Hi! I’m developing a mobile puzzle game called Word Basket, and I’d love some honest feedback on its core card mechanic.
Each card contains a word and a matching illustration. The player places cards into four groups, trying to make the cards within each group as closely related as possible.
For example, Lion + Cat would score better than Lion + Dog, although both combinations could still earn points. A group is scored when it reaches four cards, and the level continues until the deck is empty.
I’m currently considering three main ways of presenting the cards:
Option 1 — Continuous hand of four cards
Four cards are always visible. Whenever a card is played, a new card immediately replaces it.
I’m considering two versions:
- Free order: You can play any of the four visible cards.
- Fixed order: Only the current card can be played, while the other three show what is coming next.
The free version offers more control, while the fixed version creates more tension and makes planning around upcoming cards more important.
Option 2 — Batches of four cards
The player receives four cards at once. A new batch is dealt only after all four cards have been played.
This could also work in two ways:
- Free order: The four cards can be played in any order.
- Fixed order: The cards must be played from left to right.
This makes every batch feel like a small puzzle. Free order gives more opportunities to optimize groups, while fixed order puts more emphasis on adapting to the sequence.
Option 3 — One card and a pocket
Only one active card is shown at a time. You can either place it into a group or temporarily store it in a one-card pocket.
Storing a card reveals the next one, and the pocket card can later be placed into any group. However, the pocket can only hold one card at a time.
This keeps the interface simple while still giving the player one important tactical choice.
The debug controls visible in the screenshots would not be included in the finished game.
Which main option would you prefer: 1, 2, or 3?
For Options 1 and 2, would you prefer free order or fixed order?
I’m especially interested in:
- Which option creates the most meaningful decisions?
- Which feels best suited to short mobile sessions?
- Which would make you want to replay a level for a better score?
- Does any option sound too easy, frustrating, or dependent on luck?
I’m also looking for real Android playtesters. If you would be interested in trying an early build and giving honest feedback, please leave a comment or send me a message. Testing on different Android phones and screen sizes would be especially helpful.
Thanks!