Rentlord
" Addictive roguelike real estate simulation with strategic combos but limited content and balance issues "
Rentlord Review
Rentlord is a low-priced roguelike deckbuilder inspired heavily by Balatro, placing players in the role of a rent-collecting landlord. The gameplay loop involves buying properties, applying plugins (perks) to boost income, and collecting rent over weekly cycles. While the concept and addictive number-crunching mechanics are praised, players consistently note the game's severe lack of content and depth, with many completing full runs and achievements within 2-3 hours. The limited number of plugins (17 unlockable) and repetitive strategies lead to quick game-breaking combos that remove challenge and replayability. The UI mimics a desktop interface but has usability issues, such as unclear tooltips and no option to disable a CRT-style video filter. Despite bugs and balance problems, the developers are responsive and have pushed patches. The game is considered fun for short sessions and offers good value at its $5 price point, but many feel it was released prematurely without sufficient content or polish, making it feel more like an early access or demo than a finished product.
Highlights
Players praise Rentlord's addictive core gameplay loop and satisfying "numbers-go-up" mechanics. The thematic twist of property management combined with roguelike elements offers a fresh take on the Balatro formula. The UI and music receive positive remarks for style and atmosphere. The game's low price is frequently cited as a strong point, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for casual play. Many reviews note the fun in experimenting with combos and the game's potential for growth with future updates.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the game's extremely limited content and lack of depth, with many players unlocking all achievements and plugins in under three hours. The balance is poor, with a few overpowered plugins enabling easy game-breaking strategies and little incentive to explore alternatives. The UI has usability flaws, including unclear plugin descriptions and no option to disable an intrusive video filter. Performance issues arise during late-game rent collection due to slow animations. Bugs, such as perks disappearing or incorrect rent calculations, further detract from the experience. Overall, players feel the game needs more content, modes, and polish to justify a full release.
Pros
- • Addictive gameplay loop with satisfying incremental number increases keeps players engaged.
- • Unique property management theme adds a fresh twist to the roguelike deckbuilder genre.
- • Low $5 price point offers good value for a casual, short gaming experience.
- • Responsive developers actively patch bugs and listen to player feedback.
- • Clean and stylish UI mimics a desktop environment, enhancing immersion.
- • Pleasant music and sound effects complement the gameplay atmosphere well.
- • Simple mechanics make the game easy to learn and accessible for newcomers.
Cons
- • Severe lack of content leads to very short total gameplay and replayability.
- • Poor balance with a few overpowered plugins enabling trivial game-breaking strategies.
- • Limited number of plugins (17 unlockable) results in repetitive runs and little variety.
- • UI usability issues include unclear tooltips and no option to disable CRT video filter.
- • Late-game rent collection animations are slow, causing player frustration.
- • Bugs such as perks vanishing and incorrect rent calculations negatively impact gameplay.
- • No tutorial or insufficient guidance leads to confusion about plugin effects.
Rating Criteria
About This Game
Roadmap
About the Game
Rentlord is a roguelike real estate management game where you build and expand your own property portfolio while overcoming challenging obstacles.
Explore The Market!
Browse a variety of properties available for purchase, each with unique benefits and strategic potential to expand your real estate empire.
Power Up with Plugins!
Browse a variety of powerful plugins in the shop, each designed to enhance your strategy and maximize your income. Choose the ones that best suit your playstyle and expand your real estate empire with unique advantages and boosts.
Collect Your Rent!
See your strategic decisions pay off as you collect rent from your properties
Rentlord is a combo-making roguelike real estate game where you buy properties, manage your income, and overcome unique weekly challenges. Strategic property upgrades and plugins with high combo potential, each run offers new opportunities to maximize rent, while avoiding taxes!