if gambling addictions were cigarettes, then Balatro is a nicotine patch with enough juice to make a chain smoker satisfied.

this game balances scratching your godfather-crack-dealer itch for another hand going all in, the desire of a little kid who wants a pokemon card pack, the deep hole in completionists hearts to get the last little achievment, and the absolute unhinged gamer rage when you lose.

truly a masterclass in keeping games about what matters, and not just making brainrot-gobblty-guk to make millions off of rich idiots and 10 year olds.

11/10.

A++.