Top mobile games of 2024: Iwan’s picks, but it’s mostly Balatro

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  • It’s the end of the year, so it’s time to chat “Games of”
  • And my pick is, unsurprisingly, Balatro
  • It’s not necessarily my favourite though, so why talk about it? Well, come find out

As a seasoned gamer and tech enthusiast with a soft spot for indie games, I must say that Balatro has left me utterly charmed. Coming from someone who has seen the rise and fall of countless gaming trends, I can confidently state that this humble deck-building roguelike is a breath of fresh air in an increasingly crowded market.

Being someone who often finds themselves juggling multiple devices – from high-end PCs to mobile phones – it’s always refreshing to find a game like Balatro that transcends these barriers without compromising on quality or fun factor. It’s not every day you come across a title that caters equally well to those seeking a brain-busting challenge and those just looking for an easygoing way to pass the time.

What sets Balatro apart, in my opinion, is its unapologetic simplicity. In a world where flashy visuals and high-fidelity graphics are often prioritized over gameplay mechanics, it’s heartening to see a game that values substance over style. This isn’t some fancy gacha adventure or ray-tracing showcase; it’s just a good old card game with a twist.

But let’s not forget the elephant in the room – Balatro’s meteoric rise to fame has left many scratching their heads. How could such a seemingly simple game garner so much attention and acclaim? Well, I reckon it’s because sometimes all you need is a bit of joker in your deck.

In closing, I’d like to leave you with this little joke: Why don’t we ever play Balatro with a deck of playing cards? Because it already comes with its own stacked deck! Now, isn’t that just the joker we all need in our lives right now?

As we approach the close of the year, if you’re reading this on schedule it’s likely December 29th as well. And if you find yourself considering the name Balatro without any recent major awards in mind, you might be recalling the numerous accolades this unique blend of solitaire, poker, and roguelike deckbuilding has received.

If winning Indie and Mobile Game of the Year at The Game Awards or being the sole winner of two distinct categories in this year’s Pocket Gamer Awards, namely Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game, isn’t enough to prove its greatness, then the accolades Jimbo’s creation has been receiving from all corners certainly are. It’s clear that everyone is in awe of the remarkable house Jimbo built.

However, there have been instances where people were puzzled and somewhat frustrated that Balatro, despite its simplicity, was even considered for the awards it won. Comparisons between flashy gameplay videos and Balatro’s more modest visuals are not rare, although they aren’t universal either. There seems to be a certain level of bewilderment as to how a seemingly straightforward deckbuilder could garner so many accolades.

In my opinion, this choice stands out as my Game of the Year, and I’m eager to delve deeper into its qualities. However, before we dive into that, let’s acknowledge some outstanding games and narratives that deserve recognition!

A few honourable mentions

  • Vampire Survivors’ Castlevania expansion: I think I speak for everyone when I say finally. Given how it was teased, with Poncle even having a collaboration with Contra of all things, finally seeing the iconic Castlevania characters in-game is well worth the wait.
  • Squid Game: Unleashed is free for all: I think this may set a new precedent for Netflix Games, and it’s just an interesting move, besides. This means that more people than ever will play, and without traditional monetisation, it suggests they think this is going to be more valuable as a way to draw in new viewers.
  • Watch Dogs: Truth audio adventure released: So yes, this isn’t exactly seismic news, but I think if there’s one thing you can say it’s that Ubisoft has had a hard time really knowing what to do with Watch Dogs. I thought a mobile release was a natural fit when I initially saw this news, but an Audible-only adventure is an interesting choice to go for instead.

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right

My encounters with Balatro have been a blend of captivation and struggle. While it undeniably keeps me engaged, I haven’t quite mastered its intricacies yet. Mathematics and the analysis of fine details have never been my forte, and Balatro, with its requirement for optimizing your deck as the run progresses, seems to present a challenging frontier that I haven’t managed to conquer, despite investing considerable time into it (I acknowledge your understanding).

