86
CRITIK
Balatro
Balatro is a deck-building roguelite where you must play poker hands and earn chips to defeat enemy blinds. Enhance your deck of playing cards, buy Jokers to modify each hand you play, and discover new and wild synergies to win!
Other Scores
88
94
Critik
Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Analysis Unavailable
NA
Description unavailable
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Gameplay
94
Critics rave about Balatro's gameplay, praising its unique fusion of poker mechanics and deck-building elements. The game offers deep strategic gameplay with jokers and various card types enhancing scoring potential. While some critics noted solo play difficulties, overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, lauding Balatro for its innovation, engaging mechanics, and challenging runs. With widespread acclaim from reviewers, Balatro stands out as a must-play title for fans of card games and deck-building.
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Graphics and Visual Design
79
Critics rave about Balatro's stunning visuals, including intricately designed cards and nostalgic 16-bit style with CRT effects. While some mention minor flaws like less polished graphics and blocky fonts, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The charming and immersive visuals, enhanced by unique designs and nostalgic elements, greatly enhance the overall gaming experience according to reviewers.
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Music and Sound Design
79
Critics praise Balatro's sound design and music for being immersive and addictive, with standout elements like a smooth psychedelic synthwave soundtrack and hypnotic musical score. While some critics mention drawbacks like repetitive visuals and limited sound effects, the overall consensus is positive, emphasizing how the audio enhances the gameplay experience and creates an engaging atmosphere. Critics appreciate the role of sound design in making Balatro a rewarding and addictive game.
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Voice Acting
Analysis Unavailable
NA
Description unavailable
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Technical Performance
Analysis Unavailable
NA
Description unavailable
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Replay Value
92
Critics rave about Balatro's exceptional replay value, praising its randomness, rich strategy, diverse combos, and evolving challenges. Despite some noting occasional frustration, the game's depth and unpredictability keep players hooked. Overall, Balatro offers a fresh and engaging experience with a wide range of strategies and unlockables, making it highly addictive and rewarding for players seeking dynamic gameplay.
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Overall Verdict
Critics unanimously praise Balatro for its engaging gameplay, innovative mechanics, and high replay value. While some mention minor drawbacks like the lack of an undo button, the overall sentiment remains extremely positive. Described as a "marvel of a poker experience" and one of the best deckbuilders and roguelikes, Balatro is hailed as a must-have title offering a fresh and captivating gaming experience with strategic depth. Despite a few criticisms, it stands out as a standout indie title in the gaming world.
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86
CRITIK
Reviews
74 reviews found100
Xboxera.com
Feb 19, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Balatro is a challenging, deep, and beautiful deck-building roguelike that provides a soothing and rewarding gaming experience, comparable to the best in the genre like Slay the Spire.
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100
Techradar.com
Feb 28, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Balatro is praised for its deep roguelite experience, exceptional deckbuilding mechanics, and addicting gameplay despite some frustrating randomness.
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100
Psu.com
Mar 3, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Balatro is praised for its uniqueness, lovingly crafted design, addictive gameplay, and potential as a sleeper hit, with the reviewer expressing deep admiration and enjoyment for the game.
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97
Somosxbox.com
Feb 28, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Balatro is praised for its unique blend of roguelike and deckbuilder genres, with poker elements adding a distinctive touch. Despite some weaknesses in language options, the game offers hours of entertainment and is considered a must-have title in the digital gaming library.
95
Gameinformer.com
Feb 28, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Balatro is praised as an ingenious and entertaining roguelike, standing out as one of the reviewer's favorite games of the year due to its well-designed gameplay and addictive nature.
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95
Godisageek.com
Feb 22, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Balatro is praised for its compelling gameplay, deep systems, and vast amount of content, making it a highly enjoyable and engaging card game with long-lasting appeal.
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95
Digitalchumps.com
Feb 26, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Balatro is a marvel of a poker experience, offering beautiful strategic ridiculousness and a unique, stimulating, and challenging gameplay experience.
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91
Pcgamer.com
Feb 19, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Balatro is described as an absolute triumph, with the reviewer highly praising its gameplay mechanics and replay value.
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90
Pushsquare.com
Feb 21, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Balatro is praised as one of the best deckbuilders and possibly one of the best roguelikes the reviewer has played, with sleek presentation and addictive gameplay.
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90
Gamingtrend.com
Feb 19, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Balatro is described as a deeply satisfying roguelike experience with stylish art direction, flashy synergies, and a relaxing yet engaging gameplay loop. The reviewer highly recommends it for fans of the genre, praising its unique take on poker and rewarding gameplay.
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