100%Mobile

very fun, very polished, very addicting, very replayable. hard to think of a better way to waste your time

50%PC

Average 5/10

Very well built card rogue like. This is fun for a little while. I played it for around 4 days and then I felt done. There are loads of things to unlock and the game has a large amount of variety, but it just isnt exciting enough for me. I got hooked and played for 4 days, but hook felt more like an addiction of completion then addicted from enjoyment. I would recommend the game if you dont mind just playing 5-10 hours.

Much better card games out there in my opinion, but I understand why people love this game.

95%iOS

MAN! What a game! So good I bought it twice - Steam and iOS

I kinda no-lifed this over the span of a day & a half, and will continue to pick up and play some antes anywhere I have a smidge of downtime. It's the first game I've actually played on my phone in YEARS. It's dangerous, though, because hours fly by!

I heavily dig the music, I listen to the main theme on repeat while working, theory crafting in my head... Man this game is addicting. I've never played Poker before, but it's not really a "poker game". I know that was a slight turn off for me (and probably others) when it released, but when WOFF covered this on their podcast, it kinda threw me over the edge and I knew I had to pick it up. ...Super glad I did! It's definitely what it sets out to be, a rogue-like card game. The only resemblance to Poker is the theming, and that you play Poker hands.Luckily, there is a cheat sheet you can pull up in the corner to see exactly what each hand plays, and hell, now I know Poker hands! I see this as an ultimate win. It's definitely way more focused on the joker cards you obtain that modify your run, and the way you build your deck throughout. The game is it's own thing.

It's been a semi-slow year, and I was trying to determine my personal runner-up for GOTY, but this game takes the cake! I'd really recommend this to legitimately anyone. I think fun can be found by all ages and gaming demographics. It's seriously a good time.

85%Nintendo Switch

Balatro tem mecânicas tipo rougue like que te mantém engajado, não foi fácil vencer, mas quando finalmente consegui foi muito satisfatório. Jogo tem suporte a touch no switch, tem muito conteúdo, jogo é estiloso, bem polido e tudo funciona como deveria

85%PC

Who would have thought that "roguelike" and "poker" are two words that can be put together, and that a game resulting from such a merger would be any good.

But it is! Balatro is a ton of fun, and building up your deck during each run really feels rewarding. I managed to beat the game for the first time on my 5th run, but I will be going back for more for sure - and I'll probably edit this review then, too,

As for now - fantastic game with a really interesting art style.

85%PlayStation 5

A great spin on poker that makes each more interesting than the last.

90%PC

By far the best Indie title of 2024, Balatro is wildly addicting and has core gameplay that'll suck you in for hours at a time. Because it's pure fun. And at the end of the day, that's all you really need or want. Still doing runs of course, but I had my first successful run so I figure I'll log this down.

Score: 92

90%PC

This is a really creative concept for a game. I had a ton of fun building decks and selecting the right jokers. My only complaint is my complaint with every Rougelike, having a run ended by bad RNG sucks. Other than that, this is an amazing game.

90%PC

«У госпожи удачи есть имя?»

80%PC

There's a moment about 30 minutes into Balatro, where you likely hit your first collection of Jokers that seem to produce an infinite amount of points where the game becomes addictive like really no other game can. Hours fly by, and you find yourself just completing run after run, hoping for the next big combo -

And then it stops. At least, it did for me. (A glance at the hours some put into this game paints this as at least a somewhat unique experience). Balatro is still a game I'll likely return to, but I doubt I'll ever hit that initial high again. And while I could try to nitpick all the tiny little things that I don't quite love about it - truthfully, it just stopped being interesting enough to justify essentially replaying the same experience instead of moving on to something fresh.

Still some elite presentation though.

8/10
Game #66 of 2024, November 30th

85%PC

attenzione crea dipendenza e ti tiene incollato, idea geniale ed esecuzione perfetta ogni run risulta diversa dalle altre nonostante gli elementi di gameplay non siano sconfinati.

100%PC

Merece todo o sucesso que tem! Simples, viciante e bem elaborado. Arte boasssa

100%Mobile

this is a GREAT game, i'm not really a poker or card game kinda guy but i'm still addicted to this, way too much fun, also the art is VERY cool the physical cards look great

unsure on the hours for this one, i got it for mobile on release day but i only turned screen time on for my phone less than a month ago & then stopped playing it bc i got distracted w lis:de coming out then pokemon tcgp so, this is what i have so far + 2hrs from the switch.

90%iOS

Went from "pffff how does this even get a Game of the Year nomination? Although I do have it free with Apple Arcade..." to "oh my god somebody please help me, this is free unlimited cocaine in my pocket" in literally two hours.

I don't really have a stellar record with rogue-likes. The last one I played was Hades, and I just completely forgot it existed. However, there is an insane amount of synergy that you can make with the cards that makes it so, so addictive. Whenever I pull a sick combo dopamine goes crazy in my brain just by the sound effects alone.

