The spell game was simpler. You had your Lightning, Healing, Rage, Jump, and Freeze spells. However, the was a relatively new addition (introduced in the version 5.xx series). This introduced the Poison, Earthquake, and Haste spells.
If you are writing for players who only know the modern game, highlighting these "missing" features from v5.2.4 provides great contrast: clash of clans 5.2.4
For the modern player, revisiting 5.2.4 is like unearthing a time capsule. There are no supercharged Super Troops, no Siege Machines, no Capital Peak. There is only your base, your army, and the Next button. The spell game was simpler