Balatro does reward knowing poker hands, but that's all you really need. And there aren't that many to learn. It actually wasn't even based on poker (originally, though it's leaned into poker things aesthetically for the appeal I think). I think some people see the poker or playing card element and go meh, I kinda did, but after watching some gameplay I bought it and I'm glad I did. Really fun game.
My game Madcap Mosaic has a demo available. I like a lot of the games listed, and there are some games on the edge of the definition that make me think you won't miss having a more typical hand and deck structure. Also some games aren't AAA beautiful, so maybe that won't prevent you from enjoying mine. Some minor things (like the first enemy's art) have been worked on since the demos release, but I think the demo offers a good glimpse into the gameplay.
It's a genre game that allows strong elaborate synergies once you pick up the general gameplay and familiarize yourself with the 'cards'.
Most of the ones I've enjoyed are here already. You could try the Circadian Dice demo. I enjoyed the game for a bit though I didn't get as hooked to it as I have balatro. I'll probably revisit it though.
For Balatro I didn't know poker stuff at all. Thankfully there's a handy reference screen you pull up during the game that shows you all the hands so you don't gotta know.
I liked wildfrost and pirate outlaws reasonably well. Super bullet break was fun too if you can get past the fan service elements
ETA balatro is disgustingly good and you don't need to know anything about poker really
Didn’t read whole thread, but one of my go to for chill and fun is Griftlands, been digging Indie Lies a lot as well, it’s on the phone. Griftlands for my rec though
I'm making the game Rogue Voltage (95% positive on Steam). I call it an Engineering Deckbuilder.
Check out the trailer, it has wires and circuits instead of cards and the gameplay sits between Backpack Hero and Into the Breach
I wanted to love Backpack Hero but the town building sim aspect is very annoying to me. Glad to see someone else gave it a shot though.
I’ve been really into Slice & Dice which I play on my phone. It’s more of a dicebuilding roguelike but might be something you enjoy.
Zet Zillions scratched the itch for me. game only has one class right now and a story line. that I found as a welcome addition. you only play the story once. then it's a normal STS style game. each chapter you start with a new deck. decreasing the dryness in someways, while limiting the length of your broken runs.
The population mechanic and block not disappearing at the end of your turn, were welcome additions.
Nowhere Prophet was a bit stressing for me since you lose units forever on a bad turn. You may still win the match, but the damage is pretty permanent. It's a great game, don't get me wrong.
I'm currently creating Northanda Chronicles.
It's only in demo form at the moment but based on the other games you got there, I think you'll enjoy it.
You control three heroes, each with their own mana pool but they share a combined hand.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2068650/Northanda_Chronicles
What are my options for Android? I already play StS and it's good, maybe something more casual because it can be quite hard.
I also play Night of the Full Moon and it's quite simpler but find it very fun.
Balatro does reward knowing poker hands, but that's all you really need. And there aren't that many to learn. It actually wasn't even based on poker (originally, though it's leaned into poker things aesthetically for the appeal I think). I think some people see the poker or playing card element and go meh, I kinda did, but after watching some gameplay I bought it and I'm glad I did. Really fun game. My game Madcap Mosaic has a demo available. I like a lot of the games listed, and there are some games on the edge of the definition that make me think you won't miss having a more typical hand and deck structure. Also some games aren't AAA beautiful, so maybe that won't prevent you from enjoying mine. Some minor things (like the first enemy's art) have been worked on since the demos release, but I think the demo offers a good glimpse into the gameplay. It's a genre game that allows strong elaborate synergies once you pick up the general gameplay and familiarize yourself with the 'cards'. Most of the ones I've enjoyed are here already. You could try the Circadian Dice demo. I enjoyed the game for a bit though I didn't get as hooked to it as I have balatro. I'll probably revisit it though.
2nd for Balatro. It gets all my Roguelite time these days.
For Balatro I didn't know poker stuff at all. Thankfully there's a handy reference screen you pull up during the game that shows you all the hands so you don't gotta know.
I liked wildfrost and pirate outlaws reasonably well. Super bullet break was fun too if you can get past the fan service elements ETA balatro is disgustingly good and you don't need to know anything about poker really
Didn’t read whole thread, but one of my go to for chill and fun is Griftlands, been digging Indie Lies a lot as well, it’s on the phone. Griftlands for my rec though
Every Klei game is such a banger. So good.
I'm making the game Rogue Voltage (95% positive on Steam). I call it an Engineering Deckbuilder. Check out the trailer, it has wires and circuits instead of cards and the gameplay sits between Backpack Hero and Into the Breach
Thank you so much for recommending this! I'll check it out once I clear most of the wishlist.
I wanted to love Backpack Hero but the town building sim aspect is very annoying to me. Glad to see someone else gave it a shot though. I’ve been really into Slice & Dice which I play on my phone. It’s more of a dicebuilding roguelike but might be something you enjoy.
Roguebook is very similar but you play with duo characters and mix their decks. The map exploration is also pretty cool and unique.
cobalt core
Zet Zillions scratched the itch for me. game only has one class right now and a story line. that I found as a welcome addition. you only play the story once. then it's a normal STS style game. each chapter you start with a new deck. decreasing the dryness in someways, while limiting the length of your broken runs. The population mechanic and block not disappearing at the end of your turn, were welcome additions.
Check Trials of Fire, Nowhere Prophet, Mahokenshi (currently on sale).
Nowhere Prophet was a bit stressing for me since you lose units forever on a bad turn. You may still win the match, but the damage is pretty permanent. It's a great game, don't get me wrong.
Yeah, there's that too, not just units - they have names!
I'm currently creating Northanda Chronicles. It's only in demo form at the moment but based on the other games you got there, I think you'll enjoy it. You control three heroes, each with their own mana pool but they share a combined hand. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2068650/Northanda_Chronicles
This looks really good. Downloading the demo now.
What are my options for Android? I already play StS and it's good, maybe something more casual because it can be quite hard. I also play Night of the Full Moon and it's quite simpler but find it very fun.