In the vibrant landscape of gaming, 2024’s anticipated title, Balatro, presents a lively experience that, while reminiscent of poker, is not centered around gambling. Instead, it invites players into a world filled with bright colors and soothing atmospheres, encouraging them to weigh the risks and rewards of their choices. In stark contrast, Cloverpit emerges as a darker counterpart, plunging players into a gritty environment filled with rusty slot machines and grimy ATMs. Here, the stakes are high: each round demands players earn enough to settle their debts, or face the ominous fate of being cast into the death pit below. Despite its horror-themed premise, Cloverpit is quickly establishing itself as one of the standout roguelikes of the year.
Game Development and Release
Developer Panik Arcade made a strategic decision to delay Cloverpit’s release to avoid clashing with the launch of Silksong. Now that the new date has arrived, the studio describes Cloverpit as a “demonic lovechild of Balatro and Buckshot Roulette,” presenting it as a roguelite that entraps players in a cycle of self-created challenges. The game invites players to “gamble for your life in a never-ending debt simulator,” blending elements of risk with engaging gameplay.
For those familiar with the thrill of virtual slots, from classic titles like Pokemon Red and Blue to nostalgic experiences on Neopets, Cloverpit taps into that satisfying essence of spinning reels and hoping for fortune. However, it goes beyond mere luck, introducing a layer of strategy where skill and judgment play crucial roles. Players can manipulate outcomes and payouts through various means, including meta-progression and an endless mode.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Cloverpit boasts over 150 unique items that players can discover to shift the odds in their favor. Among these, memory cards can significantly alter game rules, while relics can transform smaller wins into substantial rewards. Players can even make desperate phone calls to salvage their luck when it hangs by a thread. For those who prefer a more predictable experience, Cloverpit offers seeded runs to ensure specific outcomes.
The game has generated considerable buzz, amassing over 500,000 wishlists following several demos. Its launch has been met with enthusiasm, as evidenced by an active player count that has already soared to 15,000 and a remarkable 96% rating on Steam, earning it the coveted ‘overwhelmingly positive’ tag. Panik Arcade expressed gratitude to the community, stating, “What a wild ride this has been. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone for supporting the game so far and for sticking with us when we had to push the launch back a few weeks.”
Clarifying the Game’s Intent
Despite its sinister themes, Cloverpit is designed for enjoyment rather than genuine gambling. The developers are keen to clarify, “Is this gambling? Hell no. Cloverpit is a roguelite horror game, and not a slot machine simulator. Our slot machine is designed to be broken and ultimately overcome, and will never ask you for real money.”
Cloverpit is now available, featuring a 10% launch discount until Friday, October 10, bringing the price to .99 / £7.65. Additionally, players can explore separate bundles that include Inscryption, Balatro, and Buckshot Roulette, offering an extra 10% savings on their chosen pair. For those seeking the best indie games, Cloverpit also shines on handheld devices, making it a perfect companion for gaming on the go.
If you’ve already hit a lucky streak, consider visiting the PCGamesN community Discord server to share your high scores with fellow gamers and engage with a vibrant community of enthusiasts.
