If you’re a fan of card games that blend strategy, risk, and a bit of luck, High Stakes is the game you need to try. Designed to test your nerve, this thrilling game challenges players to flip cards while keeping an eye on the all-important Vampire card. If you flip the Vampire, it’s game over, so every decision you make can lead to victory or disaster.
How to Play High Stakes
In High Stakes, you’re dealt 9 cards every round. The goal is simple: flip as many cards face-up as possible without revealing the Vampire card, which is hidden among the other cards. Each of the 8 value cards ranges from 2 to 9, and there’s only one copy of each card in the game. The challenge begins as you must carefully decide which cards to flip, hoping to avoid the dreaded Vampire card.
The game offers a twist — if you think you know where the Vampire card is, you can use the Stake to attempt to eliminate it. If you succeed, you’ll gain more points and raise the stakes. However, if you flip the Vampire card by accident, the stakes will be subtracted from your winnings, making each round a nail-biting gamble.
Unlocking Rewards and Progressing Through the Game
One of the highlights of High Stakes is its ability to raise the stakes each time you play. Flipping all value cards or successfully staking the Vampire card increases your winnings, while flipping the wrong card can result in penalties. The game’s unique system allows you to complete rows and columns to unlock Hint Tokens, providing valuable clues on how to approach your next moves.
Players also have the option to pass a round by paying a penalty equivalent to two card flips, which ensures they keep their winnings but lose a bit of their progress. After each round, you collect blood, which is the game’s currency, allowing you to unlock new, tougher opponents with higher payouts. Your objective? Reach 5000ml of blood to win the game. But beware—if you lose all your blood, your progress is wiped, and you’ll have to start over.
Win Streaks and The Ultimate Challenge
For those who like a bit of competition, High Stakes tracks your Win Streak. If you beat the game, you’ll start a win streak that increases with every victory. However, if you die or restart a game in progress, you’ll lose your streak. The game keeps track of how many attempts you’ve made so far, making each success feel even more rewarding.
The Beauty of High Stakes
High Stakes was created as part of the A Game By Its Cover Jam 2020 and draws inspiration from the Famicase Exhibition 2020. The concept and artwork, designed by Tyler Q Anderson and Jamie C Lee, bring the theme of danger and risk to life. The game was designed by independent developer Krystian Majewski, and the music, composed by Gruber Music, adds a suspenseful atmosphere to the experience.
The game is written entirely in Pico-8, a fantasy console that allows for retro-style games with modern gameplay mechanics. Its minimalist design and quick rounds make it the perfect game for a quick but intense gaming session.
Why Play High Stakes?
If you’re looking for a game that combines strategy, luck, and risk in a thrilling way, High Stakes is the perfect choice. Its fast-paced gameplay, ever-increasing stakes, and exciting challenges make it an addictive experience that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re flipping cards in search of a win or trying to avoid the Vampire card, every decision in High Stakes feels crucial.
So, if you’re ready to take on the challenge and raise the stakes, give High Stakes a try. Will you outsmart the Vampire, or will you risk it all and face defeat? The choice is yours—just remember, in High Stakes, every flip could be your last!
