What is Balatro?
2024 was a remarkable year for gaming, with heavy hitters like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Black Myth Wukong, and Elden Ring: Shadows of the Erdtree dominating the spotlight. But one game that exceeded expectations at The Game Awards was Balatro. This deck-building roguelike inspired by poker (Trust me on this) won more awards than anyone anticipated—except for me. After diving into the game in October, I was hooked from the start. It’s only fitting that I share my thoughts on this indie gem, even if I’m a bit late to the party.
Roguelike + Deckbuilder + Poker?!
Roguelike deck builders are nothing new, with games like Slay the Spire and Inscryption already dominating the genre. But Balatro burst onto the scene, shaking things up with its unique twist at a simple concept. Balatro uses simple mechanics, giving you a standard deck of 52 cards to start. Players face off against “blinds,” poker bosses that require chips to defeat using poker hands. But here’s where the roguelike magic happens: the shop.
Shop Magic
After conquering each blind, you gain access to the shop, where you can buy powerful Jokers, Tarot Cards, and Vouchers. Jokers are the real game-changer—each one offers a rare buff, like multiplying your chips or boosting your multiplier. The catch? You can arrange your Jokers in any order, creating wild synergies and unpredictable runs. Tarot cards are used to add to the base multiplier of your poker hands. Vouchers are used to give a few extra handy perks that may be needed later on in your run. Every Balatro run is different, with endless possibilities for deck building and ways to play.
Wait, There’s more?!
I Know, I know, you’re probably sitting there reading this and asking yourself, “No way there’s even more.” Well there is. Balatro has the classic normal red deck, but it also has a 14 other decks, each with their own attributes. The classic red deck gives you one extra discard, other decks have different attributes such as the Zodiac deck starting you off with 3 vouchers. Balatro also has an ever growing modding community with mods easily being easily accessible, adding unique jokers, vouchers, and ease of life changes. Finally, the main Theme for Balatro is some of the best music I’ve heard in any game. It fits the experience so well and ends up just enhancing the overall experience.
Why Balatro?
Balatro offers an experience that’s both thrilling and endlessly replayable, making it a must-try for gamers who haven’t yet jumped in. The abundance of in depth variety, ensures each playthrough feels fresh and exciting. The engaging gameplay loop keeps you coming back for more, with each match offering new strategies and challenges. Plus, the entrancing main Balatro theme sets the tone perfectly, creating an atmosphere that enhances every moment of gameplay. If you’re looking for a game that combines strategy, creativity, and an immersive experience, Balatro is the perfect choice!
