Like an evil, slot machine version of Balatro, CloverPit tasks players with reaching ever increasing targets with strict time limits, using modifiers which can satisfyingly see points totals ping into the millions.

That’s where the comparison with Balatro ends, because while CloverPit is a stylistic sibling to the Joker-infested, poker-based card game, it’s based around a hellish slot machine, with players trapped in a sinister room, and failure punished by death via an inescapable pit.

The deliberately lo-fi aesthetic of CloverPit gives it a very sinister air, and there ar curious, creepy details everywhere. It’s all very tactile, with the room you’re trapped in having plenty to poke at and pick up between rounds on the slot machine, and, analogous to Balatro’s Jokers, you can purchase charms which help you to build up crazy combo totals and survive the sinister room for another round.

It’s very addictive stuff, and its tangible setting gives it less of an abstract feel than Balatro. However, it rarely feels like you’re in control, and I rarely reached a point where I felt like I had clarity or much control over the outcome of my spins, making it a much less satisfying roguelike than many others. I also found the interactive elements in the room a little too frustrating and fiddly in general, not to mention far too numerous.

It is still a game you’re likely to struggle putting down hough, and its weird lore (CloverPit is definitely Balatro meets Inscryption, in a satanic casino likely owned by David Lynch), as well as many secrets to discover, make it a pretty compelling experience.

It won’t be replacing the oft-mentioned card game as a go-to on my Steam Deck, but CloverPit is a title I’ll be returning to quite a bit, as it has an off-the-wall, sinister charm and surprisingly creepy appeal. There’s plenty to discover and unlock, so if the dark, sinister vibe of CloverPit looks like it might be up your street, be prepared for an addictive and weird experience.

Hi! I’m Jason, and I write for midlifegamergeek.com, every single day. If you’re interested in supporting original, regularly published, human created content (which has never been plagiarised or otherwise copied from the hard work of other writers), you can donate and help me to keep this site running.

Not only do I earn no income from my writing here (though I may earn small fees from affiliate links posted on my pages; as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from these links), but it seems that my work has, at times, been stolen and re-used by lazy, morally bankrupt idiots.

There’s no pressure of course, but I’d be truly grateful for any support that you could offer – and it’s easy to do so at either of these links: Ko-Fi.com/geekmid or PayPal.

Any donations are truly appreciated – and I also appreciate you taking the time to read my articles. Remember: this whole article was by Jason Brown, and appeared on midlifegamergeek.com. Take that, Skynet!