Steam Review Code Provided by Devolver Digital
For the last few weeks, I’ve been living the life of a con artist. I’ve been swindling folks in three-card-monte, pulling fast ones in card games, and perfecting a coin toss that ensures a win in my favor every time. Let me be clear though, I haven’t been doing this in the real world, it’s all been part of the extensive training that Nerial and Devolver Digital’s latest title, Card Shark, has been putting me through. A game that really relishes in its intricate gameplay and chaotic world, Card Shark is a standout amongst the rinse and repeat titles you’ll play in 2022.
Story
Taking on the mantle of the nameless main character, you’ll find yourself embroiled in a scheme to trick as many rich folk as you can all whilst investigating a mysterious conspiracy. Though you aren’t going at it alone, as you have the help of your tutor in all things shyster, Mr. Comte. Not only does he teach you all you need to know along your journey, but he’s also the one leading this crusade on discovering the “truth”.
I found the story to be very well done overall. I will say that the first third of the game is severely lacking in the story as opposed to the turning-point moment that really sets the story into full motion. I personally would’ve liked to have seen more story earlier on because of how great it is. The game teaches you a lot in the first third of the game so maybe the devs didn’t want to overwhelm players? Regardless, there could’ve been more given sooner.
Gameplay
The bulk of Card Sharks’ gameplay is set in the mini-game nature of its core gameplay. There are 28 different tricks that you’ll learn to master throughout the game’s duration. These tricks aren’t just limited to card tricks though these do make up the majority of the tricks available. As you get further into the game the tricks begin to interweave a bit more and somehow become even more complex.
From what I can tell, there really isn’t a specific card game the players are ever playing at the time that you are pulling these tricks. I’m not a card player myself so I couldn’t tell you whether it was Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em, or anything like that. All I can say is that these mini-game types of tricks really vary heavily from one another and can take a lot of practice and muscle memory as well.
All tricks, no matter whether it’s a card tricks or not are all done by using your computer mouse in a certain way. Similarly to how one might use touch features on a tablet or assuming you’re playing on a console, Nintendo Switch. This results in the further need to retain as much of the con in your mind as possible so that you don’t move your mouse in the wrong direction, giving the wrong next step in the charade.
The game also manages to weave its story and gameplay together in some critical moments that can have a huge impact on you at that moment. Failing to seize these moments or realize when something urgent needs to be completed could result in your actual death.
Dying, at least on the normal difficulty for the game sends you to Death’s table where she greets you. In these moments your purse is emptied heavily of its coin and you can either get sent back up for a hefty fee or wager against Death in order to keep some spare change for the next try.
The game has a masterly crafted feeling to its gameplay for most of its playtime. There are some instances where it felt as if it were a bit saggy because there just wasn’t too much new going on but it would be quickly lifted back up due in part to its intriguing story. It proves that the developers knew how to keep things interesting even in moments that felt monotonous.
Audio and Visual
There’s a “finer things” feeling to just about every part of Card Shark’s visuals and audio throughout. Whether it’s the sound of a crowded pub or the sound of a sweet violin that sweeps its score, it makes you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time.
Not to mention that the game looks like a moving masterpiece. Though it maintains the classic art looks for the time, it absolutely pops in color and has a personality all its own. And while characters don’t talk, you feel as if you could hear them speak because of the personality that pours from their designs.
Replayability
Players will find an immense amount of replayability in Card Shark, if only because of its wholly original gameplay that you cannot find anywhere else. This is one of those titles that 10 years from now, people will still be playing and talking about. There’s also a difficulty mode in the game that allows you to risk it all, meaning, you get that roguelike sense of gameplay mixed in.
What It Could Have Done Better
Truly, there isn’t much that could possibly be improved upon in this title. Aside from the fact that the game has a slow start to its story, this is an exhilarating adventure and you really won’t notice the lack of story until it finally picks up and you have the eureka moment, realizing that there wasn’t all that much beforehand.
Verdict
Card Shark is an exciting title that shouldn’t be overlooked in the slightest. With its engaging story, gameplay, visuals, and audio, this title is a true pioneer that’s created its own uniqueness that’s hard to put into words. It’s a title for strategists, roguelike enthusiasts, card players, mini-game enjoyers, and even more because of the broad net that it casts for its players. Even those unsure if this title is for them, I say try it because it is well worth a playthrough.
