It's year-end, and my Game of the Year is Balatro – a surprising choice, perhaps, but one I'll explain. Balatro, a blend of solitaire, poker, and roguelike deckbuilding, has garnered numerous awards, 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.
This success, however, has also caused confusion and even anger. Some question its relatively simple visuals compared to flashier games. The perception that a simple deckbuilder could win so many awards seems baffling to some.
But this is precisely why it's my GOTY. Before delving into Balatro, here are some honorable mentions:
Honorable Mentions:
- Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: A long-awaited and well-received addition.
- Squid Game: Unleashed being free: A potentially precedent-setting move by Netflix Games.
- Watch Dogs: Truth audio adventure: An interesting, albeit unexpected, release from Ubisoft.
My Balatro Experience:
My experience with Balatro has been mixed. While undeniably engaging, I haven't mastered it. The focus on optimizing deck statistics is frustrating for me, yet it's also excellent value for money. It's simple, accessible, and visually appealing. For $9.99, you get a captivating roguelike deckbuilder suitable for public play. LocalThunk's ability to create such an engaging experience from a simple format is commendable. The game's calming soundtrack and satisfying sound effects contribute to its addictive loop.
The "It's Just a Game" Reaction:
Balatro's success has been met with skepticism. It's not a flashy gacha game, nor does it push technological boundaries. To some, it's simply "a card game." However, it's a well-executed card game, and that's the true measure of its quality – not its graphics or other superficial elements.
The Importance of Substance:
Balatro's success demonstrates that a multi-platform game doesn't need to be a massive, complex gacha experience. A simple, well-designed game with a unique style can appeal to mobile, console, and PC players. While not a massive financial success, its low development costs likely resulted in significant profit for LocalThunk.
Balatro proves that success doesn't require cutting-edge graphics or high-octane gameplay. Sometimes, a simple, well-executed game with its own unique style is enough.
Balatro's appeal lies in its accessibility. Some players strive for optimal deckbuilding and flawless runs. Others, like myself, enjoy its relaxing gameplay.
Ultimately, Balatro's success reinforces the idea that a game doesn't need to be groundbreaking to be successful. Sometimes, being a bit of a "joker" is all it takes.
