Developer: Luski Game Studio
Platform: PC (Reviewed)
Genre: Simulation, Strategy
Publisher: CriticalLeap
Capote is a multiplayer card game. The game was developed by Luski Game Studio and published by CriticalLeap. Capote is similar to games such as Liar’s Bar and Buckshot Roulette, but with a more lively atmosphere. Capote will be released on Steam in Early Access.
Capote is a multiplayer game that perfectly captures the heart and humour of a bustling Brazilian bar. From the moment you load in, the setting gives off an authentic atmosphere with the warm lighting, buzzing flies, music playing through a radio, and beverage bottles that capture South American evenings. The environment design is simple, yet bright and filled with character. The colourful setting has subtle details like posters in Portuguese, nostalgic white chairs, and character models that feel tied to Brazilian culture. Each player avatar is bursting with personality, from the old grandpa whose glasses rest comically on his belly to the tattoo-covered younger guy who looks ready to play cards.
The game’s sound design is not anything out of the ordinary; calming music is played lightly in the back, but the design of the game gets you to talk to your friends whilst playing, just like any other card game setting. In the trailer and game screenshots, it seemed as though there was an icon for in-game voice chat; however, while playing the game, there was no explicit option for voice chat. I do think that the addition of a voice chat feature would be a great addition when playing in public lobbies, but also for better convenience in your own lobby. Additionally, once the game is released and more players are online, it will be even more amusing to play the card game with randoms online. One of the features of the sound design is the occasional voice reactions from the characters during gameplay, especially the sudden loud cursing when struck with the power card that makes you lose the round. These moments felt realistic, as if you were truly sitting with friends playing cards. Even when you lose a round, it’s hard not to laugh, especially when the character animations are hilarious. You could be casually looking at your hand of cards, when you turn over and see your friend’s avatar head spiralling in circles. The fainting animation of the girl collapsing on the grandpa was so random yet amusing, although it did occasionally block his sight from the cards, which may have been a bug or a silly design choice.
When it comes to controls, Capote keeps things extremely simple. You do not need to have had experience playing card games to jump into this game. Even before using the tutorial, playing a ‘practice’ round with friends allowed us to easily pick up on the rules. Still, the tutorial is well-explained, and the in-game ‘manual’ is a great touch if you ever need a refresher. The point of view in the game deserves mention as it is presented in a first-person VR-like perfection that places you directly at the table with everyone else. Being able to zoom in on characters or spectate after losing all your lives adds to the unexpected humour of this game. It genuinely feels like playing cards with real friends around a table.
The gameplay is straightforward yet a lot more strategic than one would think. Each player starts with 3 cards and makes a call on bottle caps to predict how many rounds they’ll win. Cards are ranked by strength, and players take turns playing one card at a time. Whoever has the strongest card wins the round and earns a bean on their cap. However, if you overestimate your wins, you ‘drink’ the difference, losing lives in the process. Power cards with unique effects can shift the play of each round, and reading their descriptions adds a layer of bluffing and planning. The aim is to stay in the game by managing your calls wisely and not losing your lives. The concept is similar to that of Liar’s Bar, but Capote adds bluffing mechanics with a sense of humour.
Playing with friends is where Capote truly shines (I mean, there is no other way, though it would be nice to have an option to play with bots). The game supports up to six players, though it’s just as entertaining in duos or a smaller group. Each round lasts a good amount of time and allows for great replayability whenever one feels like picking up the game. The rounds also evolve as you get extra starting cards to increase the complexity of the game.
Overall, Capote feels like a genuine game that reflects Brazilian social culture. When reading about this game, I came across the fact that it took inspiration from the traditional Brazilian game Truco. Capote does a wonderful job of creating a card game that can be accessible to many around the world. I mean, I picked up on the game relatively quickly and would definitely teach it to my friends to play in real life. I honestly did not expect to laugh as much as I did while playing Capote, but it’s one of those multiplayer games that captures the feeling of being surrounded by friends (especially through a game or cards, which is almost like a universal language of its own). The simplicity, humour, and atmosphere make this game a refreshing break from other titles.
We are very thankful to have been provided with several codes to enjoy this game fully; therefore, some of the other players had the following to say about Capote. First, Moody said the following: “Capote is an elite game; it’s fun as you get to learn how to bluff. It is especially fun playing with friends, mostly when they are far away on different sides of the world. Personally, I would like to see the developers add new round types or modes to enhance the game even more, as you can only play for a certain number of rounds before you grow bored with it (just like any other card game). However, this game was perfect for a game that is hard to find in this genre online, and different from card games like Uno or Solitaire.”
Secondly, Vroggo said the following: “The game is super casual and fun once you get the hang of the rules. It’s one of those games you and your friends switch to when you need a change of pace. I recommend having a full lobby to have the best experience. The visuals are cosy, the ambient noise calms me, and the gameplay is solid. I would definitely play the game again if asked.”
If you are looking for an authentic multiplayer card game that captures the spirit of a Brazilian bar, then Capote is just for you! You can play with up to six friends, bluff your way through clever rounds and enjoy charming visuals. Capote is perfect for players who want to unwind and share some laughs. If Capote sounds like your kind of game, then be sure to check it out when it launches in early access on October 23rd!
Overall: 8/10
This is S & S. We are world game explorers. We play games. We have played over 10,000+ games! We travel, we write reviews AND we play more games!!!!
