Some people have criticized the new sell mechanic in the recently released mobile versions of the hit roguelike Balatro. The process of selling Joker cards in the Android and iOS ports of Balatro differs from the system that players have already become accustomed to on PC and consoles.
The critically acclaimed indie Balatro received mobile versions on September 26, finally giving people the ability to play the Poker-themed deck builder on the go. While the reception for these ports has been overwhelmingly positive - the version available on the Apple app store currently has a perfect five-star rating based on close to 7,000 reviews - concerns regarding the changes made to the sell system have popped up online.
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In a recent post on the Balatro subreddit, user docpagliacci complained that anyone could easily sell off their Jokers in the game's mobile ports by accident. Most of Balatro's special Joker cards can only be obtained through a shop that appears during matches, which makes management of the items a crucial gameplay aspect. Choosing Jokers in the PC and console versions of Balatro unlocks the option to sell the cards via an additional click or button press, but those on the mobile ports have to drag Jokers to a new sell zone located beside the cards. This sell area should be moved to the right-most side of the screen, according to docpagliacci, who accidentally sold off a Joker while trying to rearrange cards,
Complaints About New Sell Zone in Balatro Mobile
Many community members agreed with docpagliacci's sentiment, and one person even claimed that it was weird for the mobile versions of Balatro to feature a different sell mechanic in the first place. Balatro's solo developer LocalThunk, known for having hidden game-changing Balatro exploits in the past, has done exactly what docpagliacci suggested and moved the sell box further to the right of the screen. They ended up adjusting the location of the zone from patches 1.1.1 to 1.1.4, with each successive update placing the area further to the right.
Balatro became the best-selling game on Android and iOS following its release on the platforms. It managed to outperform mobile juggernauts like Minecraft, the highest-selling game of all time, in major markets like Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
In August, it was revealed that Balatro had already sold two million copies since launching in February. The game is set to receive its first major gameplay update in 2025, which promises to bring new ideas and strategies to the popular deck builder.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 100%
- Released
- February 20, 2024
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Gambling Themes
- Developer(s)
- LocalThunk
- Publisher(s)
- Playstack
- Engine
- LÖVE
WHERE TO PLAY
Balatro is a poker-inspired roguelike deck builder all about creating powerful synergies and winning big.
The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.
Combine valid poker hands with unique Joker cards in order to create varied synergies and builds. Earn enough chips to beat devious blinds, all while uncovering hidden bonus hands and decks as you progress. You’re going to need every edge you can get in order to reach the boss blind, beat the final ante and secure victory
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Android, iOS
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Digital Card Game, Roguelike
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
