Roll (2021)

Part roguelike, part numbers-go-up game, it ticks both boxes and just feels good to play.

The game is straightforward, well thought-out, and relaxing. I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but it's definitely worth the price! (only $5!)

fun game that has a lot of value. I was skeptical about actually liking it, but keep wanting to play more

w game

Ancient Balatro ancestor

Roll is a minimalist yet surprisingly deep indie strategy experience that transforms the familiar randomness of dice into a game about control, efficiency, and long-term planning. Developed and published by Joseph Distler, the game presents itself with understated visuals and a calm atmosphere, but beneath that simplicity lies a layered system that rewards experimentation, patience, and an understanding of probability. Rather than relying on narrative or spectacle, Roll focuses entirely on mechanics, inviting players to engage with numbers, upgrades, and synergies in a way that feels both meditative and intellectually engaging. The basic premise is easy to grasp: players are given a limited number of dice rolls and must score as many points as possible before those rolls are exhausted. Each roll produces a result that contributes to your score, but more importantly, it feeds into an evolving system of upgrades and modifiers that permanently alter how future rolls behave within a run. What starts as a straightforward act of rolling dice quickly becomes a strategic puzzle, where decisions about how and when to spend points can dramatically affect long-term outcomes. The game steadil…