DeckMake Fantasy in IOS

Roleplaying

Walkthrough, Guilds, Tips on this special game

Our Site Score

81/100

DeckMake Fantasy is a deep and rewarding rogue-lite deck-building RPG that predates many of the genre's current giants. It manages to pack a surprising amount of strategy into a mobile-friendly format. You explore dungeons, battle monsters, and—most importantly—constantly refine your deck. The card synergies are well-thought-out, allowing for various 'builds' that keep each run feeling unique.

The art style is distinctly 'retro-Japanese RPG', which gives it a charming, nostalgic feel. While the UI can feel a bit cramped on smaller screens, the depth of the mechanics more than makes up for it. For players who enjoy games like Slay the Spire but want something with a bit more of a classic fantasy aesthetic, DeckMake Fantasy is a hidden gem. It’s a game that rewards patience and tactical thinking over quick reflexes.

Reviewed on: Mon Mar 17 2025
Dinsun Avatar

Dinsun Review

Don't let the 'tiny monster' art style fool you; DeckMake Fantasy has some real teeth. It reminds me of the early handheld RPGs on the Game Boy. You’ve got a town, you’ve got quests, and you’ve got a deck that actually matters. You can’t just spam your way through battles; you need to consider your card draw and gold management.

It can get a bit grindy, especially when you’re hunting for specific cards to round out your strategy. And while the music is pleasant, it does loop enough to become a bit of an earworm. It’s a very simple-looking game, but for someone who appreciates traditional turn-based mechanics, it’s a refreshing change from the 'action-at-all-costs' mobile trends. It’s worth a look if you want a mobile RPG that actually respects your intelligence.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

  • Deep card variety and customization
  • Approachable but strategic combat
  • Charming, consistent art style
  • Repetitive mission structure
  • Grind-heavy progression
  • Occasional pacing issues

Technical Report

Performance: Very stable; optimized well for both iPhone and iPad screen sizes.

Accessibility:
  • Turn-based combat
  • Clear visual indicators for difficulty

Audience Fit

Buy if: You like deck-builders and classic grid-based exploration.

Skip if: You find turn-based combat slow or dislike grinding for loot.

Similar Games:
  • Slay the Spire
  • Guns & Pirates

Reviewer Context

  • Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative male gamer
  • Hardware: iPad Pro
  • Playtime: 10 hours
  • Status: Completed the first world zone

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPod

Version 1.6.2Wed Mar 18 2015

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Adjusted to iOS8 and iPhone 6+.


******************

Please note that the following devices are incompatible with this application:

iPhone3G, iPod touch (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation 8GB models)

*******************

Version 1.5.0 update information (8/12/2011)

Game text checked and retranslated by a native user of English.

Version 1.4.0 update information

-Game Center compatibility added

-Lowest number of days to clear added to leaderboards

This number can be checked on the Records screen.

Version 1.3.0 update information (4/18/2011)

-English version released

-Various bug fixes

Version 1.2.0 update information (3/29/2011)

-Summary of monster information obtainable at the Guild

Please get information on where to go next at the Guild as usual.

Version 1.1.0 update information (3/22/2011)

-Quick Mode added

-Cards can now be purchased in bulk

“Whoever controls the cards shall control the world.”

Description:

Weapons and magic are embodied in cards

that you can build into a deck and then use to

defeat monsters in this card battle RPG.

Test different combinations to learn how to master

the cards in your own unique way and save the world!

Story:

There was once a mysterious land where weapons,

magic and items were embodied in special cards. Ones who

studied the art of handling these all-powerful cards over long years

were called “card-users,” and the five kings of the land relied on them

to maintain peace and balance.

However, one day, reports of monsters attacking towns and

travelers suddenly spread throughout all the kingdoms.

At that time, a young boy began a journey in Firsta, a land known for its bold adventurers.

What secrets will he uncover in his quest to becoming a master card-user?

Graphics & Sound

-Classic, retro-style pixel art

-Colorful characters like guild clerks and card shop owners

create a unique world for the tale to unfold in.

-Exciting battle music! Play with the volume up!

System & Tutorial

1: Deck making

-Choose 20 cards to build a deck.

You can have multiple cards of the same type.

-Focus on aggressive attacks, support abilities or any other style.

Try to find your own winning combination.