In terms of evaluating the value of Balatro, I consider it one of the wisest investments I’ve made in a while. It’s straightforward, making it easy to devote time without feeling overwhelmed, and it doesn’t require much technical or mental effort either. While another game, Vampire Survivors, is my top choice for wasting time, Balatro certainly holds its own in that regard.

This game not only appears appealing but also performs exceptionally well. For just about $10, you receive a captivating roguelike deckbuilder that won’t draw sneers when you play it publicly; people might even assume you’re a gambling prodigy (either positively or negatively). It’s impressive how LocalThunk has breathed life into such a basic format.

From the softly soothing lounge music that seems peaceful yet addictive, to the sounds of dings and rattles as you multiply your earnings for deck upgrades, every detail is crafted to draw you in continuously. Yet, it’s surprisingly candid about its tactics, hinting at its intentions through subtle, wink-wink nods rather than outright stating them explicitly.

It seems that the information I’m about to discuss is familiar to many. Yet, it appears that for certain individuals, merely hearing it once is not sufficient.


“But it’s just a game-!”

Currently, Balatro isn’t the game receiving the most criticism this year – I suspect that title goes to Astrobot following its win at Big Geoff’s Game of the Year awards. Incidentally, it’s interesting how worked up we get about a show that we all secretly acknowledge has an inflated ego. However, let’s move on, the main point here is the response to Balatro and its interpretation.

Balatro boasts a design and execution style that’s boldly game-like without being pretentious. It’s vibrant and visually appealing, but it steers clear of excessive complexity or flashiness; it lacks the common “Wow, so retro” aesthetic often found in its genre. Unlike an Unreal Engine 5 tech demo, Balatro isn’t a showcase of cutting-edge technology. It’s important to note that LocalThunk initially developed Balatro as a personal project, realizing its potential only later on in the process.

To numerous individuals, both casual observers and critics, Balatro remains puzzling due to its unexpected triumph. It doesn’t fit the mold of popular gacha games, nor does it explore the boundaries of mobile gaming capabilities. It isn’t a money-making battle royale featuring adorable anime women wielding powerful weapons; instead, they perceive it as “just a card game.

In my opinion, this game truly shines with its innovative take on an established concept. It’s crucial to recognize that a game’s quality should be judged more by its originality and execution, rather than the realism of its graphics or other eye-catching features. This might sound revolutionary, but it’s a point worth reiterating.

It’s what’s inside that counts

The key message from Balatro is straightforward and undeniable: this unassuming deckbuilding roguelike has managed to establish itself across PC, consoles, and mobile platforms – a feat that’s often challenging even for experienced developers and publishers. Mobile development, in particular, remains a complex puzzle due to numerous obstacles that are yet to be overcome.

Initially, let me address the astute business folks reading this: No, LocalThunk isn’t a multi-million dollar venture yet. However, considering the low operational costs and presumed development expenses, it wouldn’t be shocking if they’ve accumulated a substantial amount of savings by now.

Balatro demonstrates conclusively that it’s possible to create a game compatible across multiple platforms without it being a complex, cross-platform, cross-progression, massively multiplayer gacha adventure on the scale of Genshin Impact. Instead, you can craft something straightforward yet polished with its unique style, attracting players from mobile, console, and PC devices alike.

My personal struggle with Balatro seems to illustrate that there are different ways to engage with this game. For some, it’s all about fine-tuning strategies and enjoying victories as your expertly designed deck effortlessly conquers each level. On the other hand, for people like me, it offers a more relaxed pace that makes it perfect for passing time during long flights when you’re not fully mentally equipped to dive into something intense like Vampire Survivors.

To put it in my own words as a fan, essentially, what’s the big deal about all this? Well, it’s a sentiment we often express when something like Balatro achieves success. It’s not always about being a global leader or having advanced features like ray-tracing and intense gameplay to be successful. Sometimes, all you need is a touch of humor.

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2024-12-29 13:18