Balatro has taken that mantle for the moment (over a hundred hours in under two weeks). Other similar games would be Cobalt Core (finished with all characters, don't feel the need to go back though) and... Monster Train (it's okay, not as tight as the others).

[–] Pra@sh.itjust.works 3 points 8 months ago (2 children)

I'm in love with balatro, but do you think it's better than slay the spire? I think slay the spire just feels... More of a game than balatro I guess? Maybe I feel that way just because there's not really a story set up against balatro, and slay the spire at least has you fight an entity that you feel good about.

[–] jacksilver@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago

I picked up Balatro because of this thread and I agree, it's a great game and something a little fresh, but slay the spire is still probably the best.

I agree about the "more like a game" element. Baltoro feels more like playing cards than playing a video game. I think it's cause I'm using the same odds/play styles as when I play real life card games.

[–] ABCDE@lemmy.world -1 points 8 months ago

StS doesn't really have a story, but yes, it has characters instead; I don't really mind either direction, Balatro's fight-against-the-game is essentially the same thing.

They are different, and I do enjoy them both in their own ways. Balatro's heavy focus on combinations (and regular stores) means decks can shape quite quickly into something very unique. It's also more accessible as the games are shorter; StS can be an hour if successful, if not more. My comment is more that Balatro is newer and has at least satisfied the itch which - after being out for years - StS has perhaps not been able to do in such a way for a while.