Card Shark is the demo version of a simulation with a unique premise. In this game from Devolver Digital, you follow a story set in the Enlightenment period that not only serves as the backdrop for the usual card game, but something that explains its focus on cheating on cards. Its watercolor-inspired art style completes its periodic feel, further adding to the appeal of this game.

Card Shark has an intriguing concept paired with an artistic visual style. If the graphics speak to you, check out Unpacking. If a curious gameplay mechanic is your style, see Passpartout: The Starving Artist.

An artsy game about cheating

The premise alone is enough for you to try Card Shark. Its very idea is compelling for regular card players because it sets you on a path of escaping poverty and rising through the ranks of 18th-century French society. Play with the aristocrats and cheat the nobles. As you go deeper, you find a large conspiracy that goes beyond you and your interests.

For the game specifics, this lets you experience a variety of cheating methods—from card switching, fake card shuffles, and even fixing games. However, since it is only a demo version, you can’t actually try out all strategies and see the storyline through to the end. Still, it sets up a good experience on what to expect from the full version of the game.

Lastly, the art style is worth a mention. It uses a simplistic design that looks like it was made with watercolor. The use of color plus the brushwork that went into the backgrounds and the characters make the game look classy from a visual standpoint. Even the way its animation works makes the game look a bit similar to Clotilde Soffritti in: Never Double Park Your Spaceship.

A great tease for an exciting game

Card Shark’s demo version makes a strong case on why you should try this and its full version. It lets players experience its weird premise of rising through society through cheating on various card games. You can feel the risk increasing with every attempt to cheat your opponents across the table. Of course, expect the usual restrictions on length and content common for demo games.