Over the years, I've tried multiple mobile games that are basically mobile clones of their physical counterparts. Some are done well while others are lacking. The list below are the ones I've found to be good mobile versions, or at least good enough to help scratch the board game itch when the real thing just isn't an option.
*Disclaimer: These games may not still be active on app stores.
- Hero Realms
Hero Realms is a card-based deck building game with a fantasy theme for 2-4 players. You can easily play the mobile version solo against the AI. Besides the feel of physical cards, this game captures the deck building aspect quite well. It also includes buttons that speed up play by activating your cards at once. I was able to play multiple games while on the go because it moved so smoothly.
- Legend of Andor
This is one large board game condensed down into a mobile application. That being said, nothing was left out. The tension of defending your castle, clearing fog across the map, and completing objectives are all still very real. There were many times I got frustrated by bad choices or bad dice rolls in battle, but that's all part of the game; the board and animations were beautiful enough that I didn't mind restarting and trying again.
- Mystic Vale
I was interested in Mystic Vale for years, but never purchased it. Once I found the mobile version, I jumped right in just to learn the rules. After many games, I found myself enjoying the game-play loop of combining cards with the innovative card crafting system, gaining resources, and then playing more powerful cards. In the end, I think this game is better sitting around a table with people, but the mobile version is a good placeholder.
- One Deck Dungeon
This is another game I wanted to play for a long time, but never got the opportunity. However, the mobile version was plenty to get me excited for it. I played many runs using different characters and abilities before finally getting tired and needing a break from it. The app provides fun dice rolling and easy finger drag controls to place dice accurately where you want them. This game has good, but not stellar artwork, but that didn't matter since it wasn't on my table close to my eyes. Thanks to this app I was able to experience the full game within minutes.
- Onirim
A great little solo/co-op card game where players are Dreamwalkers lost in a mysterious labyrinth who must discover the oneiric doors before dreamtime runs out. The game is all about playing/collecting the correct cards necessary to open the doors while avoiding nightmare cards. It's a hand management card game that is quick to play with tough choices. I enjoy playing co-op better, but again this is a great solo game when you're on the go.
- Pathfinder Adventure Card Game
On this list, this is the game where I played the physical copy quite a bit before finding the app. I bought the physical copy on a whim and immensely enjoyed it. I found it was my way to play a TTRPG without actually having a group together and having to worry about GM'ing. After sitting the game to the side for a year or two, I discovered the mobile version and immediately jumped into it. Pathfinder does a great job of including all rules and cards from the physical game and even allows customers to buy the additional characters and scenarios without watering it down. With the ability to save in the middle of matches, this app is fantastic for playing a complex game on the go.
- Sentinels of the Multiverse
This is a cooperative card game where players control comic book-style heroes battling a villain with evil intentions. Each game consists of 3-5 heroes, a villain and one environment deck. I owned the physical copy of this game, played it once, put it on a shelf and didn't touch it again for years. When deciding whether to keep or purge it from my collection, I downloaded the app version to see what I thought about it. A decent tutorial retaught me the rules and then after a couple of matches, I had decided to pull out the real deal again. Now, I've quit playing on the app but only because I vastly enjoy the feel of physical cards in my hands.
- Zombicide Tactics & Shotguns
As a fan of the physical board game, this captures the gritty tense feeling of Zombicide but within a beautiful mobile version. Just like the physical game, you will be killing zombies and racing to the exit to complete different scenarios. After rolling the dice each turn, the options available to you are perfectly laid out and clear to see. Simple clicks will have you flying through turns making it great for a mobile game. It may not be as dense as the original, but they were able to pack a real punch with plenty of strategy into this app.
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