CloverPit is the sort of game that enjoys riding on the success of other experiences. If you’ve played Balatro, you’ll get a unique but familiar sense of deja vu. Now, this isn’t a complaint, but I appreciate originality as much as the next person.
This roguelike gambling title was developed by Panik Arcade and published by Future Friends Games. It is a single-player affair that limits its hand-holding. This should have been annoying, but I enjoyed the semi-puzzle-like impact. Furthermore, it enhanced the gambling mindset as you push for risk vs reward.
CloverPit has a sense of purgatory.
Being trapped in a room with little understanding of your crimes isn’t my idea of fun. However, this is the main concept behind CloverPit. Players awaken to see an array of images, a slot machine, and other key items. With minimal instruction, players must gamble to earn money and avoid the drop into the unknown.
The action follows a repetitive cycle that may annoy. However, once you get to grips with the unique quips and gameplay elements, you can work much of the action to your advantage. This trial and error won’t appeal to everyone. Yet, I enjoyed the sense of despair and the guarantee that failure is around the corner.
Take in the clues.
Although CloverPit offers little guidance, there are plenty of clues if you open your eyes. Furthermore, there are perks to unlock as you gather tokens. This is where you must balance your approach. Do you push for loads of coins to guarantee you make each deadline, or do you aim for tokens to gain permanent buffs to assist you in the latter stages?
As the game unfolds, you’ll be offered buffs from a mysterious person. The phone rings, and you must make a choice. Sometimes this can be a blessing, and other times a curse. Either way, picking up the phone can be the difference between winning and losing.
It is this element of trepidation that makes this enjoyable. But, less adventurous gamers will find this annoying and tedious. The constant unknown can wreak havoc with organised gamers.
CloverPit has a grim but polished aesthetic.
If you don’t like seedy and claustrophobic games, this won’t be for you. The dark gambling den is uncomfortably tight. Moreover, the lighting is sinister, and the grainy world is unpleasant to the eye. However, this deliberate approach is perfect for the uncomfortable atmosphere.
The audio does a perfect job of complementing this mindset. Awful ambient sounds juxtapose the fun of each turn on the slot machine. Furthermore, the shrill noise of the telephone and the clunk of the grate were enough to make you jump and shudder.
Simple controls.
CloverPit is remarkably easy to play. You control the machine while looking around the room. This is the extent of the control system, and it can be mastered easily.
Replay value and longevity vary depending on your love of the genre. If roguelike games are not for you, you’ll uninstall them immediately. However, if you love to gamble and test your luck, this Game Pass title will keep you going for ages.
CloverPit is no Balatro, but I enjoyed it regardless.
CloverPit doesn’t live up to the dizzy heights of Balatro. Although I enjoyed it, it doesn’t grab you in the same way. Instead, it felt more casual and a little less powerful. Accordingly, despite my slight reservations, I enjoyed it and recommend buying it here! Can you escape it your cell? Choose your wager, hit the jackpot, and meet the deadline.