I don't think this game is good for my brain, or my productivity, at all; but my god I cannot stop.

20%PC

Played it again after thinking that maybe I was too harsh with my 2/5 score. Nah. One of the most overrated games of all time. Not fun whatsoever. Fun in roguelikes comes from winning and trying different types of builds. This game is just horrible in that regard. You're literally forced to play meta jokers and poker combinations if you don't want to lose. Same shit over and over and over again. And way too luck dependant. Even if you play that shitty full house run for the 10th time in a row perfectly, you may still not get the right jokers to make it viable. Just makes me appreciate games like TBoI more, where just your knowledge of the game alone can turn a bad run into a good one. Fuck it, I'm giving it a 1.

90%Nintendo Switch

Very addictive gameplay. I start playing for what I think will be 15 minutes, and before I know, three hours have passed.

100%Nintendo Switch

Balatro is gen z Nirvana's Nevermind.

It changed and created a whole genre being a behemoth of a release all the while being an indie release.

In the age of bloat and slop this game takes swings above its weight and gives a lesson in game design with elegant simplicity. Its gameplay loop is simple and very addictive - a souped up Solitaire / Poker roguelike that never overstays or understays its welcome.

God forbid big studios take this formula and try to monetize it aggressively.

We now in front our lcd screens stacking cards just like our ancestors stared at tube screens stacking cards. Bless this game

🎵 Nirvana - In Bloom 🎵

65%PC

71 GRAPHICS good but not great
70 AUDIO standard
72 PUZZLE/QUEST DESIGN its okay.. Puzzle how to achieve poker hand and deck building.. But mostly gambling
65 COMBAT become tedios gameplay and boring in the long run
65 BOSS boss only poker with handicapped difficulty.. Boring.. Better play wsop poker at least we know our opponent
65 PLOT no plot.. Only gambling even more
65 CHARACTER no character involved.. You play solo soulessly
72 PACING pacing is fast per round
65 STORY TELLING no story involved.. No main goals.. You only play solo soulessly.. Its like play tetris
75 MECHANICS interesting mechanics of gameplay but bored fast
65 WORLD DESIGN/THEME world design only poker table.. Not good
68,18181818 OVERALL its not worth it.. Can be addictive but pretty overated.. For hardcore card paly I choose mtg arena over this games

retired after ante 5

90%PC

Fiendishly addictive.

A very simple premise turned into one of the most playable and addicting rogue-likes I've ever played. Who knew that turning poker into a deck-building rogue-like would be one of my played games this year.

There are so many options to play - different decks, different jokers, and different permutations to get a successful run together. The satisfaction in lining up your Rube Goldberg machine to rack up points is so cleverly crafted and so much fun to play.

My only negative is that it does get a bit stale after a while and you do have to rely on lunk to get decent hands a bit too much than to my liking.

Happily double-dipped on phone too and I'm sure I'll keep playing until I unlock every difficultly and clear every challenge.

85%Nintendo Switch

This game is really interesting, because it's Rougelikes made into it's purest, snappiest form. There's a reason people can't put it down lol.

It's so interesting because like, there is no Fluff or "character" (this is admittedly harsh, but the only word I could come up with) There is no story, No character to get attached to, just pure gameplay. Which is similar of an actual card game.
It's really good, Like SUPER well made, but probably won't leave a lasting impact emotionally because.. well.. there's not much to get attached to lol.
BUT That being said, omg is it easy to just jump in and have some fun! Haven't felt like that with a game for awhile, usually I need to give an effort, but this game was calling me like the green goblin mask.

I highly reccomend, especially if you're like a big numbers person.

100%iOS

This game sucks. I can't stop playing it.

100%PC

One of the GOATs. I'm keeping this review short because I want to keep playing Balatro. God what a fun game. It absolutely never ever gets old.

100%Mobile

10/10 super addicting

90%PC

good dopamine machine yummmy dopamnei
too bad ost gets boring and some runs feel completely bullshit

difficulty: 5.5/10 (medium/challenging) | 4 is average
it probably gets harder on higher stakes (haven't played) but you need some strategic decision making to win any run

90%Mobile

Arada sinirlerimi oynatsada oldukça başarılı ve insanı ekrana kilitleyen bir oyun.

90%Mobile

+ Awesome concept with fun mechanics that make building a new deck and finding synergies fun

I dont know how long I will play for after beating ante 8 a couple of times

80%Nintendo Switch

Devilish. Addictive in a lizard brain type of way. Surprising, satisfying. A really great second screen or pick up and play game. Solid rogue like progression.

The abilities of the jokers are quite diverse and interesting (also they look cool). So when they're combined you can get some real mechanical depth going, and that's where the game is at its best. The more things you can add to a hand to manipulate it or the score, the more fun it becomes.

