Review - Balatro
"We folded like a cheap suit!"
Balatro
LocalThunk, PlayStack
Android, iOS, PC, macOS, PS4, PS5, XBO, Xbox Series Consoles, Switch
Played on Xbox Series X
Note - This won’t be my typical review, as this type of game doesn’t require the sections I usually cover as a single-player guy. Due to this, this will be a shorter and quicker review that focuses on my thoughts on the game.
Anyone who follows me or knows me is aware of the subtle digs I take on Balatro whenever gamers and gaming media mention it. Part of this was me just joking, as I respect all games, even ones I don’t play, such as Fortnite. However, my main annoyance was the fact that it was another roguelike getting game of the year nominations, and my history with those has been… not so kind, let’s say. It’s also the fact that I’m a single player mostly guy and I want Game of the Year awards to go to those, I still roll my eyes at Overwatch’s 2016 awards success. However, as an amateur video game historian and critic, I wanted to see all the hype. Plus, it’s not like I can’t enjoy a non-campaign-led game. I love the pick-and-play Nintendo multiplayer spin-offs, and Tetris is a favorite of mine. So, thanks to Game Pass, I tried the game out and quickly became hooked and realized I was going to eat my words.
This is the modern-day Tetris, the highest praise I can give it. You don’t have to concern yourself with how good you do because the gameplay loop is so fun you’ll start a new run immediately when it’s over. The game starts using Poker rules, with the complicated card combos and the chips. I quickly freaked out as I had never understood Poker and prepared myself for disappointment, but then, as I started playing, I realized that this was a different take on Poker and one that you didn’t really need to concern yourself on the rules too much. You’ll see a list of which card combinations make what you want, and before I knew it, I memorized them all. You’ll start basic, but then you’ll use the cash you won to open booster packs and buy Joker cards. You can have up to five Joker cards, which add effects that help you through your run, and if you find the right combination, you could go on a dominant run. The booster packs have unique playing cards with effects as well. Even though I didn’t know a lick about Poker, I spent a whole night and morning obsessively playing this game and knew it like the back of my hand - very similar to how it just takes a couple of game sessions to get obsessed with Tetris.
In my last couple of runs, I noticed some things that reminded me why roguelike titles and most card games aren’t for me. While you will get access to special cards and Jokers that help you out, there’s still a lot of luck involved. In the end, your skill can only get you so far. I admit I can get pretty frustrated when this happens, and it starts to take the fun out of it. Mind you, I can get frustrated during some games like the Soulslike titles, but I know in the end, my skill will help me win. You have to get lucky for these types of games to go along with your skill. Another con for me is the Bosses you’ll take on as you progress through your run. These special occasions add an effect or rule to make it harder on the player, and quite frankly, some of them are so cheap it makes me want to ask the developer what he was thinking. The one I especially grew to hate is the “all cards are faced down” one. Like I said, it took some of the fun away from me.
On a positive note to end, I really like the score that plays in Balatro. As time passes, it’ll be one of those memorable scores for a game that people remember, and it’s also subtle enough to keep you focused on playing the cards right. There’s also Jimbo, a Joker who narrates the game, motivates, teaches, and makes fun of you when you lose. He’s a terrific addition that helps the game not feel so cold. I also want to give a quick shoutout to the man who made this all himself. In a time when teams were getting bigger and production costs were rising, he showed that if you have an idea and the know-how, you can deliver a fun game.
Final Verdict
I understand why competitive gamers have fallen in love with this game and even became a Game of the Year contender. The fact that someone like me, who heavily prefers single-player campaigns and does not like roguelikes, can come away having fun with this and plans to play it weekly is a testament. That said, it’s still not a genre I like, and sometimes it shows in some of my runs. Still, this is the closest I’ve seen a game to hitting the addicting gameplay loop of the iconic Tetris. It's a perfect match for quick relaxing sessions or all-nighters. Despite my jokes last year, I definitely recommend it.
Be Nice to All