5/5 ★ – Kalle_Deimos's review of Balatro.

TLDR: Balatro had it's hooks in me for over a month. I may be in love. Gameplay: "Say goodbye to desktop solitaire!". I didn't know how to play poker before, but I feel confident that I'd be able to join a game and know what I'm doing now. I said before that Loop Hero is the most original rogue-like I have ever played, but Balatro may take the cake instead. In an era of rogue-like oversaturation, Balatro is so easy to get into and commands so much of my attention. A simple gameplay loop, amazing game feel, plenty of room for experimentation and exploration and somehow, a feeling that it's less luck based than most other rogue-likes despite being a game based on Poker. The lower stakes are relatively easy compared to the later stakes, so even when you can consistently win there is still plenty of challenge to overcome. Mixed with about a dozen unique decks that provide substanstial strategies, 150 jokers and a tons of booster packs that further alter you deck, jokers and run. Runs aren't too long, getting into the fun of a run doesn't take long. It's just so easy to get into. Low commitment with such a high payoff. I really love what Balatro gives for the cost of it's package. Although I'm reluctant to give it a 10 because I need to see if Balatro is still easy to get into after a long break, but the game has given me almost 40 hours of no strings attached fun straight to my dome. And I have a good feeling I'll be able to jump into this one in the future. Story: No story. I do like how Jimbo gives you the tutorial and talks to you when you lose tho. Graphics: I usually dislike CRT filters in games but I love the way Balatro looks. The bright colors and the pyscadelic backgrounds mix well. All the card artwork is pretty. I like the effects of the cards when counting chips, multipliers, opening booster packs, using special cards. I just love it. At a smooth framerate too, it's a dream to play. Until you really break the game and you can tell the game is struggling. Sound: I believe there is only one song in Balatro. And it's the best song and I somehow have not gotten sick of it. I can hear the intro in my head as I write this. The sound changes as you enter into the game, go into the store and open booster packs which give a proper vibe to the experience. Extra: I guess the whole game is an extra after you beat it once. Try the other decks, higher stakes, different jokers and challenges. More content for those who seek it. Favorite Thing: When you finish a particularly grueling blind that uses a lot of cards, the Switch's HD rumble lets you feel every card slip back into the deck. Not My Favorite Thing: Sometimes I find myself restarting frantically when I get a less than optimal start. Something that is more detrimental in the higher stakes.