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

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

By now, if you're reading this around December 29th, you're likely aware of Balatro's numerous accolades. It swept awards, including Indie and Mobile Game of the Year at The Game Awards, and even won two Pocket Gamer Awards (Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game). Jimbo's creation has garnered widespread praise.

However, this success has also sparked confusion and even anger. Comparisons between flashy gameplay trailers and Balatro's relatively simple visuals are common. Many are baffled by a simple deckbuilder's widespread acclaim.

This, I believe, highlights why it's my GOTY. But first, some honorable mentions:

Honorable Mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: The long-awaited addition of iconic Castlevania characters is fantastic.
• Squid Game: Unleashed is free: A potentially groundbreaking move by Netflix Games, suggesting a shift in monetization strategies.
• Watch Dogs: Truth audio adventure: An interesting, albeit unconventional, release from Ubisoft, exploring a new avenue for the franchise.

A Mixed Bag

My Balatro experience is mixed. It's undeniably engaging, yet I haven't mastered it. I find detailed statistical optimization frustrating, and despite many hours, I haven't completed a run.

Despite this, Balatro is one of the best gaming purchases I've made in years. It's simple, easily accessible, and not overly demanding. While not my perfect time-waster (that's Vampire Survivors), it's a strong contender.

It's visually appealing and plays well. For $9.99, you get an engaging roguelike deckbuilder that's not embarrassing to play publicly. LocalThunk's ability to elevate such a simple format is impressive. From the calming music to the satisfying sound effects, everything is designed to keep you hooked.

But why discuss it again? For some, its success is insufficient.

Beyond the Hype

Balatro hasn't faced the backlash Astrobot did after its GOTY win at Big Geoff's awards. Ironically, we often get worked up about shows we acknowledge as self-important. The reaction to Balatro reveals how we perceive games.

Balatro is unapologetically "gamey" in design and execution. It's colorful and engaging without being overly complex or flashy. It's not a cutting-edge tech demo; LocalThunk began it as a passion project.

Its success confounds many, both critics and the public. It's not a flashy gacha, nor does it push mobile boundaries. It's just "a card game," to some. But it's a well-executed card game, offering a fresh take on the genre. Game quality shouldn't be judged solely on visual fidelity.

Substance Over Style

Balatro's lesson is simple: You don't need cutting-edge graphics or complex gameplay to succeed. This humble deckbuilder thrives on PC, console, and mobile – a significant achievement.

While not a massive financial success, the low development cost likely yielded significant profits for LocalThunk. Balatro proves that multi-platform success doesn't require a massive, cross-platform gacha adventure. Simplicity and style can unite players across platforms.

My own struggles with Balatro highlight its unique accessibility. Some optimize for perfection; others, like me, enjoy it as a relaxed way to pass time.

The key takeaway? As we often say when a game like Balatro succeeds, you don't need to be groundbreaking to be successful; sometimes, being a bit of a "joker" is enough.