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At a Glance
- Genre: Deckbuilder, Roguelite
- Single/Multiplayer: Single-player
- Average Playtime: Depends on run depth (~5–30 minutes per run)
- Original Release Year: 2024
- Developer/Publisher: LocalThunk / Playstack
Table of Contents
Balatro – Overview
I went into Balatro expecting something special. The buzz around it was loud—people were calling it one of the most addicting indie games in recent memory. And on paper, it sounded perfect for me. I enjoy both roguelikes and deckbuilders. I loved Slay the Spire, so this seemed like a sure win.
But after a few hours, I realized it just wasn’t for me.
🛍️ If you’re ready to check out Balatro for yourself, it’s available on Humble Bundle.
Balatro – Official Launch Trailer
Gameplay Experience
The core loop of Balatro is elegant and easy to grasp. You’re essentially playing poker hands to score points, upgrading cards and adding modifiers to boost your deck between rounds. It’s got a clean interface, tight pacing, and a good sense of escalation.
I can see why so many players get hooked—it scratches that “one more run” itch, especially when you pull off an absurd combo or manage a high-scoring streak. But for me, something just didn’t click.
There was no real barrier in terms of mechanics or difficulty. I understood what the game wanted from me. But I kept waiting for that “aha” moment—for the fun to hit me the way it hit others. It never did. My expectations were probably too high after all the glowing reviews.
Image credit: Balatro on Steam / © LocalThunk
Visuals and Audio
Visually, Balatro goes for a retro-minimalist aesthetic that works well for what it is. The bright flashes and dramatic slow-mo moments when you land a huge combo are satisfying touches. The music is low-key and unobtrusive, fitting the vibe of a chill-yet-strategic experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to learn, hard to master
- Fast-paced runs with lots of variety
- Satisfying upgrades and combo
Cons
- May not click with everyone, even fans of the genre
- Can feel repetitive if the hook doesn’t land
- Hype may set unrealistic expectations
Final Thoughts
Balatro just wasn’t my kind of game. I can appreciate what it’s doing and why others love it—it has that addictive feedback loop and clever design that defines good roguelites. But I didn’t feel compelled to keep playing. It lacked the sense of progression or discovery that drew me into other games in the genre.
If you’re into poker mechanics and chasing score-based highs, you might find a new obsession here. As for me, I gave it a shot, and I’m happy to move on.