Cheatin' Changeling

*PLEASE READ TUTORIAL BELOW*

Cheatin' Changeling is a quick and tricky puzzle game where you play as a tiny shapeshifter who helps a card hustler cheat against Death itself.

Players will learn a simplified version of a popular Brazilian card game, then learn how to cheat it – by utilizing limited Move, Copy Suit and Copy Rank moves to form paths between desired cards and make the right card changes to come out the winner in a 3-round format.

HOW TO PLAY

Matches are made of 3 rounds; win 2 to advance. Draws are also possible, in which case the match will be replayed. Your objective is to use Jiri to change cards (yours or the opponent's) to win.

How to win: have the strongest card in the round. In this game, card strengths are defined by rank, as shown in this image (You can consult the strength orders anytime in-game):

 

There is, however, a catch - each match has a turn card.

The turn card will define the strongest card for that match, the Manilla. The manilla is the card following the turn card in the strength order. In this example, K is the turn card, so A is the strongest card in this match. The rest of the order remains the same, so:

So what's the deal with the manilla? It doesn't draw. Rounds involving the manilla will be decided by the suit strength, which always follows this order:

Considering these rules, your job is to use Jiri, the purple shapeshifter, to turn the game in your favor - Death always wins otherwise! You can copy the rank or suit of adjacent cards of the card you're in. You can choose to PLAY ROUND at least two times to be able to reach the opponent's cards. Jiri can alter the results of previous rounds in a match!

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The story takes inspiration from the Brazilian culture of hanging at the local bar and encountering highly experienced pool hustlers, card sharks and masters of cards and dominoes. We all know those smooth talkers who can actually back up what they’re saying with legitimate skill.

Made for the Pirate Software Game Jam #16!