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

It's year-end, and my Game of the Year is Balatro – a surprising but well-deserved choice. While not necessarily my favorite, its success highlights important aspects of game design and market reception. Before diving into my reasoning, here are some honorable mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: A highly anticipated and rewarding addition.
• Squid Game: Unleashed's free-to-play model: A potentially groundbreaking move by Netflix Games.
• Watch Dogs: Truth's audio adventure release: An intriguing, albeit unconventional, approach for the franchise.

My experience with Balatro has been a mixed bag. Its captivating gameplay keeps me engaged, yet I haven't mastered its intricacies. The strategic deck-building, requiring meticulous optimization, has proven challenging. However, its value is undeniable. For a modest price, it offers a simple, engaging, and accessible experience. While not my ideal time-waster (that title belongs to Vampire Survivors), it's a strong contender.

Balatro's attractive visuals and smooth gameplay are noteworthy. At $9.99, it provides a compelling roguelike deck-building experience without being overly flashy or complex. LocalThunk's ability to elevate a simple format is commendable. The calming soundtrack and satisfying sound effects enhance the immersive loop.

Its success, however, has been met with confusion and even anger from some. Comparisons to visually impressive games have led to questions about its numerous awards.

The "It's just a game" Argument

Balatro's success isn't unique; similar reactions surrounded Astrobot's Game of the Year win. The point is the response to Balatro and its perceived simplicity. It's unashamedly "gamey," visually appealing without being overly complex or retro-styled. It's not a technological marvel, originating as a passion project.

Many find Balatro's success baffling because it lacks flashy elements common in popular mobile games. It's not a gacha, a high-fidelity tech demo, or a battle royale. To some, it's simply "a card game." However, it's a well-executed card game offering a fresh take on the genre. Its quality should be judged on its gameplay, not solely on visual fidelity.

Substance Over Style

Balatro's success teaches a valuable lesson: multi-platform success doesn't require massive budgets or cutting-edge graphics. It can be achieved with a well-designed, stylish, and accessible game. While not a massive financial success, its low development costs likely resulted in significant profit.

It demonstrates that a simple, well-crafted game can appeal to mobile, console, and PC players without needing cross-platform features or massive multiplayer components.

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

In conclusion, Balatro's success reinforces the idea that groundbreaking gameplay and a unique style can outweigh visual spectacle. Sometimes, being a bit of a "joker" is all it takes.