Parents' Guide to Card Guardians: Deck Builder

This strategy-based card game doesn't move at a lightning pace -- cards can be dealt somewhat slowly -- but it's fairly easy to understand how to play. New elements are introduced gradually in Card Guardians: Deck Builder, which helps keep things from getting confusing. Kids get to choose cards to add to their deck that offer more playing power as they advance. They may be able to add a card that allows them to attack twice in a row to their deck, for instance. Uses for the items they earn from treasure chests after successful games, such as the Rookie's Headband, are a little less clear, but any uncertainty surrounding those elements shouldn't prevent kids from being able to play.

The game requires kids to balance attacking and protecting themselves with Defend cards and other techniques, and although some of their outcome will depend on the cards they're given, they can strategize by selecting ones that will inflict the most damage and shield them from their opponent's strikes. The time period between each of kids' turns in the game is relatively short, which helps keep things moving along. The actual process of putting a card into play, though, can lag -- kids may drag the card up and find they're waiting for something to happen -- and similar pauses can occur when you're waiting for a new card to be dealt. Kids also need to click on an End Turn button after using all their moves. While the game's visual elements are mostly well-done, the action isn't too dynamic. The goblins, blobs, and other monsters you're fighting don't show much of a reaction to attacks, and your character, who is represented by a static image, doesn't either. Some kids may lose interest due to the lack of imagery-related bells and whistles. If they're OK with a generally mild interactive experience, though, and are into the game's strategy elements, Card Guardians: Deck Builder can provide an enjoyable playing experience.