Thanks for confirming this, all the rage around this game is exhausting. I loved the first game, would probably place it in my top ten of all time. I have no complaints about omg actually having to traverse the world. It’s the way the game is designed to play. If there are paid workarounds to play it a different way it doesn’t affect me or anybody else who loves this kind of game.
I didn’t expect to like Balatro as much as I did. I’m a big fan of deck builders but the poker theme was not super compelling to me. But wow, I’ve had a blast with it. Just boils down to a really good set of mechanics and some ridiculous fun builds. I don’t think it will hold my attention as long as like Slay the Spire or Monster Train but it was well worth the price.