really really cool game! the aesthetic of it kinda reminds me of older games made for microcomputers like the ZX Spectrum and the Commodore 64!
(my awesome game 2 when? /j)
Reeeaally good game, would (and this is my own preference) like if the arcade (or even just the machines) had more of an 80s theme to it. I completely understand the gritty Cloverpit style your going for, but it would make the game so much more unique if you used old, beat-up machines instead.
Another recommendation: please add lower graphics settings my PC is a potato :_(
I 100% agree with you on that one!
Especially when people (like me) own a multitude of fake cards from their childhood with nothing to do about them. I'm currently in the midst of writing a specific ruleset and possibly even including other fake (and real "edited" cards, like the custom mtg token cards and proxies) cards into the mix! Thank you for the inspiration btw!
I actually had a concept like this before revolving around my local dollar store's shitty fake Pokemon cards. I called the format PokeFake, and it was like your format, frankensteining cards together using bits of other cards and a Sharpie. Should I continue working on this format since i still have the cards? Love this btw <3
Here are a couple improvements you could make to the game (personal preferences and Qol things):
Hovering over a joker shows it's description and usage
Tone down a little on the wavy effect, and also change the font from the default Godot font
And also remake the little "Run Info" button from Balatro to show what hands you could play.