When Balatro arrived, it felt like a fresh breeze in the world of chess roguelike deckbuilders—slick, clever, and impossible to ignore. So it was only a matter of time before others tried to capture that same magic. Gambonanza is one of those games, but unlike many imitators, it doesn’t just copy the formula and call it a day. It incorporates its own spin to carve out a recognizable identity in a genre still finding its feet.
Gambonanza blends chess-inspired tactics with roguelike deckbuilding in a way that occasionally clicks brilliantly. The gameplay loop can feel rewarding when the pieces fall into place, wielding the familiar strategic depth of chess with the unpredictability of card draws and rogue progression. Victory here isn’t just about outplaying your opponent on the board but managing your deck and adapting on the fly.
That said, it’s not perfect. The pacing sometimes stutters, and moments that should feel tense or thrilling don’t always hit the mark. Still, Gambonanza’s earnest attempt to expand on Balatro’s foundation means it avoids the trap of feeling like a mere clone. When it works, it really works, delivering a unique challenge that chess and roguelike fans can appreciate.
Source: rockpapershotgun.com
