unlock digital conent with codes or proof of purchase of the same physical cards, or arena being very expensive to play in) this could be a 5/5 app.

Plenty to do, even in the at the free level

This game is fantastic. From what I understand, it was created by one of the guys responsible for Magic: The Gathering, and it shows in the deck building and stacking of abilities. If you enjoy Magic, but don’t want to spend time on deck management or between games, check this gem out. You start with a basic deck each game and draft from a market in the center. As you learn the different factions, you learn what combinations work well together and get to a point where you can almost always find a good option in the market. I’ve only played the free version so far, and I’ve enjoyed it immensely. In fact, you can play the first campaign stage and then just play battles pretty much forever without paying anything. If you do decide to pay for content, it is reasonably priced in my opinion. A physical version of this game would cost around $20. There is a similar game called “Cthulhu Realms” if you’re into the Cthulhu mythos. My fingers are crossed for Hero Realms to come to the App Store.

Developer Response ,

Thanks for the glowing review!

Devs - Please allow some suspense

First off, game is great. Probably one of the most successful boardgame ports I have played and I’ve played them all. Star realms is very easy to pick up and very approachable for new comers. I mainly play it online with a group of friends so I will not comment on the way the AI seems to manipulate decks.

Online async play on any platform is almost flawless. ALMOST. The reason for the title of this review and my major gripe is that the online play gives you spoilers. The list of ongoing games tells you the players Authority AFTER the upcoming turn. Meaning you will know if your opponent had an awesome turn even before you see it. That is disappointing. But what’s worse is that the game will tell you you have lost before you see the final turn. It’s way more compelling to have a little bit of authority left and draw a bunch of good cards hoping you can last one more turn and then watching your opponent draw every card in her deck and annihilate you. Instead you get an iPhone notification that you lost or the ongoing games icon changes to “YOU LOST”. Lame. Why not make all that update AFTER you watch your opponent’s turn? That is satisfying to all sides.

Anyhoo, I wish I could say that’s a minor gripe but I find it really disappointing. That said, I’ve still played dozens and dozens of Star realms and will continue to do so. Thanks.