Top mobile games of 2024: Iwan\'s picks, except it\'s mostly Balatro

My Game of the Year: Balatro – A Humble Triumph

It's the end of the year, and my Game of the Year pick might surprise you: Balatro. While not necessarily my favorite game, its success story deserves recognition. Balatro, a unique blend of solitaire, poker, and roguelike deck-building, has garnered numerous awards, including Indie and Mobile Game of the Year at The Game Awards and Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game at the Pocket Gamer Awards.

This success, however, has also sparked confusion and even anger. The simple visuals of Balatro are often contrasted with flashier games, leading some to question its numerous accolades. I believe this highlights precisely why Balatro is my GOTY.

Before diving into Balatro, here are a few honorable mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: A long-awaited addition that delivers.
• Squid Game: Unleashed's free-to-play model: A potentially groundbreaking move by Netflix Games.
• Watch Dogs: Truth's audio adventure release: An unexpected but interesting direction for the franchise.

My experience with Balatro has been mixed. While undeniably engaging, I haven't mastered it. The focus on deck optimization and detailed statistics can be frustrating. Yet, despite my struggles, it's been some of the best money I've spent on gaming in years. It's simple, accessible, and not overly demanding. While Vampire Survivors remains my go-to time-waster, Balatro is a strong contender.

Balatro boasts appealing visuals and smooth gameplay. For a modest price, it offers a captivating roguelike deck-building experience that's both enjoyable and socially acceptable. LocalThunk's ability to create such a compelling experience with a simple format is impressive. The calming music and satisfying sound effects enhance the addictive gameplay loop.

But why discuss Balatro again? For some, its success is baffling. It's not a flashy gacha game, nor does it push technological boundaries. To many, it's "just a card game."

And yet, it is a very well-executed card game, offering a fresh take on the genre. Its quality shouldn't be judged solely on visual fidelity or other superficial elements. This is a crucial point often overlooked.

The key takeaway from Balatro's success is simple: you don't need cutting-edge graphics or complex mechanics to create a successful game. Balatro's multi-platform release (PC, console, and mobile) demonstrates that a well-designed, stylish, and simple game can appeal to a broad audience. While not a massive financial success, its low development costs likely resulted in a significant return on investment for LocalThunk.

Balatro proves that a game doesn't need to be a massive, cross-platform gacha adventure to thrive. Its success lies in its simplicity, polished gameplay, and unique style.

Balatro's appeal lies in its accessibility. Some players strive for optimal deck-building strategies, while others enjoy a more relaxed, casual experience. Its versatility is a testament to its design.

In conclusion, Balatro's success reminds us that a game's value isn't solely determined by its visual complexity or technological advancements. Sometimes, a simple, well-executed game with its own unique style can achieve remarkable success.