Every year, Apple releases a list of "Best Apps" that are exceptional in aspects of design, innovation and content. This year, "Clash Royale" stole the spotlight and was named iPhone Game of the Year. As an avid "Clash Royale" player myself, I wholeheartedly agree with this designation.

What exactly is Clash Royale?

Clash Royale is a "fast paced, card based PvP brawler." Players compete in real-time battles, in which the objective is to destroy an enemy's towers. Designing a deck of cards to both attack and defend is important. But even more, the timing and strategy executed by each player plays arguably a larger role in deciding a victory.

What makes it so attractive as a game?

Surely, there are other games like it, right? You may remember Clash Royale's parent company, Supercell, which has created many other popular mobile games including Hay Day, Boom Beach and Clash of Clans. I was initially hesitant about playing Clash Royale because I thought it would just be "Clash of Clans 2.0." But, it was quite the contrary.

In Clash Royale, regular battles last a maximum of four minutes, there is no troop training time and players do not have personal bases. Instead, much of a player's strength is based on their game level, card levels and of course, strategic skills. Every battle is unique, which makes the game constantly engaging. Similar to Clash of Clans, players can join clans to request for cards, chat with clanmates about strategies, play friendly battles and compete as a clan to earn rewards.

Not to mention, the Clash Royale community is well-represented all over the world! Many Clash Royale players maintain a presence on YouTube and create helpful tutorials. Furthermore, Supercell itself makes hilarious promotional videos and hosts many exciting events for the game throughout the year, including tournament livestreams.

I never thought I'd find a mobile game to be well worth my time. Want to try something new in 2017, perhaps in the form of strategic battling? I mean, what are our smartphones good for anyways? This is the real deal.

To wrap it up, I gathered some testimony from my Clash Royale clanmates (in case my own words didn't convey how great of a game itis!).

"Clash Royale is more than just a mobile game to me. It's become a way to make and spend time with friends. It allows me to fuel my competitive side without any consequences. I like it because its a stimulating strategy game that's not only fun, but also a quick stress relief from daily activities."

"Filled with strategic combat and management of resources, Clash Royale is pretty addicting. I haven't met anyone who's given it a go and actually disliked it."