Gambonanza masterfully combines Balatro and chess and it's out now

Gambonanza is chess but also not really. It fuses in Balatro-inspired game mechanics with a small board to create intense fast runs. Disclosure: a key was provided to GamingOnLinux.

Much like actual chess, it's a very tactical game with high-stakes. But, unlike actual chess, it doesn't take forever to get through. Runs can last only a few minutes if you're a bit crap (like me) but even if you finish a run it doesn't really take much time at all. This is part of why it's so good, it's snack-sized with a great accessible and clear design so you can have a few bites here and there and whenever you have a coffee break.

Here it's not about grabbing a King though. The goal is still simple enough - just capture all of the enemy pieces before they capture all of yours. However, with such a small board and so few pieces, it's quite a challenge actually and only reminds me how dumb I actually am at making any sort of tactical decision. Especially a nuisance if you fail to capture anything repeatedly, because after a few turns of no captures the board will gradually fall away, which actually can help you as enemy pieces could fall off the board.

Aside from the time involved, it's also the roguelike nature of it that keeps you constantly coming back for more. You start off with only three pieces on a small board, and gradually buy up special Gambits that alter the rules, often chaining together to make some really silly combinations where you just board-stomp all over the opponent. Some let you add more pieces, others let you have an additional turn each time you capture a piece with a certain piece and so on. There's over 200 of these Gambits, so absolutely loads of different ways to really mess with a run.

To help you (or help your opponent), if a Pawn manages to reach the opposite end, you then get to promote them into a piece of your choice. Something that is especially helpful with a bunch of the trickier opponents.

It's not just Gambits that you can buy up with money earned from completing each round. You can also buy up new pieces, which you can stick on the board in any order and in any position in your starting area. You can stock up on pieces too, as you don't have to use them right away. You can even add pieces to the board during a match, which can save you but you'll skip a turn if you do so.

Add to that special board squares you can unlock and place on the board to give you an edge like a hook that traps opponent's pieces, or a gold tile that gives you more money if you land on it.

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Once you've mastered the initial run, the game expands a bit to give you extra difficulty levels that come with some interesting modifiers to keep things real interesting. I really enjoy how much there is to think about. As simple and fast as it seems on the surface, there's a lot to it. There's even boss battles with their own unique set of rules that add an extra fun different kind of challenge to it.

I've lost count of the amount of times I've audibly called myself an idiot playing this. But, when you manage to have a good run and win repeatedly, it really makes you feel all smart and accomplished. Even when I lose repeatedly, it's so slick and engaging that I want another round.

With full controller support, it's a great way to relax with on a Steam Deck or with a gamepad attached to your PC.

Game Highlights:

• Smaller Starting Boards that Pack a Punch: enjoy the strategic tension of a chess game packaged in snackable and high-impact rounds.
• Synergistic Gambits & Pieces: Combine your chess pieces with over 150+ Gambits to unlock devastating combos and strategic surprises.
• Dynamic Reserve System: Keep a stock of extra pieces off-board and deploy them at crucial moments to shift the balance of power.
• Strategic Board Upgrades: Enhance your chessboard and hone your tactical edge with golden squares, blessing tiles, protective surfaces, and more!
• Retro Aesthetic & Quirky Ambiance: Immerse yourself in vibrant pixel art with a nostalgic CRT filter, evoking the playful excitement of a fairground.
• Engaging Mini-Games: Test your luck and skill in challenges inspired by pachinko, slot machines, and Gachapon, each offering game-changing upgrades.

Excellent. I think this is a game worth every penny. With a small board you won't get bored. Go grab it.