5 Best Games of June 2018, According to Metacritic

5) The Banner Saga 2 (Nintendo Switch) –  Metacritic Score: 83

The finale of the Banner Saga trilogy may not be far away, but the second game is still releasing on the likes of Nintendo’s hybrid console. Following on from the first game, the turn-based RPG features wonderful art, music, and combat, and it is at home on portable systems. The combat system is deep and layered, and there’s an epic story behind it all. It refines everything that was great about the first game, and can now be revisited wherever you are before the conclusion releases. Even if you’ve already played it on home consoles or mobile, The Banner Saga 2 is worth buying again.

4) Limbo (Nintendo Switch) – Metacritic Score: 84

Two of Playdead’s classic puzzle platformers came to Switch last month. When it released on Xbox 360 in 2010 as part of the console’s ‘Summer of Arcade’ it made people sit up and take notice of the games that were being produced by indie studios. Since then, it’s come to almost every platform imaginable, being free at one time or another, and it can now be taken anywhere on Switch.

It’s a puzzle platformer with a striking black and white color palate, and it follows a young boy and his adventure through a treacherous world in an attempt to find out what happened to his sister. It’s a very atmospheric game, full of well designed puzzles and interesting settings. You probably own it elsewhere, but Limbo is certainly worth playing again.

3) Hollow Knight (Nintendo Switch) – Metacritic Score: 90

Hollow Knight was shadow dropped during Nintendo’s E3 2018 Direct after a long time waiting. It seems like that waiting was worthwhile, though. It’s an incredibly deep side-scrolling Metroidvania that’s challenging and full of thing to discover. Critics have praised the way it doles out its lore in such a way that you’re constantly intrigued by the world. The enemies can be tough, especially if you’re inexperienced in the genre, but battling through is rewarding. On top of all that, the art-style and music are wonderful. It’s certainly worth playing if you’re a fan of the genre.

2) NieR: Automata – Become as Gods Edition (Xbox One) – Metacritic Score: 91

NieR: Automata was adored when it came to PlayStation 4 early in 2017, and it can now be played on Microsoft’s console as the Become as Gods Edition. Aside from the visual improvements that will come from the Xbox One X, it’s the same game as the original release, but that means it’s still a great action RPG.

If you’re unfamiliar, you play as part of an android army that was created by humans to reclaim the planet. The story is compelling and set in an interesting world, the combat is fun and is kept fresh by the constant switching of styles. The story will stick with you long after the first set of credits roll, and the action will see you return in no time.

1) Inside (Nintendo Switch) – Metacritic Score 93

Playdead’s Inside debuted on Xbox One to critical acclaim across the board. A few months later, it came to PlayStation 4, and it finally arrived alongside Limbo on Nintendo Switch last month. You play as a boy who finds himself alone in a dark world, and you explore the creepy setting where more is happening than meets the eye. Even before the shocking final moments, the atmosphere the game creates is palpable. The dark visuals are striking, the puzzles are well designed, and the movements are incredibly precise. It’s a short but unique experience, and it’s certainly worth trying on Nintendo’s hybrid console if you missed it in 2016.