Balatro
Release Date: February 20, 2024 | Genre: Roguelike Deckbuilder | Game Duration: 7 hours (via howlongtobeat.com) | Multiplayer: None
What kind of game is this?
Balatro is a roguelike deckbuilder that combines poker elements with strategic card play. The goal is to play cards to form poker hands, which are then used to defeat opponents and make progress.
The game offers a wide variety of cards that have different effects and target different gameplay strategies. Additionally, special joker cards can change the game at any time.
Each run in Balatro is unique as the cards and opponents are randomly generated, making every round a fresh challenge. Alongside much strategy and clever moves, a bit of luck is also helpful for victory.
Why is it worth playing? The combination of poker elements and strategic deckbuilding offers a different experience than traditional deckbuilders. It requires not only tactical thinking but also a good portion of risk management to make the best moves.
The random cards and the constant variation of opponents provide countless hours of gameplay as no two runs are alike. Each attempt to master the game presents new puzzles and surprises.
It is a game suitable for both short, relaxed sessions and longer, strategic brain teasers.
Honorable Mention: Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Release Date: February 13, 2018 | Genre: Medieval Action RPG | Game Duration: 40+ hours (via howlongtobeat.com) | Multiplayer: Not available
What kind of game is this? Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a realistically designed action RPG that transports you to medieval Bohemia of the 15th century. You play as Heinrich, the son of a blacksmith, who tries to regain control of his life after a raid on his village. Along the way, you get caught up in intrigues, fierce battles, and personal stories that test you.
The game stands out for its focus on authenticity and realism compared to other RPGs. There are no magic or fantasy elements – instead, you must assert yourself in a detailed historical world. The developers even traveled back in time by looking at old blueprints of buildings in the archives.
The melee combat in Kingdom Come: Deliverance is challenging and based on real techniques that must be learned and mastered. Hunger, fatigue, and hygiene also play important roles.
You can explore villages, forests, and castles, take on quests, or simply converse with residents. The decisions you make not only influence Heinrich’s story but also the world around you.
Why is it worth playing? The realistic medieval simulation particularly impresses with its detailed representation of the architecture, clothing, and daily life of that time.
The fact that the game was intentionally designed to be not entirely straightforward or comfortable fits with the harsh medieval times and ensures that every hard-fought battle feels that much better.
The story surrounding Heinrich unfolds well and will also continue in the second part. Kingdom Come: Deliverance would normally fall off our list due to its playtime being slightly too long. However, we have included the title here as an Honorable Mention because Part 2 is approaching release and players with more time can refresh their knowledge of the story. What awaits you in Part 2 can be found here: 25 minutes of quests, battles, and dialogues from the medieval RPG – Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 delights its fans
