Face up: card bagels with an interesting plot
Balatro has become a gaming phenomenon that has managed to win the hearts of millions of players without any big investment. This card-based roguelike is far from the first of its kind, there are a huge number of games in which you can build decks, fight with cards and develop masterful strategies. Card-based roguelikes have long been an established genre. "Izvestia" collected a selection of universally recognized games from this genre.
Balatro
Balatro, a card RPG based on poker rules, suddenly became a hit last year and even won several Game Awards nominations. In Balatro there are no ultra-modern graphics, phenomenal plot, fabulous locations and colorful characters. The main character is the player himself, fighting on maps against the computer.
The success was a surprise even for the game's developer, indie developer LocalThunk. Creating Balatro took him about two years. Initially, he planned to make an online version of the Chinese card game "Big Twos" using poker combinations. But then, inspired by Luck Be a Landlord, he decided to turn the project into a single-player roguelike with deck-building elements.
LocalThunk worked on the game alone in his spare time and was able to devote all his resources to the project about a year before release. The developer organized beta tests on friends - they spoke positively about the game. And after the opening of early access in Steam, the game was noticed by popular streamers, and Balatro quickly gained popularity. A month after its release in February 2024, more than a million copies were sold, which was an unexpected success for an indie game without an extensive marketing campaign. Currently, Balatro's total sales have surpassed 5 million copies.
Screenshot from the game Balatro
What's the secret? It's a combination of unique mechanics and competent gameplay design. Balatro stands out thanks to an unusual combination of genres: the use of poker combinations in the deck-building process adds depth to the strategy and makes the game interesting both for card game fans and for the general audience that has never been attracted to poker. Balatro is easy for beginners to start playing, while experienced gamers won't get bored because the game maintains complexity and variation. This balance has helped attract both casual players and hardcore roguelike fans.
The mechanics of Balatro is inspired by poker, but avoids associations with gambling and ludomania. The project is primarily focused on strategy and creativity rather than a randomizer. The success of Balatro showed that even small indie games can achieve worldwide recognition thanks to an original idea, quality implementation and contact with their audience.
Those who liked Balatro may like other similar games.
Dicey Dungeons
Year of release: 2019
Developer: Terry Cavanagh
What to play on: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
Screenshot from the game Dicey Dungeons
While Dicey Dungeons doesn't focus solely on deck building, this game is a full-fledged roguelike. Its gameplay is dice-based - much like Balatro uses poker mechanics. There are unique decks with special effects and six characters, each of whom can affect the outcome of a dungeon run.
Across the Obelisk
Year of release: 2021
Developer: Dreamsire Games, Fire Falcon
What to play on: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Screenshot from the game Across the Obelisk
Across the Obelisk stands out from other deck-building roguelikes because it can be played with friends, just like a traditional card game. Single-player mode is also available. In cooperative mode, each player controls their own character with a unique set of cards and class, which affects the development of events. Different character combinations can change the course of the game significantly and ensure that no game session will be like another.
Banners of Ruin
Year of release: 2021
Developer: MonteBearo
What to play on: PC, Nintendo Switch
Screenshot from the game Banners Of Ruin
In Banners of Ruin, you must assemble a team for turn-based battles reminiscent of traditional RPGs. Each character has their own cards with unique effects. In addition to exciting card battles, the main feature of Banners of Ruin is the management of your party of heroes.
Griftlands
Year of release: 2021
Developer: Klei Entertainment
What to play on: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
Screenshot from the game Griftlands
Griftlands filigree combines card-based combat with role-playing and reputation systems, and places a heavy emphasis on dialog and story. The setting of the game is the planet Hawaria, a planet inhabited by humans and alien races and in technological decline. Several powerful clans and criminal groups are constantly fighting for power and resources. In the thick of events players will have to control three heroes, which at different developments can be both friends and enemies. Bounty hunter Sal seeks revenge on the head of the crime syndicate who sold her into slavery, ex-military man and spy Rook collect data on the workers' rebellion, and alien Smith tries to recover his inheritance.
Ring of Pain
Year of release: 2020
Developer: Simon Boxer and Twice Different
What to play on: PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Screenshot from Ring of Pain
The title Ring of Pain hints at the core gameplay principle. Here, all the maps are arranged in the form of a ring: player, monsters, treasures, exits. Each session is determined by found items and card combinations, and battles require elaborate tactics. All plot threads are given vague scraps - the player is left to guess where he got to and why everything here is trying to kill him.
Inscryption
Year of release: 2021
Developer: Daniel Mullins Games
What to play on: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Screenshot from the game Inscryption
The action of the game takes place in a cabin that belongs to a demon. The player's goal is to escape by defeating opponents in a card game. Inscryption is full of unexpected twists and turns and keeps you constantly in suspense. With many ways to combine cards and influence your deck, each run in Inscryption is unique.
Monster Train
Year of release: 2020
Developer: Shiny Shoe
What to play on: PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Screenshot from the game Monster Train
In Monster Train, the player controls a hellish train that travels through the frozen underworld to fan the scorcher with the last spark. Card duels help progress across the map towards this goal. Highlights of the game include a multiplayer mode that supports up to eight players; the ability to create your own challenges, share them with other players, and receive unique items and abilities for them.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
