February 2022 • Macworld 59That
complexity
was probably
the reason
the game
never really
took off, but
both versions
of Artifact
are free, and
unlike most
card games
they won’t be
pestering you to spend more cash on
new decks of cards all the time. And,
with a campaign mode and random
bot battles against your computer-
controlled opponent, Artifact is a
good way of learning the ropes in
a free card game without having to
throw yourself into highly competitive
games such as Hearthstone.
- Chronicle:
Runescape Legends
Price: Free from fave.co/3pN3M1t
Jagex is the developer behind the
distinctly old-school Runescape
MMORPG, but this spin-off game has
a character of its own and actually
brings some interesting new ideas to
the traditional card-game format.
The most obvious difference is
that – instead placing your cards on
a table in front of you – Chronicle is
played on a 3D ‘board’ that looks a
bit like a children’s pop-up storybook.
And, rather than just staring at your
opponent across the table, the two of
you are represented on the board by
animated figures called Legends.
At the start of each battle you and
your opponent – your Rival – place
your cards on the board at various
points. Those cards then act as
‘encounters’ that move you closer
towards the ultimate battle with your
Rival. Some encounters will require
you to defeat monsters, but can
reward you with extra gold that can be
used to buy ‘support’ cards that may
give you a health or damage bonus.
That’s a little confusing at first,
as it means that you’re often fighting
your own cards, rather than engaging7.