Balatro
Release Date: February 20, 2024
Puzzle, turn-based, roguelike, 2D, card games, indie games, Poker, singleplayer
OpenCritic
Steam
A roguelike card game loosely based on the poker rules. Balatro has us participate in solo card duels, gradually unlocking new card decks and joker cards with unique abilities and effects. The game offers a story campaign, as well as various single challenges.
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Videos and Screens
[1:48] Balatro - Friends of Jimbo (Pack 3) - Reveal Trailer
[1:33] Balatro Friends of Jimbo (Pack 2) Trailer
OpenCritic Rating
Game is Recomended by 100% of Critics. There are 57 Critic Reviews.
IGN: 9 / 10 by Simon Cardy
A deck-building poker roguelike of endlessly satisfying proportions, Balatro is the sort of fun that threatens to derail whole weekend plans.
PC Gamer: 91 / 100 by Abbie Stone
A roguelike deckbuilder debut already worth of joining Slay the Spire and Monster Train at the King's table. Essential.
Push Square: 9 / 10 by Stephen Tailby
Between the main game, seeded runs, and a Challenge mode to really test your skills, there's endless fun to be drawn from Balatro. With so many variables to experiment with, sleek presentation, and hypnotically addictive gameplay, this is easily among the best deckbuilders, and possibly among the best roguelikes, we've played yet.
The main pros of the game
- Addictive Gameplay: Many users describe Balatro as extremely addictive, often losing track of time while playing. The combination of strategy and randomness keeps players engaged and wanting to play "just one more round."
- Replayability: The game offers a high replay value due to its variety of joker cards and strategies, making each run feel unique. Players appreciate the different builds and combinations available, which enhance the gameplay experience.
- Accessibility: Users note that even those unfamiliar with poker can easily learn and enjoy the game. The tutorial and in-game information help players understand the mechanics quickly.
- Satisfying Mechanics: The gameplay is described as simple yet deep, with satisfying mechanics that provide a rewarding experience. Players enjoy the strategic elements involved in deck-building and making decisions.
- Visual and Auditory Appeal: The art style and music are praised, with many stating that the soundtrack remains enjoyable even after extended playtime.
The main cons of the game
- Luck Factor: Some players feel that the game can be heavily influenced by luck, particularly regarding the appearance of joker cards in the shop. This randomness can lead to frustrating runs where players feel they have no viable options.
- Tedious Early Rounds: A few users mention that starting a new game can feel tedious, particularly if they are stuck with a standard deck and no upgrades. This can lead to repetitive early-game experiences.
- RNG-dependent Achievements: Some players express frustration with the randomness involved in achieving certain in-game milestones, which can require significant time investment and luck.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- More Card Faces and Variations: A few players suggest that the game could benefit from additional card faces or more diverse joker abilities to enhance the gameplay variety.
- Soundtrack Variety: While many enjoy the existing soundtrack, some players noted that having a single track can become repetitive over long sessions, suggesting a desire for a more varied soundtrack.
- Story or Narrative Elements: Some users, particularly those who prefer games with a narrative, expressed a desire for more story-driven content or context within the gameplay.
Summary
- Overall, Balatro is highly regarded for its addictive and engaging gameplay, despite some criticisms regarding luck and early-game experiences. Players recommend it for anyone interested in deck-building and roguelikes, even if they have little to no knowledge of poker.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 33 votes.
Balatro Description
Balatro is a card game with roguelike elements, loosely based on the poker rules. The game was developed by the independent studio LocalThunk, and its release was handled by Playstack.
Mechanics
The main attraction of Balatro are card games, during which we play cards and build an increasingly powerful deck, as well as collect tokens and use them to place bets before subsequent duels on the table.
Although the game was based on the rules of poker, the authors tried to introduce a number of their own changes, which significantly influence the course of the game. Allowed poker hands (card arrangements) can be combined with various jokers, each of which has unique properties and abilities. In addition to them, we have been given a variety of decks at our disposal, including standard cards, tarot cards (strengthening the former), planet cards (strengthening poker hands), astral cards, and coupon cards (which provide us with access to permanent upgrades).
By using them and relying on various moves, we create diverse, sometimes powerful card combinations that allow us to win subsequent duels. The game requires to build a deck in such a way that individual cards complement each other.
Throughout the course of the games, we unlock new elements of the deck, and also discover various secrets, which over time increase our chances of winning in each hand. An additional source of information about which hands and jokers we should use more often and which should be avoided are detailed statistics.
Game modes
Balatro only allows you to play solo. The game offers a story campaign with eight levels of difficulty, as well as single, daily challenges and set approaches.
Technical aspects
The graphic design of the Balatro game was made in the pixel art technique. The game is accompanied by a synthwave soundtrack.
Balatro Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows February 20, 2024
PlayStation 5 February 20, 2024
Xbox Series X/S February 20, 2024
Switch February 20, 2024
PlayStation 4 February 20, 2024
Xbox One February 20, 2024
Android OS September 26, 2024
Apple iOS September 26, 2024
Developer: LocalThunk
Publisher: PlayStack
Age restrictions: 12+
Balatro System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i3, 1 GB RAM, graphic card Intel HD or better, 50 MB HDD, Windows 7/8/10/11 64-bit
Balatro's Dev Was Confident in Game's Success Only a Day Before Its Release. Now Boasts Amazing Sales
Balatro has already sold more than a million copies. The popular game is heading to new platforms.
video games
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March 19, 2024
Balatro Guide - How to Play Black Deck
Check our guide on How to Play Black Deck in Balatro, featuring insights on selecting the right Jokers and essential strategies to follow.
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February 23, 2024
How to Unlock Cavendish in Balatro
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Balatro - How to Unlock Legendary Jokers and What They Do
Using Legendary Jokers in Balatro can have a positive effect and help you win a duel. From our guide you will learn how to unlock them and how they work.
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February 23, 2024
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Are you wondering what Blank Voucher in Balatro is used for? In this guide you will find the answer.
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February 21, 2024