Item: Paperback Vol. 2
Rating: 85
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

85/100

Paperback Vol 2 is a dream come true for fans of deck-building and word games. It takes the solid foundation of the original and adds much more variety with new cards and a significantly improved AI. The loop of 'spelling words to buy better letters' is fundamentally satisfying because it rewards both your vocabulary and your strategic planning. It’s 'Slay the Spire' meets 'Scrabble.'

The art style remains fantastic, leaning into the pulp-novel aesthetic that gives the series its name. The mobile interface is clean and works perfectly for a turn-based game. It’s challenging without being frustrating, and the sense of power progression as you build a deck that can regularly produce 10-letter words is immense. For anyone who wants a brainy, deep, and polished word game, this is the gold standard.

Reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026

Dinsun Review

Now this is more like it. I’ve always had a soft spot for games that challenge the mind rather than just the reflexes, and Paperback Vol. 2 is a classy affair. It’s a deck-builder—a genre I usually find overstuffed—but the word-building twist gives it a refreshing layer of complexity. You’re not just looking for the 'strongest' card; you’re looking for the card that fits your vocabulary. It’s conservative in its design, sticking to the board game roots, and I appreciate that it doesn't try to distract me with flashy, unnecessary 3D graphics. The UI is clean, though a bit tiny on a phone screen. It’s not perfect; some of the AI players are suspiciously good at finding obscure words, and the campaign can feel a bit repetitive. But in a sea of mindless mobile trash, this is a title worth playing. It's an intelligent game for an intelligent audience.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Deep, rewarding mechanics
Excellent solo campaign
Clean, book-themed aesthetic

Tiny text on smaller devices
Steep learning curve for deck-building newcomers
AI can feel unfair at higher difficulties

Technical Report

Performance: Flawless performance; very polished for a board game port.

Accessibility:

Color-coded card types

Audience Fit

Buy if: You love Scrabble and Dominion and want a game that respects your intelligence.

Skip if: You want mindless action or have a limited vocabulary.

Similar Games:

Hardback
Slay the Spire

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPhone 15 Pro
Playtime: 15 hours
Status: Campaign 60% complete

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1621816877

$4.99 4+★3.5 45 reviews

Author : Fowers Games Inc.

Pubish Date : Mon Mar 06 2023

Last Update Date : Mon Jan 12 2026

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 2.2.40Mon Jan 12 2026

Card Adjustments
Paperback the game is back! Paige Turner has been cranking out novels of all genres and has a new set of tricks. Follow her journey to become a bestselling author!
Paperback, the deckbuilding word game fuses smart wordsmithing with clever combos. Based on the bestselling card game, it returns with Vol 2! Try out the new cards, new modes and new art. The advanced computer players can challenge the best players or work alongside you in cooperative mode.
Cooperative mode - play with friends even play alongside the AI
New massive card set - as you play, you’ll unlock new cards and abilities.
Advanced AI - can find the best words faster and challenge the best players.
New Art and interface
New mini-expansions - spacebar, dyslexic and alternate starting wilds.
New kitchy novels to finish!
Requires iOS 15.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Word-building meets deck-building in the unique game Paperback Vol. 2.
Paperback the game is back! Paige Turner has been cranking out novels of all genres and has a new set of tricks. Follow her journey to become a bestselling author!
Paperback, the deckbuilding word game fuses smart wordsmithing with clever combos. Based on the bestselling card game, it returns with Vol 2! Try out the new cards, new modes and new art. The advanced computer players can challenge the best players or work alongside you in cooperative mode.
Cooperative mode - play with friends even play alongside the AI
New massive card set - as you play, you’ll unlock new cards and abilities.
Advanced AI - can find the best words faster and challenge the best players.
New Art and interface
New mini-expansions - spacebar, dyslexic and alternate starting wilds.
New kitchy novels to finish!

Ratings & Reviews

3.5 out of 5 with 45 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Paperback Vol. 2 is the digital evolution of the acclaimed deck-building word game. Players start with a small deck of basic letters and must spell words to earn money. This money is used to buy more powerful letters, many with unique abilities that help you spell longer words or gain extra points. Compete against an advanced AI or other players in this strategic battle of wits and vocabulary.

Features

Strategic deck-building mechanics

Advanced AI opponents

Stunning pulp novel art

Online multiplayer support

Deep vocabulary challenges

Tips

Buying the Right Letters

Don't just go for high-scoring letters like 'Z' or 'Q'. Focus on buying 'Common' vowels and powerful wildcards early on. A deck with too many rare consonants will 'clog' and prevent you from spelling anything.

Promotion Videos

Paperback Vol. 2 (app) | Review | with Jason - YouTube

News on this game

Novel word game Paperback gets another mobile game version

Paperback Vol 2 is a digital board game based on the card game in which players attempt to score the most points possible by creating words using the letters...

Dicebreaker - Fri Jul 29 2022

Gameplays

Using Special Abilities

Look for cards that allow you to 'Draw an extra card' next turn. These are vital for setting up massive 20+ point words that are required to win in the late game.