Google-friendly Top Mobile Games 2024

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

By now (December 29th, assuming on-time reading), Balatro's numerous awards are likely familiar. It swept The Game Awards (Indie and Mobile Game of the Year) and uniquely won two Pocket Gamer Awards (Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game). Jimbo's creation has garnered widespread praise.

However, its success has also sparked confusion and even anger. Comparisons between flashy gameplay trailers and Balatro's relatively simple visuals are common, leading to disbelief that a straightforward deckbuilder could achieve such recognition.

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

Honorable Mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: The long-awaited collaboration finally brings iconic Castlevania characters to the game.
• Squid Game: Unleashed is free: A potentially groundbreaking move by Netflix Games, suggesting a focus on attracting new viewers rather than traditional monetization.
• Watch Dogs: Truth audio adventure: An interesting, if not unexpected, release from Ubisoft, choosing an Audible-only format for its Watch Dogs narrative expansion.

My Balatro Experience:

My Balatro experience is mixed. It's undeniably engaging, yet I haven't mastered it. The focus on optimizing deck statistics, a frustrating aspect for me, has prevented me from completing any runs despite many hours of play.

Despite this, Balatro represents one of my best gaming purchases in years. It's simple, easily accessible, and undemanding. While not my ultimate time-waster (that title goes to Vampire Survivors), it's a strong contender. Its visuals are appealing, and gameplay is smooth. For $9.99, you get a captivating roguelike deckbuilder suitable for public play (the poker element might even impress some!). LocalThunk's ability to elevate a simple format is commendable.

The calming music and satisfying sound effects enhance the addictive gameplay loop. It's refreshingly honest about its addictive nature, doing so subtly yet effectively.

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

Beyond Simple Gameplay:

Balatro hasn't faced the same backlash as, say, Astrobot (another GOTY winner), highlighting the reaction to its success. The irony of our strong reactions to award shows we acknowledge as self-congratulatory aside, Balatro's reception is telling.

Balatro is unapologetically "gamey" in design and execution. It's colorful and attractive 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.

Many find Balatro's success puzzling. It's not a flashy gacha, nor does it push mobile gaming boundaries. It's not a lucrative battle royale; to them, it's "just a card game."

But it's a well-executed card game, offering a fresh take on the genre. Game quality should be judged on its execution, not solely on visual fidelity or flashy features.

Substance Over Style:

Balatro's lesson is simple: success doesn't require cutting-edge graphics or complex mechanics. This humble deckbuilder succeeded across PC, console, and mobile platforms, a feat many struggle with.

While not a massive financial success, considering its likely low development costs, LocalThunk likely profited handsomely. Balatro demonstrates that multi-platform success doesn't necessitate complex, cross-platform features or gacha mechanics. Simplicity and style can unite players across platforms.

My own struggles with Balatro highlight its unique accessibility. Some strive for optimization; others, like me, appreciate its relaxed pace, perfect for downtime.

The point? As often stated regarding successful games like Balatro, you don't need groundbreaking visuals or intense gameplay to succeed; sometimes, a touch of simple, well-executed fun is all you need.