Balatro 12+

Balatro is the best game released this year. It transcends the video game medium to become a classic all round game - something that is as universal in its appeal and as innately compelling as chess or solitaire. Its genius is that it requires no prior knowledge of poker, roguelikes, or even video games to be completely entrancing. It’s expertly paced and gradually reveals layers of complexity to the player, so the feeling of progression is constant and every game is rewarding.

Since its initial release on console I’ve been waiting for the iOS port, and as expected it does not disappoint. Great tactile touch controls and use of haptics.

I would honestly recommend this to anyone with a phone. It’s an essential app, and the kind of game that can be played and enjoyed by anyone from diehard roguelike fans to people who have never played a video game before. It’s a classic, and for £10 it’s a ridiculous bargain. If I could, I’d buy it five times.

i somehow managed to stumble on balatro a few months back on PC, and instantly fell in love, already clocking in roughly 80 hours on steam. i’ve beaten a couple of gold stakes and unlocked every joker and every SINGLE detail about this game is just perfect. i always heard speculation and theory about a mobile release so when it was announced i can’t even describe how i felt, i was so so so excited to be able to play this game wherever i want simply on my phone. LocalThunk is a GENIUS and Balatro needs to AT LEAST be a contender for game of the year, it’s THAT good. the gameplay is addicting, the sounds of getting a hand full of polychrome red seal glass kings with 4 retriggers from jokers fills every single part of my brain with satisfaction i could honestly go on about how much i love this game i NEVER leave reviews but balatro DESERVES the 5 stars i have to give.

I religiously avoided playing Balatro on other devices so I could get the best possible experience on iPad and I am very glad I waited. Extremely fun and interesting card game. I knew absolutely nothing about poker and other card games so the learning curve has been pretty steep with lots of careful strategising. I have heard many tongue in cheek yet still slightly disparaging comments about the game being too addictive for its own good but honestly it is absolutely fine and I have no problem putting it down for a while and picking up when I feel like it. I think some people just have addictive personalities and would find anything to latch onto, this is just a really good game! Everything in moderation as they say.