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This project aims to fund the production of at least 50 complete foiled 78 tarot decks, inspired by the world of Mass Effect. Tarot decks are composed of a 22 card Major Arcana deck, and a 58 card Minor Arcana deck, made up of four suites (wands, swords, pentacles and cups).
From the Mass Effect Inspired Tarot’s Kickstarter page
As a huge Mass Effect fan, I was immediately drawn to Mass Effect Inspired Tarot. The universe of Mass Effect is rich with complex characters, intricate storylines, and powerful emotions, all of which translate beautifully into the symbolism of Tarot. This deck offers a way to engage with that beloved universe on a deeper, more spiritual level, blending the futuristic themes of the game with ancient archetypal energies. Each card feels like a unique piece of art that brings my favourite moments and characters from the series to life in a way that is both meaningful and visually stunning.
The artwork on these cards is simply breathtaking. The full-foil design adds an extra layer of elegance, making each card shimmer like a hidden gem in the galaxy. Every card is carefully crafted to reflect the essence of the Mass Effect universe, from the paragon and renegade choices to the iconic characters and species. In this review, I’m going to show you exactly what this deck is like, from the card quality to the stunning artwork and how it brings the world of Mass Effect into a whole new dimension of Tarot reading.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – The guidebook is not extensive – Cards can be a bit sticky – Flimsy deck box | – The guidebook is not extensive – Cards can be a bit sticky – Flimsy deckbox |
Cards and the Artwork
The card quality of the Mass Effect Inspired Tarot deck is quite impressive. Each card is standard Tarot size, making it comfortable for both shuffling and handling during readings. The soft-touch finish gives the cards a smooth, premium feel in hand, which adds to the luxurious experience of working with them. This texture elevates the tactile interaction but comes with a small drawback: the cards tend to stick together, so you’ll need to handle them with extra care when shuffling to avoid clumping. Despite this, the overall feel is undeniably satisfying, making it a joy to use for personal readings or even just for admiring the art.
Speaking of art, this deck truly shines with its unique aesthetic. The artwork has an almost mosaic-like quality, blending intricate geometric patterns with a futuristic, stained-glass style that beautifully complements the Mass Effect universe. The art captures the essence of each card while tying it back to the game’s iconic characters, themes, and moments, making every card feel like a small piece of the Mass Effect galaxy. The gold foil accents really bring this to life, adding a shimmer and depth to the cards that enhance the mosaic style, making each one a piece of art in itself.
The Reapers, prominently featured on the cardbacks, are a perfect choice for fans of the game, providing a dark and powerful symbol that resonates with the apocalyptic undertones of the Mass Effect storyline. Tho, I’m not sure if the brown colour of the backs was the perfect choice but that is a matter of taste.
However, while the deck’s artwork and card quality are impressive, its box is a bit of a letdown. The flimsy packaging requires self-assembly, which doesn’t quite match the high-end feel of the deck itself. This may be a minor inconvenience for collectors, but the cards more than make up for this shortcoming, offering a unique and immersive experience for both Tarot readers and Mass Effect fans alike.
The Guidebook of Mass Effect Inspired Tarot
The guidebook that comes with the deck is a nice addition, though it’s too large to fit inside the box with the cards, which can be an inconvenience. Its size means you’ll need to store it separately from the deck. It features a soft cover and is printed on glossy, high-quality paper that feels sturdy and premium, adding to the overall aesthetic of the deck. While the guidebook’s design and materials are top-notch, the fact that it can’t fit in the same box as the cards does create some storage issues.
Inside, the guidebook provides some Tarot spreads, though they aren’t specifically designed for this deck. For each card, you get a full-page picture of the card along with keywords and reversed keywords, offering basic guidance for interpretation. I would have liked to get something more extensive, but I guess this deck walks a thin line with copyright, even in its current shape.
The guidebook doesn’t explain what’s featured in the card art, so you’ll need to be a super fan of Mass Effect to fully appreciate the imagery. While the cards and their art are exciting for those familiar with the game’s characters and stories, those who are less familiar with the series may find the lack of descriptions limiting. Nonetheless, the guidebook serves as a functional tool for fans who want to dive deeper into both the world of Tarot and Mass Effect.
Conclusion
This Mass Effect-inspired Tarot deck is a dream for any fan of the series who also appreciates Tarot. The deck’s artwork is truly remarkable, with a unique mosaic-like style and gold foil accents that bring the cards to life. Despite the minor drawbacks, such as the cards sticking slightly due to their soft-touch finish and the flimsy deck box, the cards themselves feel high quality and provide an immersive, tactile experience. The guidebook, while beautifully produced, is a bit lacking in depth and context for those not well-versed in the Mass Effect universe. However, for dedicated fans, this deck is a captivating way to blend the world of Mass Effect with the ancient practice of Tarot reading, making it a standout addition to any collection.
