Have you ever wondered what the top Nintendo Switch games are for this year? Well, EdEN has done the hard work for you, and he’s here to share his picks. Let’s dive into part one of his recommendations!
In case you haven’t caught up with our other best games lists, you can check them out now. We’ve got all your gaming needs covered with previous reviews:
- 2024 PS4Blog.net Gaming in Review – Ceidz
- 2024 PS4Blog.net Gaming in Review – Best EdEN PlayStation Games
- 2024 PS4Blog.net Gaming in Review – ThaRaven403
Reflecting on my gaming-filled year, narrowing down my favorite Nintendo Switch titles to just one “Game of the Year” and a few honorable mentions turned out to be impossible, so make sure you look through the complete list of games that deserve your attention!
My Nintendo Switch Game of the Year: BAKERU
2024 has seen a flood of incredible games for the Nintendo Switch, but one stood out in particular: BAKERU. This delightful 3D action-adventure serves as a spiritual successor to the cherished Goemon series and shines brightly on the Nintendo Switch.
The game unfolds around Oracle Saitaro and his Festival Troops, who are on a mission to take over Japan with a quirky festival. You’re in charge of the protagonist, Bakeru, tasked with vanquishing mischievous spirits across Japan’s 47 prefectures. This journey takes you through a fantastical version of Japan where modern realities intertwine with ancient folklore in more than 50 vibrant levels.
Over the years, Good-Feel has crafted several games that Nintendo aficionados have loved. From Wario Land: Shake It! on the Wii to the recent Princess Peach Showtime! on the Switch, they’ve continuously impressed. With BAKERU initially launching last year in Japan, Western audiences now have the chance to enjoy additional content, including a new adversary, Lantern Boss, and fresh attacks like Hurricane and Spinning Top.
Discover Scoop, a sage full of wisdom scattered across each level that you can find up to five times. For instance, did you know dried bonito is hailed as the hardest food globally? It’s a delicacy familiar to fans of Japanese cuisine! Additionally, collect souvenirs from every prefecture to expand your collection with three available in each stage.
My Nintendo Switch Honorable Mentions
Pepper Grinder
Pepper Grinder is an exciting 2D action-adventure where you must reclaim your lost treasure. Take on the role of Pepper, paired with her formidable drilling companion Grinder, to find and recover what is rightfully hers against the clock.
Thanks to Grinder, you can drill through the earth and skate through water, providing a pulsating gameplay experience that is hard to put down. This adventure will bring back memories of Drill Dozer from Game Freak and Nintendo and evoke the essence of Donkey Kong Country.
8-bit Adventures 2
This retro-style JRPG comes packed with modern tweaks. Even if you haven’t played its predecessor, you’re in for an engaging ride. The journey begins with your hero traversing a scorching desert in search of ancient ruins, face-to-face with a range of adversaries and treacherous pitfalls. A strange encounter with a foe named Glitch shifts the course of events, leaving you on the edge of your seat.
Expect to enjoy streamlined mechanics, no random encounters, strategic party switching, impactful team attacks, and powerful Omega abilities. Additionally, switch between running and walking as you explore to keep the pace dynamic.
Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged
This reimagined classic invites you to step into the shoes of George Stobbart, an American tourist visiting Paris. A strange explosion changes his peaceful getaway into a mystery adventure involving the Knights Templar. Team up with journalist Nicole Collard, unravel secrets, and track down leads to uncover the truth.
Expect reworked visuals that enhance gameplay, updated animations, and a soundtrack rejuvenated to match today’s standards. It’s a blast from the past you’ll love.
Thank Goodness You’re Here!
Immerse yourself in the whimsical town of Barnsworth with this comedy slapformer. As a traveling salesman, you’ll interact with quirky townsfolk who need your help. Revel in its hand-drawn visuals and enjoy engaging voice acting (with subtitles, if you find the Yorkshire accent challenging).
Piczle Cross: Story of Seasons
Get ready to unwind with this nonogram puzzler set in the beloved Story of Seasons universe. The tutorial introduces you to the whimsical Professor Molecule M. Matrix in a playful manner. Whether you’re new to nonograms or a seasoned puzzle fan, there’s something here to enjoy.
Sam and Max: The Devil’s Playhouse Remastered
Join Sam and Max in this remastered season that harkens back to Twilight Zone’s essence. The duo embarks on wild adventures with toys that bestow powerful psychic abilities on Max. Enjoy revamped graphics, improved sound, and restored content from the beloved series.
Dicefolk
In this tactical roguelike RPG, you control Alea, who harnesses the power of Chimeras to challenge the corrupted minions of Salem. You’ll control every aspect of combat, choosing action orders to strategize outcomes in a unique gameplay loop.
Wargroove 2
The sequel to the beloved title, Wargroove 2 takes turn-based tactics to the next level. Explore Aurania, battle a new faction, and embrace updated mechanics that add depth and novelty. Create custom maps and campaigns to share or download community creations to extend the fun.
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II
Dive into this chilling horror experience, the latest installment in the Spirit Hunter series. This visually stunning adventure allows you to tackle spirits from a 2D perspective, offering a fresh take on exploration and scares.
Europa
Set on one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa is a serene yet mysterious 3D adventure. Play as Zee, an android seeking answers amidst lush scenery reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s magic. Discover remnants of a bygone civilization while enjoying the freedom to roam and solve puzzles with your Zephyr jetpack.
Don’t forget to return tomorrow for Part 2 of this year’s best Nintendo Switch games!
