“Cards and Guns” presents itself as a top-down arena shooter akin to “Vampire Survival,” developed and published by Family Devs, a father and son duo from Barcelona, Spain. Having dedicated seven hours of gameplay, I found it addictive enough to keep returning, though lacking in significant surprises.

The game’s narrative, or lack thereof, places players in the shoes of Neo, a generic spaceman armed to the teeth, tasked with dispatching waves of varied foes such as bats, fiery orbs, and wizards. While one can assume these creatures harbor nefarious intentions, a deeper plot or context would have added considerable depth to the experience.

Nevertheless, the core gameplay mechanics are enjoyable. Players begin with a choice of three cards, each presumably offering unique abilities or advantages. This strategic element adds depth to the gameplay and encourages experimentation.

In “Cards and Guns,” the visual presentation of each skill stands out with its uniqueness, adding depth and variety to the gameplay. One of the game’s strengths lies in its flexible card skill system, allowing players to activate these abilities at any moment during their run, once the cooldown has reached zero.

The game’s difficulty leans towards the easier side, offering players the freedom to invest their collected gems and gold into enhancing weapon damage, range, and speed. I personally poured all my resources into my gun and health which made clearing stages easy and after maxing out skill cards, I was unstoppable hahaha. The progression curve was a bit a fast I felt I could kill everything with ease three hours in.

The Controls in “Cards and Guns” are commendable, boasting a user-friendly interface that is easy to grasp. Everything within the game world spawns and reacts as expected, contributing to a seamless gaming experience. However, minor issues were encountered, particularly in survival mode, where controller navigation challenges arose. Specifically, when attaining the first level up, I found myself unable to select my desired skill using the controller alone; instead, resorting to mouse navigation became necessary. Despite this minor inconvenience, the overall gameplay remains enjoyable and engaging.

The character design in “Cards and Guns” is a visual treat, with vibrant colors and intricate pixelation that captivate the eyes. However, the level design falls short of expectations, feeling rather lackluster and empty. Beyond the player character, collectible items, and monsters, there’s a noticeable absence of detail, making each level feel repetitive and uninspired. Introducing elements like trees or rocks could have added much-needed diversity to the environment.

While the floor design changes color between levels, the overall layout remains largely uniform, contributing to the monotonous feel. Despite the inclusion of unique enemies and engaging boss battles, the repetitive nature of the gameplay becomes apparent over time. Though variations in color provide some differentiation, the experience can feel stale, with players encountering similar foes repeatedly.

On the auditory front, the music complements the gameplay adequately, offering a typical rock-and-roll vibe that suits the action-packed nature of the game. Notably, there are subtle nods to iconic tunes, such as an homage to Final Fantasy VII, adding a touch of familiarity for fans of the genre. Overall, while “Cards and Guns” excels in character design and boss battles, it falls short in level diversity and may benefit from more varied gameplay elements to keep players engaged throughout their journey.

The monster designs in “Cards and Guns” are a standout feature, boasting a variety of unique and visually captivating creatures. Several monsters exhibit distinct skills and strategies, adding depth to the gameplay and requiring players to adapt their tactics accordingly. This diversity enhances the overall gaming experience, injecting excitement and challenge into encounters.

In terms of items, “Cards and Guns” offers a limited selection, including the bomb, magnet, gem sack, and health pickups. While these items serve their purpose adequately, they adhere to standard conventions expected in such games. However, the absence of a truly unique item is a missed opportunity to introduce innovative mechanics and further enrich the gameplay experience.

The random spawning of items within wooden barrels adds an element of unpredictability to gameplay. Players must rely on luck to obtain these items, which may result in varied experiences from one playthrough to the next. While this adds a layer of excitement, it also introduces a level of uncertainty.

In summary, “Cards and Guns” offers a decent way to pass the time, boasting some unique features like the loadout card system. The inclusion of a global leaderboard adds a competitive edge, challenging players to rise to the top ranks. While the game is rather basic overall, I found enjoyment in playing it, though I foresee limited replay value beyond a few additional sessions.

Available on Steam for $6.99, there’s currently an introductory discount until May 16th, 2024, reducing the price to $6.29. Personally, I’m uncertain if I’d justify the full $7 price tag, but at $4 or $5, it becomes a more appealing proposition. I’d recommend this game to casual players looking for some straightforward entertainment and I’m eager to see what else Family Devs has in store for future releases.

Rating 6/10