Balatro for Nintendo Switch

A poker-like approach to roguelike games

Balatro is a deckbuilding card game that emerges as a rebellious fusion that not only provides a fresh take on the mechanics but also reinvents the poker game. At the core of this experience lies illegal poker hands, a copious variety of dynamic jokers, and a rush of combo-driven gameplay that ensures every playthrough feels distinct and equally thrilling.

Building hands in Balatro isn't just about the luck of the draw; it's about careful strategy and manipulation of the cards you're dealt. With 150 uniquely functional jokers at your disposal, players converge traditional card gameplay with tactical roguelike thinking.

Find your own playstyle

With 15 selectable decks that modify your card abilities, the combinations in Balatro feel limitless. Each run is a new puzzle, piecing together what you've been given to climb the stakes and ultimately beat the boss blind. The game truly showcases its strategic complexity when players harness the various tarot, planet, and spectral cards to escalate their hand's value or vouchers that provide a persistent edge for the run's duration. 

The absence of in-depth tutorials, though, can leave players unfamiliar with poker to feel as though they've been dealt a bad hand from the get-go. However, for those with either a cursory understanding of poker or a willingness to dive in headfirst, the payoff is as rewarding as a royal flush. Aesthetically, the game is a love letter to another era, embracing pixel art that's rich with detail and bursting with retro charm. 

The visual experience, compounded with an immersive synthwave score, sinks the player into a rhythmic state of focus and strategy optimization. Consistent with the spirit of replayability are the in-game achievements, meticulously documented in a detailed stats screen. This invites players on a meta-journey, pushing them to optimize strategies, chase high scores, and explore unseen card combinations in pursuit of that perfect run.

Captivating and engaging

While Balatro’s learning curve can be a hurdle for new poker players, the rich, psychedelic world and the promise of endless synergistic potential will draw card game aficionados and roguelike fans alike. With each run unique, each decision weighty, and each combo a delight, this roguelike title deals a hand that's hard to walk away from, ensuring players will return to the table time and again for just one more round.