-Your hit points (HP) differ depending on what deck you use.

It is important to maintain a balance between cards with

powerful techniques and ones that grant a lot of HP.

2: Battles

-A horde of deadly monsters awaits you.

Tailor your deck to the strengths and weaknesses of your foes!

-Buy new cards with reward money for clearing out monsters!

Equip yourself with new, powerful weapons as you fight your

way across the land.

-Different cards are available in different towns.

Can you collect every type of card in your explorations?

3: Adventuring tips

-The Guild will always offer new monster-hunting jobs

and tell you where monsters can be found.

-The adventurers that gather at the Guild have plenty of

good information. They may even tell unusual tales that

don’t involve the usual monster talk.


Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

******************

Please note that the following devices are incompatible with this application:

iPhone3G, iPod touch (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation 8GB models)

*******************

Version 1.5.0 update information (8/12/2011)

Game text checked and retranslated by a native user of English.

Version 1.4.0 update information

-Game Center compatibility added

-Lowest number of days to clear added to leaderboards

This number can be checked on the Records screen.

Version 1.3.0 update information (4/18/2011)

-English version released

-Various bug fixes

Version 1.2.0 update information (3/29/2011)

-Summary of monster information obtainable at the Guild

Please get information on where to go next at the Guild as usual.

Version 1.1.0 update information (3/22/2011)

-Quick Mode added

-Cards can now be purchased in bulk

“Whoever controls the cards shall control the world.”

Description:

Weapons and magic are embodied in cards

that you can build into a deck and then use to

defeat monsters in this card battle RPG.

Test different combinations to learn how to master

the cards in your own unique way and save the world!

Story:

There was once a mysterious land where weapons,

magic and items were embodied in special cards. Ones who

studied the art of handling these all-powerful cards over long years

were called “card-users,” and the five kings of the land relied on them

to maintain peace and balance.

However, one day, reports of monsters attacking towns and

travelers suddenly spread throughout all the kingdoms.

At that time, a young boy began a journey in Firsta, a land known for its bold adventurers.

What secrets will he uncover in his quest to becoming a master card-user?

Graphics & Sound

-Classic, retro-style pixel art

-Colorful characters like guild clerks and card shop owners

create a unique world for the tale to unfold in.

-Exciting battle music! Play with the volume up!

System & Tutorial

1: Deck making

-Choose 20 cards to build a deck.

You can have multiple cards of the same type.

-Focus on aggressive attacks, support abilities or any other style.

Try to find your own winning combination.

-Your hit points (HP) differ depending on what deck you use.

It is important to maintain a balance between cards with

powerful techniques and ones that grant a lot of HP.

2: Battles

-A horde of deadly monsters awaits you.

Tailor your deck to the strengths and weaknesses of your foes!

-Buy new cards with reward money for clearing out monsters!

Equip yourself with new, powerful weapons as you fight your

way across the land.

-Different cards are available in different towns.

Can you collect every type of card in your explorations?

3: Adventuring tips

-The Guild will always offer new monster-hunting jobs

and tell you where monsters can be found.

-The adventurers that gather at the Guild have plenty of

good information. They may even tell unusual tales that

don’t involve the usual monster talk.


Ratings & Reviews

3.4 out of 5 with 8 Counts
Age Rating 4+

Screenshots

DeckMake Fantasy screenshot 1DeckMake Fantasy screenshot 2DeckMake Fantasy screenshot 3DeckMake Fantasy screenshot 4DeckMake Fantasy screenshot 5

DeckMake Fantasy combines the thrill of a rogue-lite RPG with the strategic depth of a deck-building card game. Players take on the role of a hero exploring ever-changing dungeons filled with monsters and loot. As you progress, you will collect new cards to add to your deck, allowing for powerful combos and unique strategies. With its charming pixel art and deep tactical gameplay, DeckMake Fantasy offers a challenging experience where every decision counts and every card play can lead to victory or defeat.

Features

1

Over 100 unique cards to collect and use

2

Procedurally generated dungeons for endless replayability

3

Charming retro-inspired RPG art style

4

Multiple hero classes with different playstyles

5

Deep tactical combat with elemental strengths and weaknesses

Tips

Gameplays

Q&A

Yes, DeckMake Fantasy is a single-player experience that can be played without an internet connection.

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