Cardpocalypse

Cardpocalypse has a hand-drawn style, with the characters and environments appearing to be part of a story book created by a kid with a great deal of imagination. While the animations can sometimes seem non-existent or bland, the art style lends itself very well to the overall presentation. The sound design isn’t bad, but is nothing you'll find yourself humming when not playing. Some moments shine more than others, the title screen definitely starts the hype I felt as a kid when my favorite shows came on TV as a kid. With the schoolyard story of kids fighting monsters and playing cards, it really takes me back to my son's childhood of trading on the playground and hiding from the adults who would probably take his shiny trading cards. Jess is a strong-spirited girl who is pretty easy to identify with. Her charming bravery and dedication to just having fun at her new school while trying her best to fit in is certainly admirable. Buckling down and doing her best to save the school, and the entire world shows just how brave a kid can really be. While the game has its quirks and with a few bugs, it's honestly an enjoyable little journey that kids of all ages can play and enjoy on the Xbox One family of consoles.

Game mechanics are too simple, getting new cards does not feel rewarding at all. Tries to be forcibly funny and it oscillates between embarrassing and downright creepy. There were very few moments that made me genuinely smile. Story can be just brushed aside. It's not a terrible game, but nothing to be excited about.