8 Good Switch Games From 2018 So Far

Celeste

Good Switch Games From 2018 So Far

Celeste is the kind of game you only get in a rare while, one that perfectly marries its emotion, storytelling, and gameplay into one experience. The game involves a young girl named Madeline climbing Celeste Mountain, which apparently has the power to manifest one’s inner turmoil and “true self” into reality. It’s a 2D platformer through and through, that gives you the unique ability to dash in midair and alter Madeline’s trajectory.

Critics and fans alike flocked to Celeste, praising almost everything about the game. Here at Twinfinite we even gave it a 4.5/5  score. It’s a charming platformer with a heartwarming story, and surprisingly difficult gameplay that gives you incredibly precise control over Madeline. It’s easily one of the best indie games in years, and might even be one of the best platfomers.

Bayonetta + Bayonetta 2

Good Switch Games From 2018 So Far

The Switch has certainly come into its own with a number of new titles like Super Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and Splatoon 2. However, there are a number of stellar Wii U titles that Nintendo has wisely decided to give a second life. Bayonetta 2 is one such game, reborn on the Nintendo Switch with a little bit of new amiibo support and the entire first game packed in.

Both Bayonetta games are some of the best characters action games out there, and they very much feel in the spirit of something like Devil May Cry. The Bayonetta games have received a slight up-res in the graphics department, and they run very smoothly whether you’re playing in TV mode or handheld. Bayonetta 1 and 2 are the same games fans loved years ago, but playing the games on the go is more than enough reason to jump back in.

Attack on Titan 2

Good Switch Games From 2018 So Far

The original Attack on Titan from Koei Tecmo was a surprise hit, faithfully adapting the crazy action of the anime series into video game form. Flying around with the 3D Maneuver Gear is a blast, letting you effortlessly glide around titans and find the perfect spot to dig your blade into.

Attack on Titan 2 really is just more of a good thing, expanding and improving upon the first while not fixing what isn’t broken. The story introduces character creation and is entirely playable in co-op. Side conversations and quests provide a little more context to characters and events, helping to flesh the animes world out even more. At the same time, the game introduces new titan types to mix up gameplay and keep things more challenging, requiring you to change up your strategy. If you’re an Attack on Titan fan you definitely shouldn’t miss this title, or if you’ve been wondering what all the hoopla is about, there’s no better place to try it out.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Good Switch Games From 2018 So Far

Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze is yet another one of the Wii U’s fantastic exclusives, given a second chance on the Switch. The game is the same experience you had on the Wii U, but comes with a few new additions to help streamline everything.

The biggest change comes with a new mode called “Funky Mode,” which as you probably guessed has you playing as none other than Funky Kong. Funky comes with five hearts, and the ability to float, land on spikes, and double jump. This basically functions as an easy mode, with a twist. Of course, the game also gets an upgrade in terms of graphics and loading times, making it a smoother experience all around. Tropical Freeze looks and plays great in handheld or TV mode, and it’s more than a worthy addition to the Switch’s library.

Kirby: Star Allies

Good Switch Games From 2018 So Far

Despite not having the popularity of something like Mario or Zelda, Kirby is still one of Nintendo’s biggest mascots. Kirby: Star Allies finally brings the pink puffball to the Switch, and while it’s not a revolutionary experience for the Switch, it’s another strong exclusive.

The catch for Star Allies is Kirby’s new ability that lets him turn enemies into allies, letting three characters follow him, or four players partake in co-op. Using character’s different abilities together to take down enemies or solve puzzles can be great fun.

Star Allies certainly isn’t as challenging as other platformers, but a campaign and a number of minigames add more replay value. If you’re looking for a good co-op title to play with friends or family, you can’t go wrong with Kirby.

Night in the Woods

Good Switch Games From 2018 So Far

Night in the Woods won our award last year for the best indie game of 2017, and for good reason. The game stars a young girl named May, who’s returned from college to her remote hometown of Possum Springs, finding it and all her old friends changed.

Night in the Woods has platforming and adventure game elements, but at its core it’s really a game about friendship, change, depression, and more. May’s relationship with her friends takes center stage, and through most of the game you’ll get to choose which friends you want to hang out with, playing small minigames while getting character development. Night in the Woods has a heartfelt tale to weave, and exploring Possum Springs is just as much fun as hanging out with friends. The slow-paced nature of the game also makes it a perfect fit to play on the go in handheld mode.

Dragon Quest Builders

Good Switch Games From 2018 So Far

Dragon Quest is one of the longest-running JRPG series out there, and it’s had its fair share of spinoffs. Dragon Quest Builders separates itself from the pack, however, and proves to be much more than just a Minecraft clone. Builders is focused entirely around building, taking place in Alefgard, the world of the very first Dragon Quest.

There’s a fun main story to tackle, and as you progress through the game you’ll bring more villagers into your settlement. These villagers can fill different roles in your settlement, producing food or materials for you to use. Builders effortlessly blends the traditional RPG mechanics of Dragon Quest with the building mechanics of something like Minecraft, creating a unique experience in the process. It’s a great fit for the hybrid nature of the Switch, and it’s cel-shaded graphics really pop no matter how you play it.

Subsurface Circular

Good Switch Games From 2018 So Far

Subsurface Circular is considered as the first of the “Bithell Shorts” by its creator Mike Bithell, a shorter experience while he and his team work on their next big title. It’s not an incredibly long game, but it does a phenomenal job of keeping you engaged and weaving a story.

You play as Theta One One, an android-like Tek used as a servant for human masters. One night while riding the train to its assignment, another android tells you about a Tek that’s gone missing. From there you need to use different conversation options to talk with the various Tek’s and androids commuting on the train in order to uncover an insidious mystery. Across Subsurface Circular’s roughly three to four hour runtime you’ll be hooked, diving into the intriguing world and setup that’s been created.