Touch Arcade:
CDE Humble Gaming was at WWDC 2010 showing of their upcoming trading card game Arena 9. Game developer and long-time Magic: The Gathering player Jeff Lyndon described how they were trying to create an iPhone suitable experience for a collectible card game.
High amongst their priorities was an accessible game that was easy to learn, but also one that didn't overwhelmingly advantage those who had simply collected better cards. The game revolves around a collectible cards that are earned by the user. An initial set is provided, but over time, new cards can be collected by earning in game experience or through in-app purchase. Cards are organized into 5 card decks that you can take into battle.
Pocket Gamer: There's a huge dilemma for trading card game designers.
Make it too simple and players will get bored. Make it too complex and not enough players will spend the time learning the system for it to be commercially viable.
Pocket Gamer:
I've been playing CDE Humble Gaming's trading card game Arena 9 since its release, but it's not been reviewed yet as the developers have been tweaking some elements.
The new update brings the freemium game to that state.
Pocket Gamer:
It's taken some time, but finally the in-app purchase element of trading card game Arena 9 has gone live.
The game itself is based around a relatively simple playing system.
Each of the five character cards in your hand has a number (one to nine) on each its four edges. Lay down a card with a higher number adjacent to your opponent's on the 3 by 3 grid and that card turns your colour.
iPad version on the way too.
