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

Year-End Game of the Year: Why Balatro Deserves the Crown

It's the end of the year, and if you're reading this on schedule, it's likely December 29th. Unless there have been other major award announcements, you're probably aware of the accolades heaped upon Balatro, a unique blend of solitaire, poker, and roguelike deck-building.

This unassuming game has swept 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. Balatro's success, however, has also sparked confusion and even anger from some quarters. The contrast between its relatively simple visuals and the praise it receives has led to questions about its worthiness.

I believe this very contrast highlights why Balatro is my Game of the Year. But before delving into that, let's acknowledge some other noteworthy titles:

Honorable Mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania Expansion: The long-awaited addition of iconic Castlevania characters is a triumph.
• Squid Game: Unleashed – Free for All: Netflix's decision to make this game free sets a fascinating precedent, potentially increasing its value as a viewer acquisition tool.
• Watch Dogs: Truth Audio Adventure: While not groundbreaking news, it's an interesting approach from Ubisoft, which has struggled to find its footing with the Watch Dogs franchise. An Audible-only adventure is a surprising, yet potentially effective, choice.

Balatro: A Surprisingly Addictive Experience

My personal experience with Balatro has been a mixed bag. While undeniably engaging, I haven't yet mastered it. The intricate statistical optimization required later in runs has proven challenging, despite many hours of playtime.

Despite this, Balatro represents excellent value. It's simple, enjoyable, and not overly demanding. While not my ultimate time-waster (that honor goes to Vampire Survivors), it's a strong contender. Its appealing visuals and smooth gameplay add to its charm. For a relatively modest price, you get a captivating roguelike deck-builder that won't elicit ridicule when played in public. LocalThunk's ability to inject personality into a simple format is commendable. The soothing soundtrack and satisfying sound effects contribute to its addictive quality.

So why am I highlighting it? Apparently, for some, its appeal isn't immediately apparent.

Beyond the Hype: Substance Over Style

Balatro isn't the only game to face criticism this year (Astrobot's Game of the Year win at Big Geoff's awards drew similar reactions). The reaction to Balatro, however, is particularly revealing. It's a game that's unapologetically "gamey" in design and execution. It's colorful and visually appealing without being overly complex or flashy. It lacks the trendy retro aesthetic. This is not a cutting-edge tech demo; it began as a passion project that unexpectedly blossomed.

Its success confounds many because it isn't a flashy gacha game, nor does it push technological boundaries. It's not a lucrative battle royale featuring anime characters; to some, it's simply "a card game." And while that's true, it's a very well-executed card game that offers a fresh take on the genre. Its quality should be judged on its gameplay, not its visual fidelity.

A Lesson in Simplicity

Balatro's success demonstrates that multi-platform games don't need to be massive, cross-platform, cross-progression, massively multiplayer gacha adventures. A simple, well-executed game with its own unique style can resonate with mobile, console, and PC players alike.

While not a massive financial success, its low development costs likely mean a healthy profit for LocalThunk. Balatro proves that a game doesn't need to be packed with high-end graphics or complex gameplay to achieve success. Sometimes, a touch of simple, well-executed fun is all you need. The diverse approaches players can take to the game, from meticulous optimization to casual enjoyment, further adds to its appeal. Ultimately, Balatro reminds us that sometimes, being a bit of a "joker" is the key to success.