Balatro

I really don't have much to say but this game is like crack. There's an inherent limitation to poker that technically makes this less varied than other roguelikes I've played, and more passive than actual button mashers like Hades or Returnal or (not played) Dead Cells. But rounds are still snappy enough to be addicting, there's a wealth of options, I like how modular a build can be even within runs, so the game is always engaging even if running on autopilot on occasions. But really, throwing in extra difficulties, bosses, challenge decks and tons of unlocks just ties it all together. The only thing Balatro "needs" is another fucking song in its soundtrack.

Balatro is one of the best games of 2024. It's extremely well-made. Deckbuilders need item synergies like shooters need ammo, like rhythm games need music. This game creates extremely fun-to-play, fun-to-explore synergies through its widely varied mechanics. It forces you, the player, to gamble ever-so-slightly because it knows you won't calculate your score before you play. It encourages you to be risky! And, best of all, it's got a fast and punchy style that satisfies the single most important aspect of any roguelike: making you want to play again when you win AND when you lose. It's a fantastic addition to the pantheon of roguelike deckbuilders.

But I can't help but notice gaps every time I play. Jokers that lend themselves to fantastic synergies but have no way to synergize, effects that are simply too hard to consistently get for a joker to work well, an almost-fully-completed collection. It's far harder to remove cards than it is to add them. There's no good way to synergize with seals, so you might as well not take blue ones. I've basically run out of unlocks to try and get in my collection (though there's still a few things), despite feeling like I should have plenty more to unlock. The game's still a lot of fun, but I can't help noticing the things it doesn't have that it should. I have put it down for a few weeks now, instead getting snarled in the latest RimWorld DLC, but I fully expect myself to pick it back up the moment it releases its first major update.

The game has been out for 8 days at the time of this review. Fifty-four hours of playtime, and I have responsibilities in my life.
Hell, even the two separate demo phases racked up almost 150 hours. In a demo. So what's Balatro doing so right?
Everything, apparently.
Endless replayability, actually fun metaprogression (one of two games that does it right), and above all the dopamine that drills straight into your brain whenever you beat a new challenge, beat a new stake, or hit that god combo that sends your chips into Cookie Clicker territory.
Can't recommend this enough.