As a jaded critic, who may or may not have been born in 19th century, with a taste for dramatics and an unyielding skepticism, I recently delved into the world of the new card battler video game OscarWildeCard. Promising a buffet of dashing debonair gentlemen and razor-sharp wit, all set against the backdrop of competitive dinner parties, would I enjoy this peculiar blend of strategic gameplay and sardonic gay-friendly banter?

Upon launching OscarWildeCard, I was immediately struck by its visually appealing art. The characters, illustrated by legendary comic book artist Joe Phillips, possess an charm and wit that immediately draws players into their world of playfully flirty gay men. From businessmen to vacuous party boys, each card has a distinctive personality, making it easy for players to serve up individual stories.

The game's main commitment however, is to the art of dinner party banter. Every character in OscarWildeCard possesses a sharp tongue and an arsenal of biting remarks. The dialogue between these well-heeled combatants, before, during and after the battles is filled with acerbic comebacks and unexpected witticisms

The gameplay itself blends traditional card battles with mechanics inspired by the world of competitive dinner parties. You have six seats (one of them a special "wildecard" slot) and take turns placing a guest. Each guest is worth a certain number of points and has special abilities.

The dinner party setting itself is perhaps under-developed, with a pretty spartan game world that only loosely conjures up an actual dinner party table. The focus is clearly on the battle and the card characters themselves.

OscarWildeCard is also seasoned with a generous sprinkle of social satire. The developer Up Multimedia (owner of this masthead) are an openly proud "gay-themed gaming company", and Oscar pokes gentle fun at some of the worst tendencies of the gay community, from body shaming through to being overly competitive. But it never gets "too mean" and the humour successfully walks a fine line (not surprising since Up Multimedia are experienced, having producing a long line of gay classics such as My Ex-Boyfriend the Space Tyrant).

For many gay-friendly games, visually pleasing artwork is usually enough for the developers to declare "dessert is served". However, what truly impresses me about OscarWildeCard (Oscar Wilde Card? Oscar Wildecard? The name is never clear -- I should sue for slander) is the depth of strategy on offer.

Beyond simple attack and defense values, the card mechanics incorporate devious strategies and backstabs. Players must carefully plan their moves, balancing the delicate dance of diplomacy and subterfuge that characterizes the competitive dinner party setting. The game demands shrewd decision-making, appealing to both seasoned card battler enthusiasts and those used to a more casual experience. The games does err on the simpler side of strategy, with the small number of card slots meaning a single guest can rapidly tilt the state of the board, which can give a random feel at times.

There is no multiplayer in OscarWildeCard, an unfortunate omission, but it offers an engrossing single-player campaign that immerses players in a tale of social climbing, scandal, and reputation management. There is a also a "conquest" mode that provides additional scenarios but I find them a bit unbalanced.

As you progress through the narrative, unlocking new characters and their associated skills, you delve deeper into the intricate web of gossip and intrigue of this luxury apartment block. There are a few twists and dramatic revelations too.

In a gaming world often devoid of clever wordplay and sharp social criticism, OscarWildeCard serves as a reminder of the power of satire and the joy of biting commentary. With its pretty boy aesthetics, strategic depth, and sardonic charm, this game proves that even the most jaded critic can find amusement in unexpected places.