Cons: Feels unfair at times (300k boss blind beating me on the last level. No repeat hand types blind coming when i am rolling with a certain hand type). Took too long to figure certain things out (ie stacking $ being essential). The aesthetic is bland, although the animation is good.

100%Mobile

First clear, red deck, pair build

90%Mobile

I am highkey addicted...

70%PC

Berry berry nice and addicting. Managed to beat it in my 3rd ever game hehe.

100%PC

One of the GOATS. Will always be playing this game whether on mobile or on PC. The perfect endlessly replayable game. Keen for even more content such as new jokers.

80%PC

Como hacer que te guste el poker sin que te guste el poker el videojuego. Vaya droga de juego. No puedo dejar de jugarlo

95%Nintendo Switch

9.3 Stars

100%Nintendo Switch

I have shirked many responsibilities playing this god damn brilliant game. Gaming in its purest, most addictive form. Perfect for flights, train rides, down time while cooking dinner, while listening to podcasts, etc. Once you’re hooked, be ready for hours to fly by. That said 100% completion is pretty daunting, as is the case for any rougelike/ rougelite. I unlocked every deck and finished the collection. Doing gold stake runs with every joker is just too much. 10/10

85%PC

If you download it make sure you have nothing planned between now and dawn.

100%PC

Follia, una cosa così semplice non può diventare un'ossessione così velocemente.. Eppure

70%PC

I like this game, but not in the way that I'd like to play it over and over like it requires you to do.

Every now and then I like to play a hand of poker, but after 9 hours and 1 win I think it's enough. I'll likely pick it up again, but Roguelite games are not necessarily my thing, especially when there's not real progression.

85%PC

creative
fun
endlessly replayable

100%PC

This game slap so hard. It just keeps delivering fun every single run. Each run is wholey unique and that make every single run interesting and satisfying. The more you play the more options open up to you and you start to see the unlimited combination of joker and cards that can make you break this game wide open. The game encourages you to break it and give you so many options for complete domination but it still is just a walk in the park and does take you thinking to win a run. The bad runs that happen never really get you down or feel punishing just another opportunity to see what works and what does not. I would truly recommend this game to anyone the premise has turned a lot of people off of it but it is just that good and just down right fun. Watching the big number get bigger make me happy over and over again it make me feel like I am genius when I craft a nasty deck or make a sick hand that rakes in chips. The game is coming to phone and I will be there day one lol and would tell anyone to get it.

80%PC

Fun roguelike(?) deck builder.

95%Xbox Series X/S

No me gustan los roguelikes, pero de esta forma sí, amo Balatro, lo juego cada vez que tengo un tiempo libre.

100%PC

An all time great roguelike, so easy to pick up and play but so hard to put down.

85%PC

Jugado en steam deck tambien

95%PC

Achievements extrem mühsam und langwierig.

80%PC

gambling. good game but becomes seed/rng reliant with harder challenges. still fun but not going to complete every aspect of the game

80%Xbox Series X/S

I already knew this roguelike poker game was universally adored because that's how it came to my attention and while it's undeniably well-made, it's a little too random for me. Let's start here - a poker roguelike is such an obviously natural idea I can't believe it hasn't been done, and the flawless execution on that premise from a one-man developer is mind-blowing. Balatro is a true roguelike, meaning that aside from a bunch of new cards you can unlock for future playthroughs, you really do start over from nothing every new run. Now I personally prefer the roguelite experience because I like the feeling of gradually getting stronger over time, and it's also a little less luck based since you have some say in your-overarching build. But this is very, very luck based - all that matters is what you pick up on that specific run, and you can't even lean on combat skills or turn-based strategy here - you literally just have to play the hand you're dealt. So even more so than most roguelikes, I struggled to get through until I just happened to stumble into a totally broken build and some good hands that coasted me all the way through the 2nd half. Balatro feels like 95% luck but don't get me wrong that's not bad - I guess it's just not why I play video games? Does that make sense?

80%PC

8/10

90%PC

Game is really fun and addictive. Only downside is that there is only 1 song in the entire game.

90%Nintendo Switch

Gameplay: 9/10

Balatro is an extremely addictive roguelike poker game. I have beaten the game multiple times using various decks, including a few of the challenge decks. Every game is significantly different depending on the jokers and other power up cards you collect.

I have deducted one point because occasionally it can feel unfair. However, the challenge is what keeps me coming back for more.

Story: N/A

Sound & visuals: 9/10

The sound effects and visuals suit the game perfectly and don’t take away from the gameplay. The joker card designs are the visual highlight, with a wide range of unique artwork on show.

Overall: 9/10

Play Balatro if you dare. This one is hard to put down.

70%PC

Fun for a while, but a lot of the gameplay starts to feel repetitive in a way that a lot of other roguelikes overcome through sheer variety. Most builds funnel into the same style of play at least based on feel, with some feeling wildly more consistent and strong than others. Still a good game, just wish I could enjoy it longer with more enthusiasm.