Shacknews Game of the Year 2024 – Balatro

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As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Balatro has left a lasting impression on me. With its unique blend of roguelike mechanics and strategic card gameplay, this indie gem has captivated not only the Shacknews team but gamers worldwide.

Having played countless titles across various platforms, I can attest to the fact that Balatro stands out from the crowd due to its engaging loop of scoring chips, unlocking powerful cards, and battling challenging bosses. Its addictive nature is a testament to the developer’s passion for creating an immersive experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Unlike other games that resort to predatory practices such as microtransactions or intrusive ads, Balatro offers a refreshingly fair and enjoyable play experience. It doesn’t exploit its players or their wallets, making it a breath of fresh air in the gaming industry.

Balatro has earned its place on every platform imaginable, from mobile devices to consoles, demonstrating the developer’s determination and commitment to making this game accessible to as many people as possible. Its multiple Shacknews Awards, including Game of the Year, are well-deserved accolades that highlight the game’s exceptional quality and impact on the gaming community.

In closing, I must admit that Balatro has become a staple in my gaming rotation, consuming countless hours of my time in pursuit of victory. But as they say, time flies when you’re having fun. If you haven’t tried it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a shot – just be prepared to lose track of time! And remember, the house always wins… unless you’re playing Balatro.

P.S. They say that Balatro is so addictive it can make you forget your own name. Well, I can confirm that since I started playing, I’ve forgotten mine not once but twice! So much for “Balatro Brain.

As a gaming enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that this year has been truly remarkable, especially when it comes to indie games. One title that has left an indelible impression on me is Balatro, an indie roguelike card game that’s made its way onto every current generation platform, even mobile devices.

From the moment I laid my hands on this gem, I was hooked. The strategic depth, the engaging mechanics, and the sheer replayability of Balatro have kept me coming back for more. It’s no wonder it swept multiple Shacknews Awards this year, including Modojo @ Shacknews Mobile Game of the Year, Indie Game of the Year, and even Person of the Year for its developer, LocalThunk.

But it’s not just the critics who are raving about Balatro; our very own staff and extended team have been talking about their successful and failed runs non-stop. It’s been a hot topic on Chatty and Cortex alike. Given all this buzz, it comes as no surprise that Balatro has topped our overall Shacknews Game of the Year.

In my opinion, Balatro is a testament to the power of independent game development and the limitless potential of indie games. It’s a must-play for any serious gamer looking for something fresh, challenging, and genuinely rewarding. So if you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend giving Balatro a spin – you won’t regret it!

Balatro is an exceptional game, offering a unique blend of strategy and excitement. The gameplay revolves around collecting chips based on poker hands, which are both delicious and hard to resist. Jokers in the game serve as wildcards that can swing the odds in your favor during challenging rounds. However, beware of the Boss Blind rounds, as they can potentially halt your progress before you even realize it. But let me clarify, this game is not about gambling. Despite the PEGI’s seemingly mistaken assumptions, Balatro does not encourage or involve real-world gambling. It doesn’t exploit players through microtransactions or force you to watch advertisements for unnecessary in-app purchases. Furthermore, it won’t deceive your children into making unauthorized purchases with your credit card.

Balatro isn’t necessarily harmful physically, but it can be dangerous because it consumes vast amounts of time. Once you start, it’s difficult to stop. The appeal lies in the thrill of watching the stakes grow as you make the perfect play. It’s like a rush when you open a pack in the game shop and find that rare joker, playing card, tarot, or planet card you were hoping for. On the other hand, it can be disappointing when a run that was going well takes a turn for the worse due to bad luck or a tricky Boss Blind condition – a taste of defeat that often encourages another try, making you exclaim “I’m not giving up on this one,” as you start a new round in determination. If you claim you’ve never experienced that last part while playing this game, good for you if your willpower is truly unbreakable.

Many of us chose to support this game due to several compelling factors. It has been honored alongside notable titles such as Astro Bot and Metaphor: ReFantazio at various prestigious awards like The Game Awards, The Golden Joysticks, The Indie Game Awards, the Steam Awards, and now The Shacknews Awards. What makes this game special is that it’s available on a variety of platforms (with the exception of a few), demonstrating the dedication of its developer, LocalThunk. Lastly, Balatro has earned our Mobile Game of the Year, Indie Game of the Year, and now overall Game of the Year titles – a first in Shacknews history. If you’re unfamiliar with what sets it apart, give it a try. Spend some time playing it, aim for your initial victory, and chances are you’ll quickly grasp its appeal.

As a longtime gamer with a diverse collection spanning multiple platforms, I’m thrilled to announce that Balatro is now playable across PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Apple, and Android devices! This versatility caters perfectly to my eclectic gaming preferences. Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Shacknews Awards in our Year of the Games: 2024 feature for more exciting discoveries that might just become your new favorite games!

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2024-12-31 22:27