Clash of Clans

While six years have already gone by since Clash of Clans was first released, the game is by no means any less popular in 2018 than it first was. The game involves building your own base and defending it while attacking other armies and stealing their loot. This is a freemium strategy game, meaning everyone with an iOS or Android device can enjoy it. While Clash of Clans might seem like it only involves battling against marauding hordes of goblins and vicious clans, I was actually pleasantly surprised by how much strategy is required in the game.

The game progression is a bit slow, especially if you don’t want to indulge in microtransactions. However, this build-up of strategy is exactly what makes the game stand out and enjoyable. Upgrades—obtained by either premium purchases or natural progression—unlock resources such as warriors, heroes, buildings and other magic items. 

Graphics and Sound: 4/5

The game is played from a 2D isometric perspective which has a lot of depth and color. There are epic 3D cutscenes that deliver a little realism, but the actual gameplay is all 2D. Cartoon animations embellish Clash of Clans, and this style is generally well-suited for an isometric mobile title. The game’s icon, a whitely dressed beautiful “goddess-esque” figure occasionally pops up on-screen to assist your building efforts. The sounds—especially during combat—are quite immersive and appropriated to various themes.

Story Plot: 5/5

The game requires you to build up your base, fortify and defend it from other hordes while attacking other players and raiding other bases for resources. Gold and Elixir are resources which need to be collected to help you build your base. The game has over 18 types of soldiers, from barbarians to magical dragons. You can train your own players or join forces with other clans to battle the enemy such as goblins. 

Controls: 5/5

While Clash of Clans generally has much detail on-screen, the controls are fairly easy and intuitive. There are on-screen prompts and icons which serve to guide your subsequent actions. Movement is carried out by simply tapping or swiping a finger in the desired direction. The prompts that you tap will allow you to complete multiple actions at the same time. The game is also optimized for devices with different screen sizes.

Difficulty: 4/5

The game’s natural progression system is excruciatingly slow, and you might get stuck by a wait timer unless you can make some sort of in-game purchase. Ultimately, Clash of Clans is a strategy game at its core, and having your raids timed means that you have to plan each attack well.