Customer Reviews (100)

Nik Paulk • 2025-03-25T03:03:35.694Z

This is hands down the best game I've ever played. If I could, I'd give it 6 stars! It's a fantastic concept for mobile, PC, and console platforms. I play it constantly, so much that my girlfriend even tried to delete it, claiming I’m addicted. Honestly, I haven't been this hooked on a game since Fallout Shelter. The gameplay is captivating, and it keeps me coming back for more every time. It's truly a game of the year game and in the gaming world, and it’s hard to put down once you start! 🤡🤡

CSRL • 2025-03-25T02:48:01.193Z

I rarely got hooked by the game, even though people said it was a GOTY contender. But this game is different; I literally can play it all day without getting bored.

Bengt Markussen • 2025-03-25T02:39:46.229Z

This is an absolute amazing game to play, if you're into card games like poker with a twist of rogue like game play, then this is for you. Full stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Summary of Key Insights

Balatro is overwhelmingly praised as an addictive and well-designed game, often described as a "Game of the Year" contender. The core gameplay loop, a blend of poker and roguelike elements, is highly engaging. The mobile port is generally well-received, though some users report technical issues. The absence of microtransactions is a significant positive point for many. However, some users experience game-breaking bugs like save data loss, accidental selling of cards, and performance issues, particularly on certain devices. There are also requests for visual enhancements and portrait mode. Overall sentiment is extremely positive, but technical issues and feature requests need to be addressed.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Very high, based on the score distribution.
  • 5-Star Reviews: 89%
  • 4-Star Reviews: 2%
  • 3-Star Reviews: 4%
  • 2-Star Reviews: 1%
  • 1-Star Reviews: 4%

Key Strengths: Addictive gameplay, unique blend of genres, no microtransactions, excellent value for money. Key Weaknesses: Technical issues (save data loss, performance problems, accidental selling), lack of visual customization, absence of portrait mode.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but likely recent due to the "Game of the Year 2024" mentions.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (identifying positive, negative, and neutral sentiments), keyword extraction (identifying frequently used terms and topics), and thematic analysis (grouping reviews based on common themes and issues).

Key User Pain Points

  • Save Data Loss: Several users reported losing their save data, which is a major issue in a game that relies on progression and grinding. This is a critical bug that needs immediate attention.
  • Performance Issues: Some users, especially on certain Android devices (Redmi Note 14 5G, S25 Ultra), experience stuttering, low FPS, overheating, and battery drain.
  • Accidental Selling of Cards: A "sell" button appearing unexpectedly when selecting cards leads to accidental selling, ruining runs.
  • Visual Issues: Small UI elements and difficulty distinguishing card suits on smaller screens cause headaches and visual strain.
  • Bugged Game Save Sync: Some users reported game save sync being bugged.
  • Achievement Unlocks Bugged: Some users reported achievement unlocks being bugged.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Portrait Mode: Many users requested the addition of portrait mode for easier one-handed play.
  • Cross-Save/Cross-Progression: Users who own the game on multiple platforms (PC, console, mobile) want to synchronize their progress.
  • Mod Support: Some users expressed interest in mod support, especially on mobile.
  • Visual Customization Options: Options to increase the size of UI elements and improve card suit visibility.
  • Card Skins: More card skin options to keep the game exciting.
  • Language Support: Specifically, Croatian language support was requested.
  • Random Card Reverse Every Run: A user requested the option to have a random card reversed every run.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Addictive Gameplay: The core gameplay loop is highly addictive and engaging, blending poker and roguelike elements effectively.
  • Unique Concept: Users appreciate the innovative combination of card games and roguelike mechanics.
  • Replayability: The game offers high replayability due to the random nature of runs and the variety of Jokers and decks.
  • No Microtransactions: The absence of in-app purchases is a major selling point and is highly appreciated by users.
  • Excellent Value: Users consider the game to be well worth the price.
  • Well-Designed Mobile Port: The mobile version is generally praised for its smooth controls and faithful adaptation of the PC/console experience.
  • Engaging Progression System: The feeling of seeing "numbers go up" and unlocking new content is satisfying.
  • Great Time Killer: Users find it perfect for short bursts of play or longer gaming sessions.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Save Data Loss Bug: This is a game-breaking issue that needs immediate attention. Implement robust save mechanisms and thoroughly test them.
  • Address Performance Issues: Optimize the game for various Android devices to reduce stuttering, lag, overheating, and battery drain.
  • Remove or Improve Accidental Sell Button: Redesign the card selling mechanism to prevent accidental sales. Consider requiring confirmation or removing the button altogether.
  • Fix Bugged Game Save Sync: Correct this issue to ensure users can sync progress.
  • Fix Bugged Achievement Unlocks: Ensure achievements unlock correctly.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement Visual Customization Options: Add options to increase UI size, improve card suit visibility, and adjust other visual elements to improve accessibility.
  • Add Portrait Mode: Implement portrait mode to enhance the mobile experience and cater to users who prefer one-handed play.
  • Implement Cross-Save/Cross-Progression: Allow users to synchronize their progress across different platforms.

Low Priority:

  • Add Language Support: Consider adding support for more languages, starting with Croatian.
  • Add Card Skins: Introduce optional card skins to provide cosmetic variety.
  • Implement Random Card Reverse Option: Add an option to have a random card reversed every run.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Balatro Companion App: A companion app could offer deck-building tools, Joker guides, and run tracking features.
  • Balatro Tournament Platform: A platform for organizing and participating in Balatro tournaments.
  • Joker Design Contest: A contest where users can submit their own Joker designs, with the winning designs potentially being added to the game.
  • Balatro-Inspired Card Game: A physical card game inspired by Balatro, bringing the digital experience to the tabletop.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Positive Sentiment: The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, indicating a high level of user satisfaction.
  • Addiction as a Theme: Many users jokingly describe the game as addictive, highlighting its engaging nature.
  • Cross-Platform Ownership: A significant number of users own the game on multiple platforms, indicating strong brand loyalty.
  • Performance Concerns on Specific Devices: Performance issues seem to be concentrated on certain Android devices, suggesting potential optimization challenges.

Conclusion

Balatro is a highly successful game with a strong positive reputation. The core gameplay is addictive and enjoyable, and the mobile port is generally well-received. However, addressing the identified technical issues and implementing some of the frequently requested features would significantly improve the user experience and further solidify the game's position as a top mobile title. Prioritizing bug fixes, especially save data loss, is crucial.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playstack.balatro.android