Developers have attempted to replicate the success of LocalThunk’s popular roguelike poker game, Balatro, with mixed results. Some lack an understanding of what makes Balatro enjoyable, while others employ unethical practices. However, Combolands: Roguelike Citybuilder, developed by Crux Games, stands out by combining the captivating elements of Balatro with the strategic planning found in Cities: Skylines. The game, as shown in its demo, appears deeply engaging and uniquely rewarding.
In city-building games, players typically earn rewards for strategic placement using adjacency bonuses. For example, Civilization 7 encourages players to stack resources for expansive cities, while Cities: Skylines assesses community satisfaction based on access to amenities like parks. In Combolands, adjacency bonuses play a crucial role, as players start on a procedurally generated island with distinct resources and face the challenge of reaching population milestones within a limited timeframe.
The game becomes more complex as players unlock new building options that require strategic alterations. Certain structures enhance production or accelerate effects but may complicate the formation of efficient combo chains. Early rounds allow for a somewhat haphazard approach to placement, but requirements for multipliers demand careful planning later.
Players will encounter setbacks, but these losses can lead to fresh opportunities. In the demo, Combolands is notably more forgiving than Balatro, offering new buildings and progress even after failure. Players can select guilds that influence available buildings, with seven guilds promised at launch, paving the way for diverse strategies.
As players advance, they can unlock additional game features, such as an in-game shop that allows for critical enhancements between rounds. The demo suggests an appealing level of strategy that remains accessible and fast-paced. Combolands is set to be released on August 24 for Windows PC via Steam.
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