The author of the web content discusses how solitaire, particularly Klondike, inspired their game Balatro. They wanted Balatro to have the same vibe as solitaire – comforting and enjoyable in a low-stakes way. The author envisioned players casually playing Balatro like solitaire on a lazy Sunday afternoon. While Balatro has a meta-game with achievements and challenges to encourage exploration, solitaire does not. Through adding guiding goals, they aimed to enhance the player experience. Despite differing perceptions, the author finds joy in how players engage with the game. They describe Balatro as ‘jazz solitaire,’ blending old feelings with modern design elements.
https://localthunk.com/blog/solitaire