What is Balatro and why has it been nominated among the best video games of the year

In a year of releases full of ambitious titles with big budgets, ‘Balatro’ has emerged as an overwhelming surprise, earning a place among the nominees for Game of the Year in the The Game Awards 2024. This phenomenon, created by the lone developer LocalThunkhas unleashed a revolution between critics and players thanks to its mix of roguelite and poker mechanics. But what makes ‘Balatro’ so special, and why has it been considered one of the best games of this year?

The origin

The journey of ‘Balatro’ began humbly, when a Canadian developer, known only by his alias LocalThunk, decided to evolve his previous projects into a new concept: a version of Big Two (a popular Cantonese card game) that fuses mechanics of poker with a roguelike approach. Inspired by the success of titles like ‘Luck Be a Landlord’, LocalThunk transformed his idea into a format that, without great marketing strategies, would become an instant success. What seemed like a small gem quickly attracted the attention of large masses of users for its addictive gameplay.

A twist on poker

In ‘Balatro’, players are faced with the task of building a hand of cards using traditional poker combinationssuch as pairs, trios and ladders. However, what really sets it apart from other card games is the ability to modify the deck using wildcards and special cards. These not only alter the course of the game, but allow you to multiply the pieces and apply modifiers that change the rules in real time. As players progress, they face a series of bosses, each with a weakness or strength against a given suit in the deck. The boss mechanics, while simple, require the player to adapt their strategy and carefully consider combinations. The format thus combines strategic decision-making with the uncertainty of chance, creating a truly addictive experience.

BalatroLocalThunk

Always something new

What makes ‘Balatro’ an engaging game is its roguelike system. Each game offers a new opportunity to improve and test strategies. After each round, players have access to a store where they can purchase special cards and random upgrades that reshape their deck. This progression, combined with the points multiplier system, ensures that each session is unique. The fact that cards and upgrades are chosen randomly creates a feeling of constant unease, where the player never knows exactly what to expect, but is always eager to try again.

This cycle of “trial and error” is embedded in the very essence of the game, shaping an incredibly addictive experience. “Just one more hand” is a phrase that is repeated among players, and it is easy to discover why. The simple gameplay becomes something addictive, which keeps us in a constant search for new combinations and strategies that allow us to overcome the challenges of the game.

The progression system in ‘Balatro’ is not limited to obtaining new cards, but goes beyond that. Every victory and every defeat affect the development of the deckoffering new cards or power-ups that alter the dynamics of the game. This cycle of growth and evolution allows us to improve the deck and our performance in each game.

Distraction-free aesthetics

Despite its complexity in terms of gameplay, ‘Balatro’ is not complicated visually. Its graphic design is simple but effective: it uses striking colors that allow you to focus on what is essential, without unnecessary distractions. The minimalist design has a dual purpose: it facilitates gameplay and creates a unique atmosphere, where every card and every move matters. Accessibility is another strong point of the game. Available on all platforms, including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS and Android, it manages to reach a wide audience.

The addiction to the cycle

It is this addiction to the game cycle that has led ‘Balatro’ to create certain suspicions in the industry. Like other indie hits, such as ‘Vampire Survivors’, the format manages to engage players through a reward system and the feeling of constant improvement. Thus, each hand becomes an experience for the player that not only challenges them, but also Provides a feeling of limitless achievement.

The nomination of ‘Balatro’ for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024 is a reward for its gameplay and innovative design. With more than two million copies sold across all platforms, it has proven that an independent game, created by a single person, can compete at the highest level in the video game industry.

Balatro
BalatroLocalThunk

Does he deserve the nomination?

The nomination is not a coincidence. It is the result of meticulous work, a clear vision and a passion for creating something that, despite its simplicity, offers a unique experience. In a world of big-budget games, ‘Balatro’ stands out for its ability to transform a simple concept into a deeply addictive experience. Its strategic gameplay, roguelike progress cycle and minimalist design have made it a phenomenon that constantly attracts and attracts players from all over the world.