Simply brilliant. Most roguelikes segment their ideas into playable characters, which might have different mechanics to synergise and exploit. Balatro does not do that.

Its ideas are segmented into the suits of a deck of cards, some card modifiers, and other types of cards (jokers, planet cards, and tarot cards). You can carry a limited number of each: one modifier and one seal per playing card, five jokers, and two planet or tarot cards.

You are always making choices. Do you use a tarot card now, to free up the slot to take another, or wait for a better hand? Do you sell or keep that weak joker? Discard, or play a low hand? Do you take Jokers that improve your economy, and hope to buy something better in the next shop?

The real reason Balatro shines is that every choice you make matters. And any choice could be the right one, under the right circumstances. It is a triumph of art and design.

Simply brilliant. Most roguelikes segment their ideas into playable characters, which might have different mechanics to synergise and exploit. Balatro does not do that. Its ideas are segmented into the suits of a deck of cards, some card modifiers, and other types of cards (jokers, planet cards, and tarot cards). You can carry a limited number of each: one modifier and one seal per playing card, five jokers, and two planet or tarot cards. You are always making choices. Do you use a tarot card now, to free up the slot to take another, or wait for a better hand? Do you sell or keep that weak joker? Discard, or play a low hand? Do you take Jokers that improve your economy, and hope to buy something better in the next shop? The real reason Balatro shines is that every choice you make matters. And any choice could be the right one, under the right circumstances. It is a triumph of art and design.