If you’ve ever pegged card games as cozy affairs full of gentle rivalry and tea, Deckline is here to shift that narrative—hard. Kreidpix’s new indie horror card game doesn’t just deal you a hand; it throws you into a world where each card might be your last. Priced at a mere $3, Deckline melds the time-honored Russian game Durak with a heavy dose of psychological horror, all seen through a lens of Eastern European bleakness. So, is this a gamble worth taking, or should you fold early? Let’s see what’s really on the table.
Ready to find out what lies beneath Deckline’s somber veneer? Let’s take a closer look.
Check out Deckline’s eerie style in the official trailer:
Deckline isn’t interested in being another forgettable card battler. Instead, it riffs on Durak—a classic Russian card game often played in tough times—and reimagines it as a struggle for survival. Here, losing isn’t just a matter of points; it’s existential, set against a backdrop where hope is in short supply.
The minimalist visuals immediately put you on edge, with a soundscape that’s less “friendly banter” and more “uneasy silence.” The game’s sense of isolation is palpable, and every match feels like a small act of resistance against inevitable defeat—much in the spirit of grim psychological horror and the developer’s nods to cult favorites like Buckshot Roulette.
Deckline sticks closely to Durak’s roots: each match starts with six cards per player and plays out as a tense duel of attack and defense. The attacker throws down cards; the defender has to beat them with higher cards of the same suit or trump cards. Fail to defend, and you take the pile. The objective? Empty your hand first or be left holding the bag—sometimes literally.
Yet, it’s not the mechanics but the mood that sets Deckline apart. Every lost hand feels more like a brush with oblivion than a minor setback. The war-themed setting and psychological edge transform the simple act of playing cards into a high-stakes, nerve-wracking battle.
Two main modes await: a story mode with several endings, and an infinite competitive mode with online leaderboards. Story mode is the real star—each run is tense, with your fate hanging on both skill and cruel twists of luck. The branching narrative encourages replay, especially for those who like to see every ending (or chase every achievement).
Fans of endless challenges will find the infinite mode a test of pure skill—no roguelike unlocks or meta-progression here, just the satisfaction (and occasional heartbreak) of a hard-fought win. While some may wish for more depth or persistent upgrades, Deckline’s laser focus keeps things tight and immersive.
Deckline’s visuals are stripped to essentials: muted colors, stark tables, and not a shiny animation in sight. This restraint works in its favor, cranking up the tension and immersing you in its war-torn world. Every flicker of light or fade in the background adds to the creep factor.
Sound design is equally sparse—ambient noises and a haunting soundtrack keep you unsettled without ever overwhelming the gameplay. It’s psychological horror done right: no cheap scares, just a slow build of dread that lingers long after your last hand.
The digital card game world is packed with flashy contenders (looking at you, Balatro and Slay the Spire), but Deckline carves out its own niche. It’s not about bombastic combos or sprawling deck-builders; it’s about atmosphere and endurance. If Buckshot Roulette’s tense parlor horror is your thing, you’ll find Deckline’s vibe familiar—though here, the focus is on grim survival rather than reckless risk.
This simplicity may not appeal to those chasing deep strategy or endless unlocks, but for players craving a chilling, narrative-driven card game, Deckline is a rare treat. The modest price tag seals the deal for anyone even remotely curious.
Give it a try if you:
Skip it if you:
Deckline is a fascinating experiment: a classic card game recast as a slow-burning horror experience. Its minimalist visuals, haunting soundscape, and relentless mood make it a standout for genre fans. While the lack of progression systems may leave some strategists cold, Deckline’s commitment to atmosphere and narrative tension earns it a spot among indie gems.
For just $3, you’re getting a focused, memorable game that’s unlike anything else in the deck. If you’re craving a night of existential dread—or want to see just how dark a card game can get—Deckline is a risk worth taking.
Deckline turns the classic Durak card game into a chilling, minimalist horror tale. With multiple story endings and a competitive mode, it’s a tense $3 experiment that’s perfect for fans of psychological thrills, though strategists may find it a bit barebones.
Source: publisher