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

It's year-end, time for my "Game of the Year" selection: Balatro. While not necessarily my favorite, its success warrants discussion.

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 Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game at the Pocket Gamer Awards. This success, however, has also sparked confusion and even anger. Comparisons between its simple visuals and the flashy gameplay videos of other contenders have led to questions about its award-winning status.

I believe this very reaction underscores why Balatro is my GOTY. But first, some honorable mentions:

Honorable Mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: A long-awaited and well-executed addition.
• Squid Game: Unleashed's free-to-play model: A potentially groundbreaking move by Netflix Games.
• Watch Dogs: Truth's audio adventure release: An interesting, albeit unconventional, approach by Ubisoft.

My Balatro Experience:

My experience with Balatro has been mixed. While undeniably engaging, I haven't mastered it. The focus on optimizing deck statistics, which I find frustrating, has prevented me from completing any runs despite many hours of play.

However, Balatro represents excellent value for its price. It's simple, time-consuming without being demanding, visually appealing, and plays well. For under $10, it's a captivating roguelike deckbuilder suitable for public play. LocalThunk's ability to elevate such a simple format is commendable, from the calming music to the satisfying sound effects.

The "It's Just a Game" Argument:

Balatro's success has been met with skepticism. Unlike flashy gacha games or technically impressive titles, it's perceived as "just a card game." This reaction highlights a crucial point: game quality shouldn't be solely judged by visual fidelity or flashy elements.

Balatro's unashamedly "gamey" design—colorful yet uncomplicated—is its strength. Developed as a passion project, it demonstrates that multi-platform success doesn't require massive budgets or complex mechanics.

Balatro's accessibility is another key factor. While some players strive for optimal deck strategies, others, like myself, enjoy its relaxed pace.

The Takeaway:

Balatro's success proves that simplicity and well-executed design can lead to multi-platform success without needing cutting-edge graphics or complex features. It's a testament to the power of a well-crafted core game.