Wild Card

About

Wild Card is a turn based strategy game that uses a deck of cards to control battles and character abilities. Players build a team of nine heroes each with distinct skills represented by unique cards. Combat unfolds in real time with quick button presses determining actions during fights. The game features a series of randomly generated missions and special events that change between playthroughs. A base building element lets you upgrade facilities and recruit new characters between quests. Developed by Square in 2001 for the WonderSwan Color the game emphasizes replayability through its shifting scenarios and card combinations. While largely forgotten outside Japan its blend of card mechanics and RPG elements has earned retro fans attention. The single player campaign takes about 20 hours to complete with optional challenges extending playtime. No modern re releases exist but homebrew communities have kept it circulating among handheld enthusiasts.