We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.
Switch

North America

Balatro (Switch) Review

by Alex Orona - February 19, 2024, 11:00 am EST
Total comments: 3

9

I Can’t Stop Playing Balatro, Send Help

Steam Next Fest happened this February and one particular demo took the world by storm: Balatro, an addicting roguelike poker game by way of developer Local Thunk. While I can describe it in genre, it’s hard to describe the effect this game has had on my brain chemistry. I usually game in small bursts, with longer sessions a thing of my childhood. My first session of Balatro was two hours and my second session was three and a half. This game is a real problem for me, in the best way possible.

So breaking down Balatro is breaking down the basics of poker. With poker, you are trying to make the best 5-card hand, by taking and discarding cards. The special hands you are trying to make are: pairs, three of a kind, four of a kind, two pair, a straight (5 cards in sequential order), full house (three of a kind and a pair), flush (all the same suit) and a royal flush (Ace to 10 all the same suit.) That’s the basic setup but like any good indie game, it takes a well worn premise and turns it on its head.

The spin to Balatro lies in its roguelike elements. You are playing poker to score points within 4 hands. You play against the small blind, big blind, and the boss, increasing the score necessary to proceed each time. Once you defeat the boss, you go to the next round, with even higher score goals. Between each game, you get rewarded with cash to spend on upgrades that are specific to only that run. Completing more runs and using more upgrades unlocks more variation on decks to play with, which come with their own bonuses, but it’s the upgrades that are key to a successful run.

The upgrades come in a couple different flavors. You can purchase and hold up to five different Joker cards that are set perks like straights can have gaps, so you have a bigger chance at getting a straight or multipliers for specific cards, like clubs or even numbers. Then there are celestial cards that come in randomized foil packs; these level up your pairs, straights, flushes and other hands. So having a pair can give you two or even three times more points than before. Hands can be leveled up multiple times as well in any single run.

There are also Tarot cards that can adjust cards' suits or copy other cards, and other upgrades that can add bonus effects to individual cards within your deck like holographic effects which add multipliers, or gold plated cards that boost your monetary payout. Lastly you can outright just buy more cards for your deck, so there are higher chances of getting the cards you want. There also are specialty seals for increased gold, effect triggers, or random creation of other cards; I can go on and on. The tutorials leave something to be desired so you really have to experiment to get the most out of everything possible, but there’s just so much to dig into and mess with that each run feels entirely different, and that’s where Balatro has gripped me most.

I’ve had sick straight runs where I will have a Joker that will allow gaps in my straights, then a second Joker that will give me bonus points for even numbered cards. With that I had also used celestial cards to level up my straights so that each one would be worth more points. I would play a Straight of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. All even numbers, qualifying as a straight due to my Joker and with straights at level 3, and boom over a thousand points easily. Then on a separate run, I had pairs up to level 5, as well as Tarot Cards found in Arcana packs to double up on specific cards, and finally had enhanced my pairs to give bigger multipliers. It’s an infinite well of possibilities, and each run can change your strategy entirely.

Outside of the rising point thresholds needed to advance, the boss at the end of a level adds a separate negative modifier wrinkle that you have to push through. These can come off as mean spirited but they are just things to plan around. I had an amazing straight-focused run that was put to a screeching halt when a boss would only play my cards face down, so I had no idea what I was playing. Another boss would only let me play a specific hand once, so I had to vary my style up. Of course, I later found a Joker that I could sell to nullify a boss’ modifier. Sure, that would’ve been great LAST RUN! I was mad for all of 30 seconds before I jumped back in for another one. It’s the perfect “one more run” game. Even now, I had to make a declaration to myself that I couldn’t play any more Balatro until this review was written, but let's be honest, my Switch is right next to me ready to go.

Balatro is flat out a smart game. I don’t even like cards! Yet here I am theorycrafting new ways to play. Should I make a full house deck? That might seem risky, but if I use Tarot cards right… no no. Not now. It’s what I’m thinking about when I’m not playing Balatro. A 20-minute round before bed easily turns into, “holy crap, how is it 3AM?” This is even before finishing the game with different decks and daily challenges are turned on! In generation remix, hell, in generation make-everything-a-roguelike, this may be the best one of 2024. I’m eagerly awaiting the official release just so I can hear about my friends' epic runs. It’s just that good. Now, please, let me play my Balatro in peace. I got an idea for a sick flush strat that I want to try out. So I'll catch y'all later.

Summary

Pros
  • Addicting roguelike gameplay
  • Deep mechanics that lead each run to be unique
  • Fast paced, with easy to pick up and play in short bursts
Cons
  • Music relatively forgettable
  • Pixel art could be more detailed
  • Tutorials lack a lot of details

Talkback

EnnerFebruary 19, 2024

Everyone entering their degenerate gambler arc with this game.

