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shiroo56 wrote:

macstrat wrote:Were transformation decks ever designed to be useful, or just souvenir decks?

I would say no. They are clearly focused on the art/souvenir/collectable thing.

Very true on both counts. Like Lorenzo, I was just very disappointed all the way around with the physical characteristics. While they’re not for poker night, I am just not as excited about gifting and showing these off now.

TheGentlemanWake wrote:I've shot a review for these. In my editing queue. Beautiful art. But that's pretty much all it is. Maybe that's ok. Not functional in the least. Although, I have to admit that the glossy stock reminds me of glossy books and cards as a kid. It makes the art stand out.

I own it but to be honest, I don't have the time, eyeballs, brain power, energy or freedom to do all the decks I wish I could. l

Sorry to totally detail this thread. haha.[/quote]

THanks for being upfront on the issues you face that most if not all of us won't understand. I've liked how you sometimes do a theme or creator series in order to cover older decks that we never heard about. Best one is using the Ravn deck to introduce the Edgar Allan Poe deck. I would like to think that your review may have played a big part in the creator actually considering releasing a V2 Poe deck!

Got this one framed too, productive week after months away from cards.

I was happy to find this from a store in Finland as well:

https://www.adlibris.com/fi/kirja/royal ... 1572819597" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As many have said already, the quality is disappointing. Still a nice piece for collection.

This has to be my favorite transformation deck. I love the classic recreation decks, but the whimsical nature of these cards speaks to me. On the subject of finish and quality, That's what's stopped me from buying it. I was shopping on Aliexpress and saw a few vendors selling a knockoff for $1 or $2. Figured I'd grab a pack just to see the art in person. It came in a tuck box that mirrors the official hard box. Pretty sturdy. As for the cards, upon inspection, they seem to have a linen type texture, and handle and faro well. I wish these were official. I may just buy an official box (not expensive) and just play with these.

mardem1976 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 21, 2025 4:52 pm This has to be my favorite transformation deck. I love the classic recreation, but the whimsical nature of these cards speaks to me. On the subject of finish and quality, That's what's stopped me from buying it. I was shopping on Aliexpress and saw a few vendors selling a knockoff for $1 or $2. Figured I'd grab a pack just to see the art in person. It came in a tuck box that mirrors the official hard box. Pretty sturdy. As for the cards, upon inspection, they seem to have a linen type texture, and handle and faro well. I wish these were official. I may just buy an official box (not expensive) and just play with these.

Just keep in mind that a lot of Patrick Valenza's decks are printed by US Games Systems and the handling is awful, even with the official version. For some reason, he has had a significant issue of knockoffs of his playing card/tarot decks being printed in China.

All that aside, the artwork is superb.