Review
Balatro review – this card game’s got me hooked
by Simon Balissat
Controversy surrounding PEGI's 18+ rating for indie hit "Balatro"
19.12.2024
Translation: machine translated
PEGI's decision to release the PC card game "Balatro" from the age of 18 has been criticised by developer LocalThunk. It argues that the categorisation is inconsistent compared to games such as "EA Sports FC", which contains gambling loot boxes and is nevertheless approved for children.
What is "Balatro"?
My colleague Simon described the game in his review as a mixture of poker, Yahtzee, tarot and roguelike. You can read his review on the following page.
It recently picked up three prizes at this year's Game Awards: "Best Independent Game", "Debut Indie Game" and "Best Mobile Game".
"Balatro" interprets poker mechanics in a completely new way. In this game, you combine poker hands from a standard 52-card deck. The aim is to achieve ever higher scores (chips) through skilful card selection and synergies.
Players have to overcome various blinds (minimum stakes) by playing poker hands such as full house or flush and upgrading them with joker cards and multipliers. The special thing about "Balatro" is the ability to dramatically change the deck with unique joker and tarot cards, making each round of the game a completely new tactical experience.
The developer LocalThunk already declared in August this year that he is against gambling per se. He stated in his will that the "Balatro" IP should never be sold or licensed to a gambling company/casino.
The age rating is not the same in all countries, however. The North American ESRB is less strict and gave "Balatro" an E10+ rating. The German USK also rates the card game more moderately with a 12+ rating.
Cost-based loot boxes should be banned
I can well understand the solo developer's criticism of games like "EA Sports FC" in particular. Loot boxes and microtransactions are an absolute nonsense in the gaming world. In my opinion, they should be completely banned and abolished.
For example, paid loot boxes are now also banned in Belgium and the Netherlands. There they are considered illegal gambling. And I think that's the right thing to do. Although games with such game mechanics can still be played there, they no longer contain paid loot boxes.
Header image: Playstack
My interests are varied, I just like to enjoy life. Always on the lookout for news about darts, gaming, films and series.
Gaming
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
News + Trends
From the latest iPhone to the return of 80s fashion. The editorial team will help you make sense of it all.
Show all