In the dynamic world of gaming, one standout from 2024 was undoubtedly Balatro, and now its developer, LocalThunk, has revealed their picks for top games from the previous year.
While 2024 might seem quieter compared to 2023 if you rely solely on mainstream advertising, it was far from dull. The year brimmed with fantastic titles, many of which didn’t have big-budget marketing but still captured attention and admiration. Our team wasn’t alone in celebrating these gems. Among the biggest surprises was Balatro itself, a brilliantly crafted roguelike poker game that kept many of us hooked with its engaging challenge to make the numbers soar. To give a nod to fellow indie developers, LocalThunk shared their own list of favorite games from 2024.
Taking the top spot on LocalThunk’s list is Animal Well, a unique metroidvania experience set apart by its originality. Created by Billy Basso and published by Videogamedunkey’s Bigmode, it caught attention for good reason. Describing it, LocalThunk said, “Animal Well was an engrossing experience, dripping with style and secrets. It made me feel like an imposter in this industry as a developer. Billy Basso created a true masterpiece.”
LocalThunk’s praise didn’t end there. Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers received an honorable mention, with LocalThunk clarifying, “Some thought it was a Balatro clone, but it was announced before my game. It’s a beautifully synergistic and strategic deckbuilder that’s taken up hours of my time.”
Additional nods went to titles like Arco, Nova Drift, and Ballionaire. Another favorite, Mouthwashing, particularly resonated with LocalThunk. Reflecting on it, they shared, “I started playing at 11 PM, unaware it was a horror game. Instantly captivated, its world and poignant message have stayed with me vividly for months.”
2024 proved to be a year rich with creative and compelling games, each leaving its mark on players and developers alike.
