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Card Shark

PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation Portable • 2022

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Quick resume

Card Shark is an adventure game full of cunning, intrigue, and delectable deceit. Enter a world where you’ll need to play your opponents better than you play your cards.

Global score

90/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Simulator

Pros

  • Unique and innovative gameplay mechanics
  • Engaging and well-written story
  • Beautiful art style and music
  • Realistic card cheating techniques
  • Challenging skill progression

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and memorization demands
  • Some frustrating repetition and punishing difficulty
  • Limited replay value and customization
  • Controller recommended for best experience
  • Some ui and input issues reported

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players learn and execute a variety of card cheating techniques with freedom to apply them in different scenarios; some constraints exist but overall high player control."

  • Competence
    5

    "Game requires mastering complex, precise card tricks with timing, memory, and dexterity; clear skill progression and feedback."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal mastery and story progression rather than competing against other players or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players often engage in repeated practice and multiple play sessions to master tricks and explore story endings."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player and individual; no evidence of multiplayer or cooperative mechanics."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players combine learned techniques in various ways during gameplay, though within structured sequences and limited improvisation."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions emphasize deception and subtlety rather than exerting overt control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive historical setting and engaging story provide strong escape from real life; players report emotional involvement."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and curiosity; no indications of obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players explore and practice multiple card tricks and strategies, though within a guided narrative framework."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Some discovery of story and characters in different locations, but mostly linear progression with limited open exploration."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization or personalization; focus is on executing predefined card tricks and story choices."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Set in a stylized 18th-century France with fictionalized historical figures and dramatic narrative elements."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social or community interaction described."

  • Growth
    5

    "Strong emphasis on learning and mastering new skills, improving memory, dexterity, and strategic thinking."

  • Health
    -4

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity; some reports of stress and frustration."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and practice; not suited for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "No evidence of close social relationships or emotional sharing; interactions are scripted and limited."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "No leadership or group management roles; player acts individually within story."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate new card tricks and unlock story chapters; progression tied to skill acquisition."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Gameplay can be tense and stressful due to precision and timing demands, though some find it satisfying."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable audiovisual presentation with engaging music and art style; some emotional excitement from gameplay."

  • Status
    -3

    "No social recognition or leaderboards; achievements exist but social status is not a focus."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion with well-developed characters, plot twists, and historical setting."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Requires planning and adapting card tricks to situations; some problem solving though within scripted sequences."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Tension and suspense from performing tricks under pressure and avoiding detection; risk of failure."

  • Value
    3

    "Players report satisfaction with content and price; some mention short length but overall good value."

  • Violence
    -4

    "No emphasis on combat or destruction; gameplay centers on deception and subtle manipulation."

  • Survival
    3

    "Avoiding failure and suspicion is critical; risk of losing progress or death adds stakes to gameplay."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026