Card Shark Reviews

Card Shark is ranked in the 83rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
95 / 100
Jun 1, 2022

Card Shark is unlike any game you've played before. As a card game where you don't actually play cards, learning and executing various methods of cheating is a ton of fun. The historical setting contributes to the conspiracy central to the story, while adding its own colorful cast of enjoyable characters in the gorgeous setting of 18th century France.

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9.2 / 10.0
Jun 2, 2022

Between court intrigues, disguises, deceptions and sleight of hand, Card Shark tells an historical era through a story, which, like the truth, is a prism with well-defined faces capable of reflecting light in an iridescent way. Nerial new game is a brilliant take on narrative adventure and card games, where the gameplay makes you feel in the mind of a real cheater in his never ending game against the destiny in search of freedom.

Review in Italian | Read full review

9 / 10
Jun 2, 2022

A tale of high stakes con artistry in the early 1700s, Card Shark never lets up as it teaches you card trick after card trick, has you run con after con while immersing you in a conspiracy that'd make a royal blush.

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9 / 10.0
Jun 2, 2022

There's not another game even remotely like Card Shark, and as long as you have the patience to learn its tricks you'll be delighted by its charm.

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9 / 10.0
Jun 2, 2022

One scam at a time, the (mis)adventures of an XVIII century apprentice cheater are transformed into the chapters of an unmissable tale in which the deceptions at the table are intertwined with political intrigues. Recommended even for those who are not that into card games.

Review in Italian | Read full review

9 / 10
Jun 1, 2022

Card Shark is the kind of game that at first blush seems like it just won't work. Lots of dialogue bookended by brief, simplistic minigame sequences seems like it would make for an experience that would lose its luster quickly, yet we couldn't put it down. Witty writing, high-stakes gameplay, and a gorgeous art style all come together here to make for a game that's well-executed and unique in its appeal. If you're looking to try something awesome that notably bucks most modern gaming trends, Card Shark is absolutely something we'd recommend, well worth your time and money.

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Jake Su
Top Critic
4.5 / 5.0
Jun 9, 2022

Whatever the path may hold, all that players can and would experience in Card Shark is beautifully put together, with a fascinating narrative matched by a vibrant and outstanding aesthetic, and propped up by wonderfully inventive gameplay that puts the player in the eye of the storm. In fact, it almost feels like the game has everything stacked in its favor, just like the different plots at play in the quiet confines of high society.

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4.5 / 5.0
Jun 2, 2022

In fact it's that humble acknowledging of what it's demanding of the player - let alone all the fine details to keep track of - that Card Shark successfully side-steps as a result.

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90 / 100
Jun 7, 2022

Card Shark is a real gem of our times. Set in 18th century France, this title fully immerses us in the world of swindlers with a surprising number of tricks, original gameplay, and wonderful graphics. A must for all fans of this type of game.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Jun 2, 2022

Card Shark is exactly the game I wanted it to be. Its unique concept, setting, and presentation set it apart from every other game on the market right now. The very idea of a game about cheating at cards is brilliant, and the team came up with some pretty ingenious ways to translate what amounts to subtle signals, side glances, and modifying cards into a fun and challenging video game.

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9 / 10.0
Jun 14, 2022

Card Shark is an original proposal that mixes player skill with cheating in card games. Your ascent to the top of the French aristocracy is in your hands, never better said.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Sep 17, 2022

Card Shark is a one-of-a-kind experience, one that has the potential to completely immerse you in the life of a card cheat in ways you'd never expect. Nerial has gaming's equivalent of a pair of aces in Card Shark, and I wouldn't even mind if they'd cheated to get this winning hand. I mean, as they say, cheaters always prosper.

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86 / 100
Jun 7, 2022

A fresh, high stakes take on card-based videogames, sure to appeal to more than just deck-builders.

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85 / 100
Jun 2, 2022

Not only does Card Shark explore a topic rarely seen in the medium but it does so with such authenticity that you can’t help but fall in love with the ruse before you. The stunning art direction and clever mechanics successfully put you in the shoes of a swindler. With a dodgy deck in hand, be prepared to get hooked on the hustle.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 2, 2022

Card Shark is certainly one of the most unique and interesting titles of the year, the son of a completely crazy concept that works divinely from the first to the last second of gameplay.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jun 2, 2022

Card Shark is unique, layered and an absolute must.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jul 14, 2022

Overall, Card Shark is a unique title with an interesting animation style and equally interesting cheating concept; all set far from today's modern world. These elements combine to create a fun and engaging game that will leave a lasting impression.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 1, 2022

The characters are fun and inviting with just a hint of devilish mischief up their sleeves, including the speechless protagonist. There's a richness to the storytelling in both form and execution and that's definitely a highlight in a more uncommon narrative mechanic. Cards on the table: This game is great.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 1, 2022

Card Shark is a truly unique experience that shouldn’t be slept on. This is the game for those who don’t like card games. The developers have made a very fun experience that builds on itself fluidly in a way that many other games don’t seem to get right.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 2, 2022

Playing Card Shark feels like peeking behind the curtain of a magic show. The gameplay might involve following button prompts, but the lessons are genuine. After playing it I feel like I could use some of the skills I learned on my friends the next time we have a poker night. Uh… not that I would, of course!

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