Balatro - Buyer's Guide

Experience the groundbreaking blend of poker-inspired gameplay and roguelike elements in Balatro. With its engaging gameplay, depth, and replayability, is it worth trying out? Learn more and find out!
Fan-art of Balatro

Embark on a psychedelic journey of high-stakes strategy in Balatro, a groundbreaking poker-inspired roguelike deck builder. Conceive potent synergies by combining poker hands with unique Joker cards, earning chips to overcome devious blinds and unlock hidden bonuses. With endless possibilities and 8 difficulty levels, master the unpredictable flow state and craft spectacular combos amidst a pixelated world of synthwave sounds and CRT haze.

Should I play Balatro in 2024?

The good

  • Unique Blend of Genres: Balatro combines poker with roguelike deckbuilding, creating an addictively unique gameplay experience that’s both easy to understand and highly engaging.
  • Accessibility: Even those unfamiliar with poker can dive in, thanks to helpful glossaries and intuitive mechanics.
  • High Replay Value: Hundreds of unique cards, strategic depth, and randomized boss fights make each playthrough feel fresh and challenging.
  • Soundtrack: The main audio track is highly praised, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
  • Affordable Price: At $15, the game offers immense value, especially given its depth and replayability.
  • Adored by Many: Multiple reviews highlight the game’s addictive nature and engaging mechanics, often pulling players into long sessions.

The bad

  • Save File Bug: Some players have experienced a significant bug where their save files reset spontaneously, erasing hours of progress. This bug lacks an official fix or acknowledgment as of now.
  • Limited Music Variety: While the main audio track is enjoyed, the game reportedly has a limited music selection that may become repetitive.

Verdict

Should you play Balatro in 2024? Absolutely! 🃏 This game masterfully blends poker and roguelike deckbuilding into an addictively unique experience, perfect for both newcomers and seasoned card game enthusiasts. With overwhelmingly positive sentiment, engaging mechanics, and a price point that offers excellent value, Balatro is a must-try. Just keep an eye out for potential save file issues, but don’t let that deter you from diving into this gem. 🎮❤️



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In-game Screenshot

Screenshot of Balatro

Top image is not real in-game screenshots. Fan-art made by Gamer.se. Some game metadata is coming from RAWG