Parallax

About

Parallax is a minimalist, abstract strategy shedding and climbing game for 4 to 7 players. Centered on geometric light manipulation, refraction, and tactical hand management. Players manage a hand of cards across six suits that contain numbered "natural" rank cards 2 through K, along with specialized Wild cards and unique herald cards known as the Apex and Void. The primary objective is to shed all cards from hand before opponents do, scoring points based on the cards remaining in opponents' hands at the end of each round. On an opening turn, a player must start by interacting with Parallax's dynamic central structure "The Frame" to reveal a table-wide rule that will alter play and then open the round with a card of their choice. Players take turns attempting to either beat the active lead on the table by playing a higher-value single card or combination of matching ranks/suits, or pass. Interacting with the Frame allows players to perform a "Shift or Burn" action, swapping a card from hand with a card in the Frame to fix hand composition or burn a card to manipulate the table state. The Wilds and Heralds operate in unique ways to create special events, and dramatically alter the state of play. The game focuses on player agency, intense real-time strategy that shifts with every turn. By combining classic climbing card mechanics with spatial board state manipulation through the Sovereign Window, Parallax requires players to balance immediate tactical plays against long-term hand structure. —description from the designer

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