After 18 years of beating roguelikes, I think I’ve finally found my kryptonite
PC Gamer has published a first-look piece by an experienced roguelike player encountering an unexpected challenge in Gambonanza. The author boasts 18 years of roguelike experience and typically finds success quickly by synergizing game mechanics effectively. However, Gambonanza has proven to be their “nemesis,” with the author admitting they are “absolutely terrible” at the game despite their extensive expertise in the genre.
Gambonanza appears to blend multiple strategic game design philosophies, combining chess mechanics with deck-building systems similar to the popular game Balatro. This hybrid approach creates a unique gameplay experience that deviates from the roguelike patterns the author has mastered over nearly two decades. Rather than the familiar synergy-building that typically leads to victory in roguelikes, Gambonanza requires a fundamentally different strategic approach that has stumped the seasoned player.
The piece serves as both a preview and a humbling reminder that gaming expertise doesn’t always transfer across different genres and mechanics, even within related categories. The author’s struggle with Gambonanza despite their professional-level experience suggests the game offers a genuinely challenging and distinct strategic experience that differentiates it from other roguelikes currently in the market.