After the successful release of his first decks for the LUXX Playing Cards sries, Randy Butterfield
created a second lot of decks, the LUXX Shadow Edition, which had two versions, Gold and Silver. The
Silver deck is basically identical to the Gold deck, with the card faces being the same, and the
only difference being to the accents on the card backs (which have a touch of Silver rather than of
Gold), and naturally different tuck boxes.
The LUXX Shadow takes its starting point in the
original design, but with a darker feel and metallic inks. Black is the dominant colour (replacing
the Silver from the First Edition) in order to fit the Shadow theme. The packaging is amongst the
most glamorous imaginable. The stylish tuck boxes are made out of matt black card-stock, on which is
an intricate design printed with black glossy printing and metallic foil accents. This combination
of black and silver looks stunning against the backdrop of matt black, and makes an immediate and
thoroughly positive impression. The interior of the tuck boxes have a very smooth, polished, and
glossy look, which adds to the look of sophistication.
The card backs have the same design
with intricate designs like the original, but now have grey and black tones with silver metallic
inks, and the shading is designed to emphasize the visual beauty of spreading and fanning. The only
change to the court cards and pip cards from the first edition is that metallic gold and red ink is
used for the suits, instead of using different colours for each suit as in the first edition. The
court cards are inspired by a classical design, but have all kinds of elaborate touches to add an
element of sophistication and style, such as detailed borders, and a design of dots within the pips
themselves. The Ace of Spades is every deck's signature card, and with the LUXX Shadow it makes a
clear statement of style, with the help of ornate patterns and elaborate line-work.
The
colour scheme is also minimalist, to ensure it doesn't detract from the ornamentation of the design,
with the spades and clubs court cards depicted in a simple black and gold scheme, and the hearts and
diamonds court cards depicted in a simple black and red scheme. The dark colours of the court cards
complements the card-backs beautifully. The number cards have an instantly recognizable design, but
the stylized pips immediately sets these cards apart from a regular deck. This deck has two extra
cards: a Joker, and a poker hand rankings guide.
Like the rest of the LUXX serious, the
LUXX Shadow is a beautiful and classy deck that is luxurious in looks, and practical in style, while
still priced to be affordable. These are classy decks with a broad appeal, and I highly recommend
them for both collectors and card players. They are also available in an even more luxurious edition
with gilded edges. - BoardGameGeek reviewer EndersGame
Very functional and classy looking deck
Report this review
