It’s the end of the year, and if you're reading this on schedule, it's probably December 29th. Assuming you've seen the accolades showered upon Balatro, you're likely aware of its impressive sweep of awards. From Indie and Mobile Game of the Year at The Game Awards to Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game at the Pocket Gamer Awards, Balatro, the brainchild of Jimbo, has garnered widespread praise.
However, this success has also sparked confusion and even anger. Comparisons between its relatively simple visuals and flashier competitors are common, leading to bafflement over its numerous awards. I believe this very reaction highlights why Balatro is my personal Game of the Year. But first, a few honorable mentions:
Honorable Mentions:
- Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: The long-awaited arrival of iconic Castlevania characters is a triumph.
- Squid Game: Unleashed is free for all: A potentially precedent-setting move by Netflix Games, suggesting a focus on attracting new viewers.
- Watch Dogs: Truth audio adventure released: An intriguing, if unconventional, release from Ubisoft, exploring a new avenue for the Watch Dogs franchise.
My Balatro Journey:
My experience with Balatro has been a mixed bag. While undeniably engaging, I haven't quite mastered its intricacies. The optimization required later in runs, involving detailed statistical comparisons, hasn't been my forte, despite many hours of play.
However, the cost-benefit analysis speaks volumes. For under $10, Balatro provides hours of easily accessible, yet engaging, gameplay. It's not my ultimate time-waster (that title goes to Vampire Survivors), but it's a strong contender. Its attractive visuals and smooth gameplay further enhance its value. Balatro is a well-executed roguelike deckbuilder that's both accessible and enjoyable.
The deceptively calming soundtrack and satisfying sound effects create an addictive loop. The game's design is refreshingly honest about its addictive nature, subtly encouraging continued play. But you've likely heard this before, so why am I highlighting it again? Because for some, this simply isn't enough.
Beyond the "It's Just a Game" Mentality:
Balatro isn't the only game to face criticism this year (Astrobot, after its Game of the Year win, comes to mind). The reaction to Balatro, however, reveals a deeper issue: its unassuming nature.
Balatro is unapologetically "gamey" in its design. It's colorful and visually appealing without being overly complex or flashy. It lacks the retro aesthetic that often garners praise. It's not a cutting-edge tech demo, having started as a passion project by LocalThunk.
Yet, its success confounds many, both critics and the public. It's not a flashy gacha, nor does it push technological boundaries. To some, it's simply "a card game." And while that's true, it's a very well-executed card game that offers a fresh perspective on the genre. This is the metric by which we should judge a game's quality—not solely on visual fidelity or other superficial elements.
Substance Over Style:
Balatro's success teaches a valuable lesson: multiplatform success doesn't require massive budgets or cutting-edge technology. A simple, well-executed game with a unique style can resonate with players across mobile, console, and PC.
While not a massive financial success story, Balatro's low development costs likely resulted in a significant return on investment for LocalThunk. It proves that a game doesn't need to be a cross-platform, cross-progression, massively multiplayer gacha to thrive.
The game's accessibility is also noteworthy. For some, it's a game of meticulous optimization. For others, like myself, it's a relaxing way to pass the time.
Ultimately, Balatro's success reinforces a simple truth: you don't need groundbreaking visuals or high-octane gameplay to create a successful game. Sometimes, a touch of simple brilliance is all you need.
