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

It’s the end of the year, and if you're reading this on schedule, it's probably December 29th. Unless Balatro has unexpectedly won more awards, you're likely thinking about its impressive string of accolades. This unassuming blend of solitaire, poker, and roguelike deckbuilding has swept awards shows, 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. Jimbo's creation has garnered widespread praise.

However, its success has also sparked confusion and even anger. Comparisons between its relatively simple visuals and the flashy gameplay videos of other nominees have led some to question its numerous wins. The bafflement over a seemingly simple deckbuilder achieving such recognition is, to me, precisely why it's my personal Game of the Year. But before delving deeper into Balatro, let's acknowledge some other standout releases:

Honorable Mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: A long-awaited addition that delivers on its promise, bringing iconic Castlevania characters into the game.
• Squid Game: Unleashed is free for all: A potentially groundbreaking move by Netflix Games, suggesting a shift in monetization strategies to attract viewers.
• Watch Dogs: Truth audio adventure released: While not huge news, it's an interesting direction for the Watch Dogs franchise, opting for an Audible-only adventure.

Balatro: A Mixed Bag of Delight

My personal experience with Balatro has been a mixed bag. While undeniably captivating, I haven't quite mastered it. I find detailed statistical comparisons frustrating, and Balatro's late-game deck optimization demands have prevented me from completing any runs, despite many hours of playtime.

Despite this, I consider it one of the best gaming purchases I've made in years. It's simple, easily accessible, and not overly demanding. While Vampire Survivors remains my go-to time-waster, Balatro is a close contender. It's visually appealing, plays well, and for $9.99, offers a captivating roguelike deckbuilder experience that won't elicit scorn from onlookers (they might even mistake your poker hand for gambling genius!). LocalThunk's ability to imbue such a simple format with "oomph" is commendable.

The calming music and satisfying sound effects create an addictive loop, yet the game remains refreshingly honest about its addictive nature. But you've likely heard this before, so why am I highlighting it again? For some, apparently, it's not enough.

"But it's just a game-!"

Balatro isn't the most criticized release of the year (that honor likely goes to Astrobot after its Game of the Year win at Big Geoff's awards show – ironically, a show often criticized for its self-importance). The reaction to Balatro reveals a misunderstanding of its value.

Balatro is unapologetically "gamey" in its design and execution. It's colorful and engaging without being overly complex or flashy, lacking the trendy "retro" aesthetic. It's not a cutting-edge tech demo; LocalThunk, like many successful indie projects, began it as a passion project before realizing its potential.

Its success confounds many, both critics and the general public. It's not a flashy gacha game, nor does it push technological boundaries. It's simply "a card game," in their eyes. But it's a well-executed card game that offers a fresh take on the concept. This, not visual fidelity or other superficial elements, should be the true measure of a game's quality.

It's What's Inside That Counts

Balatro's success teaches a valuable lesson: You don't need groundbreaking visuals or high-octane gameplay to succeed. This humble deckbuilder has found success across PC, console, and mobile platforms, proving that multiplatform releases don't need to be massive, cross-platform, cross-progression gacha adventures. Simplicity and style can bring together players across different platforms.

While not a massive financial success, considering the likely low development costs, LocalThunk is probably doing quite well. Balatro demonstrates that a simple, well-made game with its own unique style can achieve broad appeal.

My own struggles with Balatro highlight its versatility. Some players strive for optimization, while others, like myself, enjoy it as a relaxing pastime.

Ultimately, the point is this: as Balatro's success demonstrates, you don't need to be cutting-edge to be successful. Sometimes, a bit of simple, well-executed fun is all it takes.