In this episode of Game Pass Grab Bag, the hosts sit down with a deceptively deep indie gem: Bellatro, a poker roguelike that’s as frustrating as it is addictive. On paper, it sounds niche—a card-based game built around poker hands and luck—but as the hosts dive in, it becomes clear Bellatro is something special.
“This is the definite game.”
Poker + Roguelike = Surprisingly Fun
Bellatro takes the structure of a roguelike—random encounters, deck-building mechanics, and escalating difficulty—and layers it with the fundamentals of poker. Think flushes and full houses, but with explosive combos, wild joker mechanics, and over 150 unique modifiers that reshape every hand. The game leans into strategy, math, and chaos, creating a loop that’s endlessly replayable.
“It’s math. It becomes about math.”
But don’t worry—you don’t need to be a poker shark to enjoy Bellatro. In fact, one of the biggest takeaways from the discussion is how accessible the game is, even for those unfamiliar with poker rules. That said, knowing your straights from your pairs does help when it comes to building winning hands.
Easy to Learn, Wild to Master
One of the game’s biggest strengths is how it evolves over time. What starts as a simple card game slowly spirals into a complex strategic challenge. Jokers serve as powerful modifiers, changing how cards behave, scoring bonuses, or flipping the rules altogether. As the hosts point out, learning how jokers work is key to success—and to understanding the full depth of Bellatro’s design.
“You have to know the jokers.”
There’s trial and error, RNG-driven chaos, and moments where the game just clicks—or utterly derails your run in the final moments. And yet, the hosts can’t stop playing. The mix of randomness and strategy proves to be incredibly addictive, even as it sparks debate about how much of the game is “skill” versus “luck.”
Platform Matters
While Bellatro is available on multiple platforms through Game Pass, the hosts had strong opinions about how the platform affects the experience. Some described it as a mobile game that made its way to console—complete with UI quirks and pacing issues—while others preferred the mouse-and-keyboard approach on PC. Regardless of platform, Bellatro’s visual style and retro flair give it a unique charm.
“This is a mobile game on Xbox.”
Art, Audio, and Achievements
Visually, the game is simple but striking. The retro-style graphics are clean and functional, serving the gameplay without distraction. Art direction and clarity become increasingly important as card effects and jokers pile on.
The audio, on the other hand, was divisive. Some appreciated the chill soundtrack, while others found it repetitive or grating over long sessions. Still, the hosts agree that the presentation does just enough to create an immersive vibe.
“I like this game’s art style.”
Achievements are another mixed bag. For completionists, Bellatro offers plenty to chase—but the randomness and grindy nature of some unlocks left a few hosts frustrated.
Where’s the Multiplayer?
A recurring theme in the episode is the absence of multiplayer. Bellatro is a perfect setup for competitive or co-op modes—think asynchronous leaderboards or tag-team builds. Yet, the game remains a single-player experience, which feels like a missed opportunity to expand its reach and replayability.
“Why doesn’t this have multiplayer?”
The Verdict: Game of the Year Contender?
Despite its flaws—an underwhelming tutorial, no multiplayer, and pacing quirks—Bellatro has carved out a space in the hosts’ hearts. Its balance of luck, strategy, and poker nostalgia hits just right. The conversation becomes deeply personal, from frustration over missed hands to joy in perfect runs. It’s not just about the cards—it’s about the stories they tell.
“It’s just a single tear.”
Whether you’re a hardcore card shark or a casual gamer, Bellatro has something for you. It’s math. It’s luck. It’s chaotic beauty wrapped in a roguelike shell—and the Game Pass Grab Bag team isn’t afraid to say it might just be Game of the Year material.
🎮 Play Bellatro now on Game Pass and join the conversation. Got thoughts? Jump into the GPGG Discord to share your builds, rants, and favorite jokers.
