Balatro

Balatro is a card roguelike that blends poker with deckbuilder mechanics, and it arrived on PlayStation 5 in 2024 as well. The player builds poker hands from a standard deck of cards, which changes over the course of the game thanks to so-called joker cards — special modifiers that multiply the score earned, change how hands are evaluated, or add unusual effects. The goal of each round is to reach a predetermined point total before running out of hands, with the difficulty gradually rising as the player must assemble dozens of jokers, tarot, and planet cards into working synergies that shuffle and change with every run. A system of bets and blinds also forces the player to constantly weigh whether to risk a higher score for better rewards or play it safe and survive to the next level of the deck.

On PS5, the game runs completely smoothly and visually draws on a simple but distinctive style reminiscent of old casino tables and felt playing mats, complemented by hypnotic electronic music that underscores the rhythm of decision-making. Controlling the game with the DualSense is, despite its original PC roots controlled by mouse, surprisingly comfortable and quick to pick up, with a clear menu adapted for couch play.

Balatro became one of the most talked-about indie titles of the year after release, praised for the genius of combining poker with the roguelike "one more round" loop, as well as for the depth of its synergy system, which reveals new layers of strategy even after dozens of hours played. In the field of card roguelikes, it raised the bar and inspired a whole wave of similar projects. Even today it's one of the titles players love to return to for quick but immensely addictive gaming sessions, whether on the big screen or via portable play on other platforms. Its simple barrier to entry combined with nearly endless depth of synergies makes it a game that can be recommended equally to complete newcomers and to players looking for a demanding strategic challenge.

Why play it: For complete newcomers and players seeking a demanding strategic challenge alike, Balatro is that rare game that combines a simple barrier to entry with nearly endless depth of synergies, luring players into quick but immensely addictive gaming sessions.