Balatro 12+

This game is absolutely outstanding. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never touched a card in your life, this game makes it easy in an instant. Everything is clearly explained, and you can check up on anything anytime. I love the sheer amount of depth. The endless possibilities and strategies with jokers, consumables, and more are insane, yet a single boss blind with a unique modifier can fling you back to the beginning if you are not thinking on your feet! All this depth however, is trickled in at just the right pace, so that each game feels new and fresh, yet you don’t feel overwhelmed. Different decks with different playing styles, challenge modes, different bosses, it would take me months, if not more to learn every nook and crannie, yet I’m 100% sure even with thousands of games under my belt, each one will feel fresh, intellectual, and most importantly FUN. Overall a fire game - only suggestion is some small variation in the “big blinds“ as there are loads of boss blinds, and the small blind doesn’t need much variation, but some small modifiers in the big blinds might be cool - but not as complex as the boss blinds. Plus it has a fire soundtrack. Don’t be thrown off by the price - it’s like two coffees or a movie ticket. Even 1000 coffees can’t beat this game. You will not regret it.

Balatro is the best game released this year. It transcends the video game medium to become a classic all round game - something that is as universal in its appeal and as innately compelling as chess or solitaire. Its genius is that it requires no prior knowledge of poker, roguelikes, or even video games to be completely entrancing. It’s expertly paced and gradually reveals layers of complexity to the player, so the feeling of progression is constant and every game is rewarding.

Since its initial release on console I’ve been waiting for the iOS port, and as expected it does not disappoint. Great tactile touch controls and use of haptics.

I would honestly recommend this to anyone with a phone. It’s an essential app, and the kind of game that can be played and enjoyed by anyone from diehard roguelike fans to people who have never played a video game before. It’s a classic, and for £10 it’s a ridiculous bargain. If I could, I’d buy it five times.

i somehow managed to stumble on balatro a few months back on PC, and instantly fell in love, already clocking in roughly 80 hours on steam. i’ve beaten a couple of gold stakes and unlocked every joker and every SINGLE detail about this game is just perfect. i always heard speculation and theory about a mobile release so when it was announced i can’t even describe how i felt, i was so so so excited to be able to play this game wherever i want simply on my phone. LocalThunk is a GENIUS and Balatro needs to AT LEAST be a contender for game of the year, it’s THAT good. the gameplay is addicting, the sounds of getting a hand full of polychrome red seal glass kings with 4 retriggers from jokers fills every single part of my brain with satisfaction i could honestly go on about how much i love this game i NEVER leave reviews but balatro DESERVES the 5 stars i have to give.