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Gambonanza
Gambonanza attempts to merge chess and roguelike, and the end result is a mixed bag. A bright spark for the first few runs, but relentless repetition causes it to fizzle out in the end.
Gambonanza isn’t as feature-rich or varied as it could be, but it remains hypnotically compelling all the same. Whether you’re a champion chess player or don’t know your Rooks from your Pawns, Gambonanza’s short, sharp matches and varied Gambit mechanics are engagingly addictive, and are worth checking out for any roguelike fan.
Gambonanza is a good game with the potential to be great. With some adjustments to the probability system and the balancing of the gambits, it could establish itself as one of the most original productions in the genre. For now, it falls into the category of games that impress with their idea, but leave us a little disappointed in their execution. Promising, fun, and at the same time, unnecessarily unfair and punitive.
8
MistedAurora
2026's Balatro has arrived, and it's perfect for any enjoyer of roguelikes or chess.
8
PurpleMaster
The game is very good, the learning curve is pretty high, but once you understand everything there is to it, it becomes easier. Additional difficulties might be too much, though
10
Smackmackerson
Amazing game if you like chess even a little. Don't let the review bombers spoil it.

Gambonanza

Released On: 
May 1, 2026
Metascore
64
User score
Mixed or Average
7.3
My Score
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Metascore
64
60% Positive
3 Reviews
20% Mixed
1 Review
20% Negative
1 Review
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
May 1, 2026
90
DualShockers
Gambonanza is a Roguelike that absolutely feels like a team taking what made Balatro incredible and applying it to chess. This might seem derivative at first, but it's pulled off so well in the end that it ultimately feels like its own amazing thing entirely. Initial pacing at the beginning can feel a little slow and repetitive, but once you start unlocking new items via progression and simply learn the game, it becomes a deep and surprisingly intense loop of incredible and different-feeling chess action. Imitation or flattery, I don't really care. Gambonanza rules.
May 1, 2026
80
Checkpoint Gaming
Gambonanza isn’t as feature-rich or varied as it could be, but it remains hypnotically compelling all the same. Whether you’re a champion chess player or don’t know your Rooks from your Pawns, Gambonanza’s short, sharp matches and varied Gambit mechanics are engagingly addictive, and are worth checking out for any roguelike fan.
User score
Mixed or Average
7.3
55% Positive
12 Ratings
41% Mixed
9 Ratings
5% Negative
1 Rating
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
May 14, 2026
10
Smackmackerson
Amazing game if you like chess even a little. Don't let the review bombers spoil it.
Jun 13, 2026
8
MistedAurora
2026's Balatro has arrived, and it's perfect for any enjoyer of roguelikes or chess.
May 1, 2026
75
GameBlast
Gambonanza is a good game with the potential to be great. With some adjustments to the probability system and the balancing of the gambits, it could establish itself as one of the most original productions in the genre. For now, it falls into the category of games that impress with their idea, but leave us a little disappointed in their execution. Promising, fun, and at the same time, unnecessarily unfair and punitive.
May 11, 2026
60
Movies Games and Tech
Gambonanza attempts to merge chess and roguelike, and the end result is a mixed bag. A bright spark for the first few runs, but relentless repetition causes it to fizzle out in the end.
May 1, 2026
40
Destructoid
Gambonanza is a charming but extremely limited chess-and-gambling roguelike that fails to produce a compelling challenge or an experience with any sort of staying power.
See All 5 Critic Reviews
Jun 1, 2026
8
PurpleMaster
The game is very good, the learning curve is pretty high, but once you understand everything there is to it, it becomes easier. Additional difficulties might be too much, though
May 9, 2026
0
TroxyFine
yapay zekası iğrenç, botlar aptaldan da daha aptal oynuyor sizi gram zorlamıyor. fikir desen tamamen inscription dan çalıntı. kesinlikle önermiyorum.
See All 22 User Reviews
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SummaryGambonanza is a turn-based chess roguelike, set on a tiny board with higher stakes. Master tactical twists, invest your winnings and discover new rule-bending Gambits, tile and piece combinations. Face off against challenging bosses and get lost in all the ways you can break traditional chess!
  • PC
  • iOS (iPhone/iPad)
May 1, 2026
  • Blukulele
Sidekick Publishing
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