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 speaks volumes about the gaming landscape. Balatro, a unique blend of solitaire, poker, and roguelike deck-building, has garnered significant recognition, including prestigious awards like Indie and Mobile Game of the Year. Its dual wins at the Pocket Gamer Awards (Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game) further solidify its impressive achievement.

However, its success has also sparked confusion and even anger. Some find its relatively simple visuals at odds with its accolades, questioning how a seemingly straightforward deck-builder could achieve such widespread praise. This very contrast, I believe, is precisely why it's my GOTY.

Before delving deeper into Balatro, here are a few honorable mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: A highly anticipated and well-received addition to an already popular game.
• Squid Game: Unleashed's free-to-play model: A bold move by Netflix Games, potentially setting a new precedent for mobile game monetization.
• Watch Dogs: Truth's audio adventure release: An intriguing, if unconventional, expansion to the Watch Dogs franchise.

Balatro: A Surprisingly Addictive Experience

My personal experience with Balatro has been a mix of frustration and fascination. While undeniably engaging, I haven't mastered its intricacies. The need for meticulous deck optimization in later game stages has proven challenging. Despite many hours of play, I haven't completed a single run.

Yet, Balatro represents excellent value for its price. It's simple, easily accessible, and doesn't demand significant technical prowess or intense mental exertion. Though not my ultimate time-waster (that title belongs to Vampire Survivors), it ranks highly.

Its attractive visuals and smooth gameplay enhance the experience. For a modest price, you get a captivating roguelike deck-builder suitable for public play without drawing unwanted attention (the poker element might even impress some!). LocalThunk's ability to infuse such a simple format with charm and appeal is commendable. The calming soundtrack and satisfying sound effects further contribute to its addictive loop.

But why am I highlighting Balatro again? For some, its success remains perplexing.

Beyond the Hype: Substance Over Style

Balatro's success hasn't been without controversy, similar to the reaction to other award-winning games. It's a game that proudly embraces its straightforward design. It's visually appealing without being overly complex or flashy; it lacks the retro aesthetic often favored in indie games. It's not a technological marvel, having originated as a passion project before its potential was fully realized.

Many dismiss Balatro as "just a card game," failing to recognize its well-executed mechanics and fresh approach to the genre. Its quality shouldn't be judged solely on visual fidelity or flashy elements, a crucial point often overlooked.

The Balatro Lesson: Simplicity and Success

Balatro's cross-platform success (PC, console, and mobile) is a testament to the fact that games don't need to be massive, multiplayer, gacha-driven experiences to thrive. A well-designed, simple game with unique style can resonate with a broad audience.

While not a massive financial success, its relatively low development costs likely resulted in significant profit for LocalThunk. Balatro proves that a well-crafted, multiplatform game doesn't require cutting-edge graphics or complex mechanics. Sometimes, a touch of simple, well-executed fun is all it takes.

My own struggles with Balatro highlight its versatility. While some strive for perfect optimization, others, like myself, enjoy it as a relaxed, less demanding pastime.

The takeaway from Balatro's success is clear: a game doesn't need to be groundbreaking in terms of technology or complexity to achieve success; genuine, well-executed gameplay is what truly matters.