Balatro is the rare indie game that broke into the mainstream, selling millions of copies, earning nominations at nearly every major gaming ceremony of the year, and attracting a dedicated, meme-loving fanbase. But solo developer Localthunk hasn't stopped championing other indies all year, and now he's even named his favorites.
Finalists include Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers, a game that “people wrongly dismissed as a Balatro clone, but was announced before my game,” Localthunk wrote. “A wonderfully synergistic and strategic deckbuilder that I've invested dozens of hours into.”
The famous developer has gushed about the RPG Arco in the past, so it's no surprise to see it appear on their year-end list as well. “Play Arco now, it's incredible.”
However, the developer behind Balatro clearly has an affinity for roguelikes and mentioned two specials on his list. Space shooter roguelike Nova Drift was a highlight for Localthunk because it's “a perfect game for the Steam Deck,” while Ballionaire was another game where “the vibes are great, the synergies are explosive, it just kills time; it's a hit.” certificate”.
And finally, Localthunk was just as enamored of the horror indie that brought us all down, Mouthwashing. “I didn't even know this was a horror game when I started playing it at 11pm one fateful night,” he said. “I was instantly hooked, and both the world it created and the poignant message woven into the game remain vividly etched in me months later.”
In the meantime, check out some of the best roguelike games you can play right now.