![]() How most of a player’s time - or at least the most notable moments spent - are that of the numerous playing tables. A contrast against what is predominantly a stern and steely-eyed mentality imposed through its gameplay. Comical and a tad verbose it might seem at points, it’s that use of color and this collage-esque architecture of the game’s setting, that provides Card Shark this fitting contrast. There’s a clear romanticism portrayed in the world of Card Shark. Even just the color palettes employed and the contrast between such hues. How some look like they encompass old print-making techniques. How certain “layers” of an interior or outdoor garden look hand-painted/doodled. To deconstruct and admire the many layers and techniques being utilized to give this fictionalized era in France one of eloquence, but not of some artificial or sterile sort. Not that such a dedication is unwarranted as Card Shark is the type of game whose construction, so far as its scenery goes, is one you can’t help but take a closer look at. Tempting us to delve into that very substance hidden beneath the vibrant but fittingly-attractive facade of its aesthetic.Īdd a touch of a plot whose curious descent into conspiratorial mystery keeps the journey entertaining on top and it’s hard to argue Nerial are in some way, banking on the luster of their visual design or presentation alike, to somehow excuse them from falling short in other areas. If one thing is true of Card Shark above all else, it’s that Nerial’s latest is very much dedicated to its source material. Moreover, that its frequent excursions into side-on 2D visuals with minimal gameplay involvement, relegates this to some dismissive feeling of style over substance. But in crafting a game that is as much about the interaction as it is simply marveling at the sight presented, should tell you this is more than some educational dive into the sly underbelly of card games. A game that’s visually, mechanically, audibly and conceptually novel in its approach, it’s should be regarded as sizable praise on its own Nerial have mastered the art of the con with Card Shark. In a game chock full of moments - whose own individual but equally-effective traits - are all fighting for dominance. But again, to spoil the specifics would be to ruin one of but many fantastic moments of disbelief and initially uncertain bewilderment in how wildly one’s fortune has swung. These very examples are where I could dedicate an entire article as to why Card Shark just may be one of the smartest things experienced this side of the half-way point in 2022. Just as I had dropped my guard, well played. You got me, oh boy did you pull that off Card Shark. ![]() ![]() How the strain of keeping tabs on numerous aspects across a single screen, prove a fitting challenge for such high risk- Then it happens…a mere stand-alone moment or opportunity you took unaware of the ramifications and your reaction, as I unashamedly found myself doing, was throwing one’s hands up in disbelief, crying aloud: “WHAT?!” Maybe it was in my head all along Card Shark’s only real hidden agenda, if you can even call it such, is in wowing you with how elements like screen space and even quick-time events can play well in the context of keeping things under wraps. And still the game seemingly refuses to budge. You progress through the story, mosey on through another series of eye-catching environments and win more and more bets that inevitably tempt you to raise the stakes. No grotesque imagery or cheap burst of sound either. There’s no jump-scare of sorts, no sudden moment you’re confidently (to the point of feeling smug) aware is going to show up. So it continues and that initial suspicion of the game working against you, behind your back even, slowly dissipates. I’m willing to admit that this could very well be my own perceptions clouding things here, but it’s only because Card Shark‘s world of sleight of hand and distraction is so effective in its delivery, where this air of mistrust begins to manifest. One the game is in fact orchestrating not for you, but against you. This helpful insight Card Shark is providing, both in a way educational but interestingly mechanical in how it unravels more so, is but a front for an altogether more elaborate reveal or deception you’re unaware of. But as touched upon when first trying out the game, there very quickly begins to stir this feeling inside (conjured out of deep-seated paranoia or not) that the game’s developer, Nerial, are playing you. Specifically, a game that requires you to learn how to cheat one’s way to success - in all the many ways one can manipulate something as feeble and basic as a playing deck. You might think that’s a bit of an odd juxtapose for a game about cards. Horror films can learn a thing or two from Card Shark.
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