Gambonanza
News, coverage and analysis tracking Gambonanza across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Best new mobile games on iOS and Android - June 2026 round-up
This June 2026 roundup highlights new mobile game releases, including Nintendo's original title Pictonico!, the cozy farming sim Slime Rancher, and the chess-based roguelite Gambonanza. Other notable releases include the physics puzzler Perchang World, the word puzzle What's the Password?, the bullet hell shooter Phoenix 2, and the racing game Mystic Motors: Car Racing Game.
Gambonanza The Grandmaster Fight Guide - All Phases
This guide provides a strategy for defeating The Grandmaster, the final boss in the chess roguelike deckbuilder Gambonanza. The guide details the three phases of the fight, offering tips on recommended equipment and gambits for each stage.
Roguelike dev makes $220,000 in 3 weeks after blowing up on Steam – and I know you can't complain, but that's his share of roughly $1.8 million in sales
The indie developer behind the chess-themed roguelike Gambonanza has achieved significant financial success, earning $220,000 in three weeks from approximately $1.8 million in sales. The game sold 200,000 copies across PC and mobile platforms, a stark contrast to the developer's previous titles.
10 superb indies to check out in May 2026
This article highlights ten independent games releasing in May 2026 across various platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. The featured titles span genres from roguelike chess and narrative sims to action RPGs and puzzle platformers, offering a diverse selection for players.
Gambonanza Released
Gambonanza, a turn-based roguelike developed by Blukulélé, is now available on PC and mobile platforms. The PC version is also available on Steam for Windows, macOS, and Linux with a 35% launch discount.
Gambonanza Is a Roguelike Chess-Builder with Gambits, Out Now
Gambonanza, a roguelike chess-builder developed by Blukulélé and published by Sidekick Publishing and Stray Fawn, is now available on Android, Steam, and iOS. The game features over 150 unique Gambits inspired by chess players and series, modified boards, and a reserve system for deploying extra pieces. It also includes mini-games and a pixel art style with a CRT filter.
Gambonanza review – Checkers, not chess
Gambonanza is a roguelike game that attempts to blend chess mechanics with gambling themes, but ultimately fails to deliver a compelling experience. The game suffers from repetitive gameplay, an incompetent AI, and a lack of meaningful innovation on the chess formula. Despite some charming presentation elements, its core mechanics are either too simple or fundamentally flawed, making it a disappointing entry in the genre.
The new PC games of May 2026: Forza, 007 First Light, and early access games galore
May 2026 is set to bring a variety of new PC game releases, including major titles like Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light, alongside numerous early access titles. Notable early access games include Dead as Disco, Paralives, and Shift at Midnight. The month also features significant updates for live service games such as Phasmophobia and Path of Exile 2.
Gambonanza masterfully combines Balatro and chess and it's out now
Gambonanza, a game blending chess with Balatro-inspired mechanics, is now available on PC and Steam Deck. It offers fast-paced, tactical runs on a small board where the objective is to capture all enemy pieces. The game features over 200 synergistic Gambits, a dynamic reserve system for deploying extra pieces, and strategic board upgrades, providing significant replayability with its roguelike elements and increasing difficulty levels.
GAMBONANZA OUT NOW on Steam and Mobile
Gambonanza, a roguelike chess-builder developed by Blukulélé and published by Sidekick Publishing and Stray Fawn, has launched globally on Steam, iOS, and Android. The game features over 150 synergistic gambits, tactical board upgrades, and a dynamic reserve system, all presented in a vibrant pixel art style. It previously saw significant success during Steam Next Fest with over 170,000 demo downloads.
Gambonanza Review - Checkmate!
Gambonanza is a new roguelike that puts a fresh spin on chess with bite-sized matches and rule-twisting Gambits. Developed by Blukulélé, the game features a small starting board that expands as players acquire upgrades and face powerful boss characters inspired by real chess Grandmasters. Despite some repetition in opponent setups, its charming visuals, catchy soundtrack, and engaging mechanics make it a compelling experience for both chess novices and roguelike fans.
Ten Fresh Indie Games Hit Stores This Week | HappyGamer
Ten new indie games are launching this week across various digital storefronts, offering a wide range of genres from cozy adventures like Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth to horror sequels such as The Coma 3: Bloodlines. Other notable releases include the Japanese convenience store simulator inKONBINI: One store. Many stories. and the creature-collecting game Monster Crown with its new 'Sweater' update. The article highlights the diversity and experimental nature of the indie game scene compared to larger publishers.
Coming Out in gaming this week — April 27, 2026
Several new games are set to release in the week of April 27, 2026, across various platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. Titles range from cozy adventures like Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth and inKONBINI: One Store. Many Stories, to action-packed games such as He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction and Invincible VS. The lineup also includes strategy games like Lunchbreak Tactics, horror with Mourning Tide, and roguelikes like SAROS and Gambonanza.
After 18 years of beating roguelikes, I think I've finally found my kryptonite
The author, an experienced roguelike player, finds themselves challenged by the tactical depth of Gambonanza, a game that uses chess mechanics on a small board with roguelike elements. Despite its simple premise, the game's intricate puzzles, strategic piece deployment, and challenging bosses prove to be a difficult hurdle. Gambonanza is available as a free demo on Steam ahead of its full release.
The excellent fusion of Balatro and chess in Gambonanza releases May 1
Gambonanza, a turn-based chess roguelike, is set to release on May 1st. The game features smaller boards, synergistic Gambits and pieces, a dynamic reserve system, strategic board upgrades, and retro pixel art. A demo is currently available with native Linux support.
Release Dates
The survival city builder 'All Will Fall' is set to release on April 3rd, as indicated by its release date trailer. Additionally, 'Gambonanza' also announced its release date via a trailer on May 1st.
Gambonanza is the best Balatro-like version of chess yet and you have to try the demo
Gambonanza is a unique demo that blends chess and roguelike elements, drawing comparisons to Balatro. It features simplified chess mechanics on a small board, with players aiming to capture all enemy pieces within a turn limit. The game offers strategic depth through various upgrades, Gambits, and a dynamic reserve system, all presented with a retro pixel art aesthetic.
