A new trend of gambling-inspired games has emerged following the success of the poker-style deckbuilding roguelike game Balatro. The formula involves taking a traditional game of chance found in casinos and adding countless bells and whistles, gadgets, and quirky elements to create a “one more turn” roguelike experience that is both engaging and tactile. Steam Next Fest is currently showcasing a variety of these innovative games, and one demo that stands out is Ballionaire, a colorful pachinko-inspired roguelike where players can strategically place various widgets.
Despite the chaotic nature of the trailer, Ballionaire is relatively straightforward to play. Players release a ball from the top of the board and watch as it navigates through pins, earning cash for each interaction with bumpers or gadgets. Some bumpers, known as “triggers,” offer unique abilities. For example, an axe can split the ball in half, leading to new pathways and interactions, while a teleporter can send the ball back to the top for another round. Players can also choose from different elemental-themed balls, such as fire, water, and even a chicken egg, each offering distinct bonuses.
As players progress through levels, the gameplay becomes more intricate, with opportunities for bigger rewards and creative strategies. For instance, players can plant cacti that generate income when left untouched and strategically place other bumpers to prevent the ball from hitting them. Alternatively, players can create food combinations on the board, collecting ingredients like tomatoes, bread, and cheese to earn extra money. By placing a frying pan underneath, players can combine these ingredients into a meal for additional rewards before feeding it to a hungry mouth at the bottom of the board.
We encourage you to try out the demo before Steam Next Fest concludes (ending on Monday). This whimsical and entertaining game of ball bonking offers a refreshing experience. While Ballionaire draws inspiration from pachinko, popular games like Peggle and Peglin have also taken cues from the traditional Japanese gambling machine.
With the rise of gambling-themed games, it’s important to consider the implications, especially given the existing concerns around psychological tactics in free-to-play games and MMOs. However, the developer of Balatro has taken a proactive approach by ensuring the game is not exploited by the gambling industry, showcasing a sense of responsibility within the gaming community.
