The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The game that convinced millions to get 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, but it’s also an incredible open-world game in its own right.
The game world is vast and sprawling. Every inch of Hyrule is filled with something to do. If you don’t scavenge divine beasts or hunt down shrines, you can find towers, fight enemies, hunt secrets, or just wander aimlessly and see where your legs take you. The game makes exploration effortless and every second is filled with wonder as you discover unexpected new things. It’s a fantastic game in every sense of the word.
Cutting pliers
The unique multiplayer functionality of the Joy-Cons makes unique games like Snipperclips possible. Working with a friend to carve themselves into weird shapes to solve mind-bending puzzles makes this one of the most original games available on the Switch.
Cooperation is essential. You have to decide how to cut each other, who will fill which role, and how to tackle each new challenge. It’s not only fun working on the game, but also having fun with a friend, cutting yourself 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 added the added hook of having to change colors to take advantage of specific boost pads. Fast RMX compiles the original game and the packages into the DLC for a complete package well worth checking out.
The tracks are vibrant and strewn with obstacles. The speed at which vehicles tear down the track makes it difficult to anticipate turns, and you’ll find yourself hurtling down the course in flaming wreckage once or twice. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a stellar racing game nonetheless.
Switch 1-2
The main goal of 1-2 Switch is to show the potential of 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 shown before each match are fun to watch and explain the rules very well in simple terms. The games themselves are also fun to play. Not staring at the screen for the majority of games actually works much better than you might think, acting as an unexpected extension of the Wii’s motion controls.
The Affair of Isaac Afterbirth +
The Binding of Isaac Afterbirth+ is now on the Nintendo Switch and that means fighting the denizens of hell with your tears has never been easier. The main game and all DLC are included in this bundle, and it’s the perfect game for handheld play.
The levels are short enough that you can get through them quickly, and the roguelike nature offers great replayability. However, you won’t win the game in one sitting, you’ll have to master the mechanics, figure out what works best, and learn each enemy’s patterns. It helps that it’s all fun and unlike anything else on the new Nintendo console.
shovel knight
Shovel Knight came to Nintendo Switch at launch with the inclusion of the Specter of Torment DLC. Not only was the amazing original game playable on TV or on the go, but the new content proved why the folks at Yacht Club Games are some of the most talented indie developers out there.
The game still plays great, with thoughtful platforming challenges and plenty of style and personality dripping from the screen with every new stage. The DLC adds a fun twist to the original style, making it worth it for all 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 shrunk a bit in size, but Fire Emblem’s proven gameplay was still just as good. Even the inclusion of micro-transactions couldn’t diminish the sheer fun factor of Heroes.
Recruiting our favorite heroes throughout the series’ history was dangerously compelling. The fast-paced combat sessions were perfect for on-the-go gaming and made it much harder to put the game aside when it was so easy to get started.
Dragon Quest VIII
Dragon Quest games are classics for a reason. Each tells an epic fantasy story filled with characters, monsters, and memorable moments. Square Enix slowly brought 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 less common today than they once were, but being able to play a game that upholds such classic values is refreshing in an age of fast-paced action and micro-transactions.
