Chess goes Balatro in brand new rule-bending roguelike, out now on Steam

Despite being over 500 years old at this point, chess has more than endured the test of time. Even now, new stratagems are being developed as the next generation of players continues to plumb its near-bottomless tactical depths. Considering its prominence, it's unsurprising that the basic concept of chess has been ripped apart, spliced with elements of other games, and stitched back together more times than I've lost to my dad at it. Solo developer Marc Makes Games has now dropped his own take, Passant, and - wait a minute, why has a Dragon King just blasted my board?

Babe, wake up, Passant has just dropped, and it could become one of the year's best roguelike games. Passant has you build your perfect board piecemeal as you progress through increasingly challenging stages on your way to becoming a Grandmaster.

Of course, hoovering up ELO the same way we've been doing it for half a millennium is tired, basic, old hat. So, to inject some spice into the proceedings, Passant takes more than a leaf out of Balatro's book. Jokers? Nah, badges, mate. These modifiers can do all sorts, including creating poisonous squares, laying down rock tiles, and blowing up multiple pieces, some being entirely new creations for the game, with a big ol' cannon. There's over 100 of them at launch, so get creative.

The Balatro influence doesn't stop there. There's a shop between stages where you can buy up new pieces, power-up badges, or handy items; the UI is uncannily similar to LocalThunk's cursed poker experience. At least you know what you're in for if, like most of the team, you've lost your soul to Jimbo the Joker.

Passant is out now on Steam. You can pick it up for $10.79 / £8.99, a special launch price, right here.

If you're after more cranium-cracking fun, check out our comprehensive list of the best puzzle games. Or, check out more of the best indie games from smaller devs you can support.

You can also follow us on Google News for daily PC games news, reviews, and guides. We also have a vibrant community Discord server, where you can chat about this story with members of the team and fellow readers.