Alex and Luke Talk Balatro

In this episode, Alex and Luke go all-in on Balatro, the breakout roguelike deck-builder that’s equal parts poker, chaos, and obsession. Developed by LocalThunk and released in early 2024, Balatro blends classic card game mechanics with deck-breaking combos, jokers with wild effects, and a vibe that’s one part casino fever dream, one part endless strategy loop.

At the time of this recording, Balatro holds a Metacritic score of 90, and according to HowLongToBeat, you can complete the game in 7 hours—but good luck stopping. This game sinks its teeth in fast and doesn’t let go.

Both Alex and Luke played on their Steam Decks, chasing multipliers, unlocking jokers, and debating the most degenerate combos they could get away with. Join them as they unpack what makes Balatro feel so addicting, how it slots into the growing roguelike canon, and why it's been living rent-free in their brains.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by Slides.

Send us a Voice Message. You may even be featured on our next episode!

Tales from the Backlog is a a video games podcast where Dave Jackson and guests break down and discuss the games they play. Each episode looks at one game in depth, focusing on mechanics, story, music and other aspects, with no spoilers until a clearly marked spoiler wall in the middle.

We all deserve a little break - a moment to just sit back, kick our feet up, and relax. Chillscape is the perfect companion for these moments.

Every episode of Chillscape is a personally-curated collection of the best chill video game music of a different theme, broken-up into 3 mini-themed blocks to keep the vibes vibing and the flow flowing.

Catch new episodes every other Wednesday.

Support the show

​
​Visit us at LowFiveGaming.com.

Join the Low Five Discord!

Email us at [email protected].

Low Five Gaming is a Studio Low Five Production.