The Ophidian deck is named after the reptile suborder Opidia (snakes), and is a word that refers to
snakes. Snakes alive! Sure enough, this deck is all about what its creators describe as "the
hypnotic beauty of a snake".
The artists at Shapeshifters Playing Cards have teamed up
with Gambler's Warehouse to produce this elegantly designed snake-themed deck.
The tuck
box immediately introduces us to an intricate and artistic tangle of multiple snakes, with an
engaging design that draws you in as you rove your eyes along the twisting shapes of our ophidian
friends.
The hypnotic design of these slithering creatures is also a key feature of the
card backs, which are bordered in a reptilian brown. These are inspired by the classic rider back
design in that they have two strong circular shapes that ensures a mirrored/symmetrical look. Yet
within this traditional pattern is a detailed and intricate design that is highly original, and is
full of intertwined patterns that closer examination reveals to be snakes. The overall background
pattern also brings to mind the scales one might find on our reptilian friends.
All the
Aces are oversized, and reprise the highly detailed artwork found on the card backs, with entangled
snake-like coils. The design of the card backs also returns on all the card faces in a faint
watermark style. The overall design of the faces is also highly reminiscent of the style of the
Mystique deck, which was also created by Shapeshifters.
The court cards have a
monochromatic look, in either black or red. While clearly inspired by classical court cards, they
also offer a fresh and fully customized interpretation. A light yellow-brown serves as the soft
background to the characters, and this colour complements the card backs nicely. Especially
noteworthy is the use of "scales" as part of the design. Careful observers will also be rewarded
by noticing lots of curled shapes, some of which turn out to be actual snakes.
The number
cards have a very bold look, highlighting the customized pips that are found on all of the cards.
Especially noticeable on these cards are the use of pips on all four corners, which is an unique
feature of the entire deck, as well as the arrows piercing the smaller pips used for the indices.
The Jokers complement the design of the card backs, but offer a completely new
interpretation of the entangled shapes present there, with an hour-glass shapes that also
incorporate ovals decorated with scales to look like serpent heads. The text of the words Joker
also features a snake wrapped around it.
This deck has been printed by USPCC, which means
that the creative artistic vision of this project has been matched by a quality product that looks
and handles great. Like all USPCC decks, it also comes with two extra cards, which are a diptych,
i.e. when placed together, they create a single large image not altogether unlike the design on the
card backs.
The Ophidian deck is a brand new release, that has only just become available
for the first time in early 2018. It was produced in a limited edition of only 2500 units, so be
sure to get one while you can. - BoardGameGeek reviewer EndersGame
