GamerTake
AI Powered Steam Review Summaries
Balatro
Casual
Indie
Strategy
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Cloud
Family Sharing

The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.

Developers: LocalThunk
Publishers: Playstack
Release Date: Feb 20, 2024
Price (USD): $13.49
Current Players: 16k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Overwhelmingly Positive(98%)
immersive experience
unique mechanics
addictive gameplay
great design
rewarding loop
addictive nature
balance of skill and luck
time-consuming
reliance on luck
repetitive
RNG frustrations
The overall sentiment towards the game is highly positive, with many players enjoying the addictive and immersive nature of its gameplay. The creativity in game mechanics and design are frequently praised, though this praise is tempered by frustration with its RNG elements and the reliance on luck over skill. Nonetheless, the game is widely recommended, especially for those who enjoy both poker and deck-building roguelike games.

Positive Points

  • The game is highly addictive and offers a very immersive experience, with many players noting the strong urge to keep playing.
  • It is praised for its unique blend of poker and roguelike mechanics, which provides endless replayability.
  • The game design is considered well-executed, with a deep and rewarding gameplay loop that keeps players engaged.
  • The Joker and card mechanics are often highlighted as innovative and fun, adding strategic depth to the game.
  • Many players appreciate the aesthetic and sound design, describing them as appealing and fitting for the game's theme.

    • Negative Points

  • Some players feel the game relies too much on luck rather than skill, especially at higher difficulty levels.
  • There are complaints about the game becoming repetitive and lacking in depth after extended playtime.
  • The RNG (random number generation) aspect frustrates some players, as it can lead to unpredictable and occasionally unfair outcomes.

    • Mixed Points

  • The game's addictive nature is both praised and criticized, with players acknowledging the time-consuming aspect as both a pro and a con.
  • The difficult balance between skill and luck in the game is seen as entertaining yet occasionally frustrating.

    • Common Themes

  • Addiction and compulsive gameplay are recurring themes, with many reviews likening the game to a drug-like experience.
  • The strategic depth and innovative mechanics of the game are commonly praised.
  • Players frequently mention the satisfaction derived from the game's 'big numbers' and score increases.
  • The game is often recommended for fans of both poker and roguelikes due to its unique fusion of these genres.
    • Updated 6/4/2025, 3:33:58 AM UTC
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