Javatro - Balatro in Java

Javatro is a command-line card game inspired by Balatro.
It blends strategic decision-making with poker mechanics and roguelike elements to deliver an engaging, fast-paced experience right in your terminal.

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Overview

• Gameplay:
  Master multiple deck types, each with unique bonuses, and build high-scoring poker hands to defeat dynamically challenging blinds.
• Mechanics:
  Strategically choose when to play or discard cards, manage limited resources (hands and discards), and upgrade your hands via Planet Cards and Joker effects.
• Objective:
  Progress through rounds—each featuring Small, Large, and Boss Blinds—to eventually win at Ante 8 and earn your victory.

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Quick Start

Requirements:

• Java 17
• A terminal with fullscreen (or sufficiently wide) dimensions for the best experience.

Installation:

1. Download the javatro.jar file from the latest release.
2. Open your terminal (ideally in fullscreen mode).
3. Run one of these commands:

   java -Dfile.encoding=UTF-8 -jar javatro.jar
   java "-Dfile.encoding=UTF-8" -jar javatro.jar

Tip: Ensure your volume is turned up—Javatro features immersive audio effects!

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Documentation & Guides

For more in-depth details on playing the game and contributing to it, check out the following:

• User Guide – Detailed explanation of gameplay mechanics, commands, and troubleshooting.
• Developer Guide – Insights into the codebase, design decisions, and contribution guidelines.
• JavaDocs – Auto-generated HTML documentation of the project's classes, methods, and packages.

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Project Portfolio

Learn more about the team and our journey:

• About Us
• Mark Neo Qi Hao
• John Woo Yi Kai
• Neeraj Kumbar
• Kwa Jian Quan
• Saravanan Swetha

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Key Features

• Multiple Deck Options:
  Choose from decks like the Red, Blue, Checkered, or Abandoned Deck—each modifying gameplay with unique bonuses.

• Dynamic Blind Challenges:
  Face a series of challenges (Small, Large, and Boss Blinds) with increasing difficulty in each ante.

• Strategic Card Play:
  Form poker hands using intuitive commands; sort, select, and discard cards to create the optimal play.

• Upgrades & Special Effects:
  Earn Planet Cards to boost hand values and collect Joker Cards with powerful effects that synergize for higher scores.

• Save & Resume:
  Your game progress is automatically saved after each run—just pick up from where you left off!

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Known Issues

• Terminal Window Behavior:
  Make sure to use a fullscreen or properly sized terminal to avoid layout issues during gameplay.

• Saving During Critical Operations:
  Avoid exiting abruptly after making a move to prevent any potential save file corruption. For more guidance, see the details in the User Guide.

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Acknowledgements

• Inspiration:
  Javatro’s design takes cues from Balatro—an innovative roguelike deck builder game.
• Audio Credits:
  • Main Music: Balatro - Complete Original Soundtrack (Composed by LouisF)
  • Victory Music: "We Are the Champions" by Queen
  • Losing Sound Effect: Cat Laughing At You

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Shuffle up, go all-in, and may the deck always be stacked in your favor. Thanks for playing!