The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The game that convinced millions to pick up a Nintendo Switch at launch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a true masterpiece. Not only does it change the inherent structure of a Zelda game while keeping the spirit of the series intact, it is also an amazing open world game in its own right.
The game’s world is vast and sprawling. Every single inch of Hyrule is filled with something to do. If you aren’t cleansing the divine beasts or tracking down shrines, you can find towers, fight enemies, hunt for secrets, or just wander aimlessly and see where your legs carry you. The game makes exploration feel effortless, and every second is filled with wonderment as you discover new, unexpected things. It is a fantastic game in every sense of the word.
Snipperclips
The unique multiplayer functionality of the Joy-Cons make unique games like Snipperclips possible. Working with a friend to cut each other into strange shapes to solve mind-bending puzzles makes it one of the most original games available on the Switch.
Cooperation is key. You need to decide how to cut each other, who will fulfill which role and how to get past each new challenge. It’s not only fun to work through the game, but also to just mess around with a friend, cutting each other into incredibly bizarre shapes and reaping the consequences.
Fast RMX
The original Fast Racing Neo was a stylized spiritual successor to the F-Zero series that threw in the added hook of having to change colors to take advantage of specific boost pads. Fast RMX compiles the original game and packages in the DLC for a complete package that is well worth a look.
The tracks are vibrant and littered with obstacles. The speed that the vehicles tear down the track at makes it difficult to anticipate turns, and you’ll find yourself hurtling off the course in a flaming wreck once or twice. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a stellar racing game nonetheless.
1-2 Switch
1-2 Switch’s main purpose is to show off the potential of the Joy-Con controllers. Some of the minigames in this package don’t impress as much as others, but the package as a whole is incredibly well put together.
The short videos that play before each game are fun to watch, and do a great job of explaining the rules in simple terms. The games themselves are also a joy to play. Not looking at the screen for the majority of games actually works much better than you would think, acting as an unexpected extension to the motion controls of the Wii.
The Binding of Isaac Afterbirth +
The Binding of Isaac Afterbirth + is now on the Nintendo Switch and that means fighting off the denizens of hell with your tears has never been easier. The main game and all the DLC are included in this bundle, and it’s the perfect game for portable play.
The levels are short enough that you can quickly breeze through them, and the roguelike nature makes for a lot of replayability. You won’t beat the game in one sitting though, you’ll need to get the hang of the mechanics, figure out what works best, and learn the patterns of each enemy. It helps that all of this is compelling fun and unlike anything else on the new Nintendo system.
Shovel Knight
Shovel Knight came to the Nintendo Switch at launch with the inclusion of the Spectre of Torment DLC. Not only could the amazing original game be played on the TV or on the go, but the new content proved why the folks over at Yacht Club Games are some of the most talented indie devs out there.
The game still plays just as well, with thoughtful platforming challenges and plenty of style and personality dripping from the screen on each new stage. The DLC adds a fun wrinkle to the original style, making it well worth the playthrough for any fans of the original.
Fire Emblem Heroes
Nintendo’s second mobile effort brought the Fire Emblem series to Apple and Android devices in style. The battlefield lost a little size, but the tried and true Fire Emblem gameplay was as good as ever. Even the inclusion of micro-transactions couldn’t decrease the pure fun factor of Heroes.
Recruiting our favorite heroes from throughout the series’ history was dangerously compelling. The quick battle sessions were perfect for on-the-go play and made it much harder to put the game down when it was so easy to jump in.
Dragon Quest VIII
The Dragon Quest games are classics for a reason. Each one tells a fantastic, epic tale filled with memorable characters, monsters and moments. Square Enix has been slowly bringing the older games in the series to Nintendo’s three-dimensional handheld. Dragon Quest VIII for Nintendo 3DS is a fantastic remake of a true classic.
Turn-based RPGs are a less common today than they once were but being able to play through a game that upholds such classic values is refreshing in an age of fast-paced action and micro transactions.
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