C.A.R.D.S., an Immersive Story-Based Puzzle and Playing Cards

C.A.R.D.S. is an exciting new Kickstarter project from designer Brad Gabbard that combines playing cards with a thrilling adventure puzzle. This project follows in the footsteps of Stockholm 17’s Eye of the Ocean, which also used decks of cards along with a book and puzzle to tell a story. C.A.R.D.S is an innovative way to use playing cards in an interactive and engaging way, making it a must-have for puzzle and card game enthusiasts.

C.A.R.D.S. stands for Compliance Aptitude & Restricted Data Survey. The series is based on a retro theme and tells the story of a mysterious company named Rector Industries, which has been contracted by an unknown entity to conduct a testing program for candidates. Each candidate would receive a deck of cards that plays a crucial role in solving the puzzle.

There are two available editions: Ledger Green and Compliance Orange. There are other companion items that come with the deck – the book which explores the lore of the company; the coin with a set of numbers; a mug, a pen holder, and a custom ID badge to complete the experience for the story.

The card back design features a minimalistic yet classic design that bears the fictitious company name and logo on both sides. There are tabs on the left and right sides, breaking the border to compliments a good visual look when the cards are fanned. These are the two main colors for the back: olive green and orange, creating a clear contrast for the design. For Ledger Green, it uses olive green for the back with orange tabs, whereas Compliance Orange, uses orange for the back with olive green tabs.

Both Jokers feature an identical design of an advertisement of Rector Industries, complete with logo and name. It comes in two different solid colors that are the main color set for the decks.

The number cards feature custom numbers, pips, and layouts. It is designed to look like evaluation questions, what looked like “complete the sequence” puzzles complete with an answering box. These are the puzzles mentioned in this series, and not many number cards are shown to preserve the integrity of the puzzle experience.

All of the Aces feature customized enlarged pips. They also come with special instructions from the company on the bottom side, and it is unique – such as licking the card or stamping your fingerprints. The cards served as samples for the new hires.

The court cards feature custom portrait illustrations of characters assigned as members of Rector Industries Supreme Board of Directors. Each court completes with the company logo and job title. The portraits are drawn with eldritch elements, suggesting these characters are hiding sinister plans.

The tuck case will be made with a premium matte stock of green/orange color. There is the matte finish white hot foil on the white band that circles around the box, bearing the name of the deck and the Rector Industries logo.

Printed by Legends Playing Card Co. and pledge starts from $16 for a single deck of Ledger Green/Compliance Orange on Kickstarter. If you are really interested in experiencing the lore of this deck series, you may get the booklet and coin as add-ons.