EzraCantuFebruary 26, 2024

Can I ask a question about it?

corygarvinFebruary 27, 2024

The Certified Racist T Shirt: Perfect Tool For Social Equality

When it comes to serious topics like social equality, we tend to avoid them, so as not to upset people around us. That’s why the Certified Racist T Shirt was created. It uses a sarcastic type of humor that shocks us into making meaningful discussion, in a very natural way. In this article, you will learn everything special about this T-shirt, as well as how to use it to foster a respectful environment, where everyone can share their views without fear.

A Design With Satire Social Commentary

1. Subverting Expectations With Humor

The T-shirt has an exciting image: a race car rushing down a curvy track. At first glance, you would only think this design was meant for car lovers. However, when we look closer and see the wordplay, all of our assumptions are turned upside down. By replacing "racer" with "racist," this design stimulates us to think deeper about its social critique. Why is this T-shirt proclaiming the word “racist” so proudly?

https://i.postimg.cc/xCVWLr9q/a-design-that-subverts-expectations.jpg

This T-shirt forces us to question its true meaning.

The truth is, the phrase “Certified Racist” is a very deep form of satire; you should not take it literally. By using humor instead of hostility, the T-shirt helps us to let our guard down and invites us to discuss openly about social issues. At first, you have a good laugh at the “racist” text, and before you know it, you are already talking passionately about the horrible impact of racial discrimination.

2. A Performer Who Went Out Of Line

This T-shirt was created to show disapproval of the comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who is known for making offensive and racially insensitive jokes. After we know the social context behind this design, we gain a new appreciation for it. The design is more than just a harmless wordplay; it shows us the consequences of toxic humor on entire communities. The phrase "Certified Racist" takes a stand against all forms of discrimination, and encourages us to keep fighting for our shared humanity.

A Design That Empowers Discussion

1. Bold Visual Elements

The Certified Racist Shirt uses black as its primary color, and on this dark canvas, the red car and the text can stand out vibrantly. The design is bold enough to attract attention, yet still subtle enough to intrigue people. It is meant to prompt questions rather than accusations.

Whenever someone sees your T-shirt, they would not be offended; instead, their eyebrows raise and their mouths would go agape. They would ask you things like: “Uh, why are you wearing a shirt that says ‘racist’?” People would be so confused that they forget to be defensive, and that’s where you speak up. Thanks to this T-shirt, your discussions will be open-minded with a touch of humor, not a toxic debate with the “us versus them” mentality.

2. Simple Yet Potent Style

The design is far from superficial; each of its elements holds a special meaning. The curvy race track implies that the road to social equality is never easy. The race car is fast and dangerous, just like how discrimination infects our society.

Moreover, the T-shirt is gender-inclusive, with a relaxed fit that can accommodate both boys and girls. Its neutral colors feel dignified and are suitable for many social settings. It will help you foster an inclusive environment, where all parties are respected and heard, regardless of their skin color. The design brings perse groups together as allies in progress.

https://i.postimg.cc/0NwT65RL/wear-this-t-shirt-to-public-gatherings.jpg

By wearing this design, you encourage everyone to reconsider their stance.

Strategic Applications For Progress

1. Wear It To Spark Reflection

In order to spread the T-shirt’s message to those who need it most, you have to wear it in public, in the most lively gatherings. The design will make anyone do a double-take and ask questions about its meaning. After you share the T-shirt’s origin and the scandal of Tony Hinchcliffe, people can’t help but re-examine their stance on complex issues.

By wearing the Certified Racist F1 Shirt at talkshows, comedy shows or marches, you are inviting others to share their viewpoints respectfully. When you challenge the status quo in a graceful way, defensiveness and pision will fade away, allowing progress to take place.

2. Use It In Learning Environments

For teachers, show hosts or reporters, you can use this T-shirt as a creative tool for interpersonal development. The design helps you introduce complex topics like privilege, bias and racial justice, in a humorous yet profound way. By strategically using a satire T-shirt, you can translate boring social theories into lively discussions.

Last Thoughts

To sum things up, the “Certified Racist” T-shirt shows how creativity and fashion can lead to social progress. This T-shirt attracts us with an eye-catching drawing and a provocative wordplay, helping us to loosen up and be more open to necessary conversations. When we apply satire with care, we can create the most positive cultural changes, through empathy instead of conflict.

Share + Bookmark





Switch

Game Profile

Genre Puzzle
Developer Thunderful

Worldwide Releases

na: Balatro
Release Feb 21, 2024
RatingEveryone

Related Content

Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement