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

It's year-end, time for my "Game of the Year" discussion, and my choice, unsurprisingly, is Balatro. While not necessarily my favorite, its success warrants attention.

Balatro, a blend of solitaire, poker, and roguelike deckbuilding, has garnered numerous awards, including Indie and Mobile Game of the Year at The Game Awards and two Pocket Gamer Awards. This success, however, has also sparked confusion and even anger. Comparisons between its simple visuals and flashier competitors are common, leading to bafflement over its widespread acclaim.

I believe this very reaction highlights why Balatro is my GOTY pick. Before delving into that, let's acknowledge some honorable mentions:

Honorable Mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: A long-awaited and well-received addition.
• 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 intriguing release from Ubisoft.

My Balatro Experience:

My Balatro experience has been mixed. While undeniably engaging, I haven't mastered it. The focus on optimizing deck statistics, a frustrating aspect for me, has prevented me from completing runs despite many hours played.

Despite this, Balatro represents excellent value. It's simple, accessible, and undemanding, making it a perfect time-killer (though Vampire Survivors holds that title for me personally). Its attractive visuals and smooth gameplay further enhance its appeal. For $9.99, you get a captivating roguelike deckbuilder suitable for public play. LocalThunk's ability to elevate a simple format is commendable. The calming music and satisfying sound effects create an addictive loop.

The "It's Just a Game" Argument:

Balatro's success has been met with skepticism. Some view it as merely "a card game," overlooking its well-executed design and fresh approach. This reaction highlights a crucial point: game quality should be judged on its core mechanics and execution, not solely on visual fidelity or flashy elements.

Substance Over Style:

Balatro's success demonstrates that multi-platform releases don't require massive budgets or cutting-edge graphics. A simple, well-crafted game with unique style can resonate with mobile, console, and PC players. While not a financial juggernaut, its relatively low development costs likely resulted in significant profit for LocalThunk.

Balatro proves that success doesn't necessitate complex, cross-platform features or gacha mechanics. Simplicity and well-executed design can triumph.

My struggle with Balatro highlights its accessibility. While some strive for optimal deckbuilding, others can enjoy it as a relaxed time-waster.

In conclusion, Balatro's success underscores a vital lesson: A game doesn't need to be groundbreaking in terms of technology or complexity to achieve success. Sometimes, a touch of simple, well-executed fun is all it takes.