Best To Worst: Ranking Nintendo Switch Games
Hey everyone! Let's dive into the exciting world of Nintendo Switch games. We're going to explore some of the absolute best titles you can get your hands on, and also, well, some that might not be worth your precious gaming time. Think of this as your ultimate guide to making the right choices for your Switch library. So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let’s get started!
The Pinnacle: Top-Tier Nintendo Switch Games
When it comes to the best of the best on the Nintendo Switch, a few titles consistently rise to the top. These are the games that define the console, showcase its capabilities, and provide countless hours of immersive gameplay. Let's explore what makes them so special.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild isn't just a game; it's an experience. From the moment you step into the vast open world of Hyrule, you're greeted with breathtaking landscapes, intricate puzzles, and a sense of freedom that's unparalleled. The game’s physics engine allows for emergent gameplay, meaning you can solve problems in creative and unexpected ways. Whether you're paragliding off a cliff, experimenting with elemental reactions, or battling formidable foes, Breath of the Wild constantly surprises and delights. The story, while familiar in its Zelda roots, is told in a non-linear fashion, allowing you to tackle challenges at your own pace. The characters you meet along the way are memorable and add depth to the world. It's a game that encourages exploration, rewards curiosity, and stays with you long after you've completed the main quest. For any Switch owner, Breath of the Wild is an absolute must-have, setting the standard for open-world adventures. Its impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, and it's a title that will be talked about for years to come. The level of detail in every corner of the map, the dynamic weather system, and the sheer number of hidden secrets make it a game you can play over and over again, always discovering something new. It's a true masterpiece that demonstrates the power and versatility of the Nintendo Switch.
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is a joyous celebration of everything that makes Mario great. It’s a vibrant, imaginative, and endlessly inventive platformer that will put a smile on your face from start to finish. The game introduces Cappy, a sentient hat that allows Mario to “capture” enemies and objects, granting him their abilities. This mechanic opens up a world of possibilities, transforming Mario into everything from a T-Rex to a Goomba. Each kingdom is a unique and self-contained world, filled with secrets to uncover and challenges to overcome. The level design is masterful, encouraging exploration and rewarding curiosity. The game is packed with collectibles, but unlike other games where collecting feels like a chore, Super Mario Odyssey makes it fun and engaging. The controls are tight and responsive, making it a joy to move Mario through the environments. The music is catchy and upbeat, perfectly complementing the game's cheerful atmosphere. Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or new to the series, Super Mario Odyssey is a game that everyone can enjoy. It’s a testament to Nintendo's creativity and their ability to consistently deliver high-quality, innovative games. It's a must-play for any Switch owner, offering endless hours of fun and excitement. The game's post-game content is also substantial, providing even more challenges and secrets to discover long after you've completed the main story.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons arrived at just the right time, offering a comforting escape during a period of uncertainty. This charming life simulation game allows you to create your own island paradise, decorating your home, crafting items, and befriending adorable animal villagers. The game's relaxing pace and open-ended gameplay make it perfect for unwinding after a long day. There's no pressure to achieve specific goals; instead, you're free to pursue your own interests, whether it's fishing, bug catching, gardening, or designing custom clothing. The game's social features allow you to visit your friends' islands and share your creations. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is constantly evolving, with regular updates adding new events, items, and villagers. It's a game that you can play for years to come, always finding something new to do. The sense of community and connection that the game fosters is truly special. It's a perfect game for both casual players and hardcore gamers alike, offering something for everyone. The game's customization options are vast, allowing you to truly make your island your own. From terraforming the landscape to designing your own furniture, the possibilities are endless. It's a game that encourages creativity and self-expression. For anyone looking for a relaxing and engaging game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an excellent choice.
The Solid Choices: Great Games Worth Your Time
These games might not be genre-defining masterpieces, but they offer a solid and enjoyable gaming experience. They're well-made, engaging, and definitely worth considering for your Switch library.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version of an already excellent kart racer. It features a huge roster of characters, a wide variety of tracks, and plenty of customization options. The gameplay is fast, frantic, and always entertaining. Whether you're playing solo, with friends, or online, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe provides hours of fun. The game's drift mechanic allows for skillful cornering, and the item system adds an element of chaos to the races. The graphics are vibrant and colorful, and the music is catchy and upbeat. The game includes all the tracks and characters from the original Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, as well as new content. It's a perfect game for parties and gatherings, offering accessible gameplay that everyone can enjoy. The online multiplayer is robust and competitive, providing a challenge for experienced players. For anyone looking for a fun and accessible racing game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an excellent choice.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate truly lives up to its name. It's the ultimate crossover fighting game, featuring a massive roster of characters from across the gaming world. The gameplay is fast-paced, chaotic, and incredibly fun. Whether you're a seasoned fighting game veteran or new to the genre, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has something to offer. The game features a robust single-player mode, a wide variety of multiplayer options, and a wealth of unlockable content. The sheer amount of content in the game is staggering, with hundreds of characters, stages, and music tracks to collect. The game's controls are intuitive and easy to learn, but mastering the game's mechanics takes time and practice. The online multiplayer is competitive and engaging, providing a challenge for skilled players. For anyone looking for a deep and rewarding fighting game, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is an outstanding choice.
Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield marked the eighth generation of Pokémon games, bringing new Pokémon, a new region, and new gameplay mechanics to the Nintendo Switch. While they had their controversies, they offered a solid Pokémon experience with plenty to explore and battles to win. The Wild Area was a particularly welcome addition, providing a large open area where players could encounter various Pokémon in different weather conditions. The story was engaging, and the characters were memorable. While some fans were disappointed by the lack of a complete National Pokédex, Pokémon Sword and Shield still offered a lot of content for Pokémon fans to enjoy. The Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics added a new layer of strategy to battles. The post-game content was also substantial, providing plenty of challenges for experienced players. For anyone looking for a classic Pokémon experience on the Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Sword and Shield are worth considering.
The Disappointments: Games to Approach with Caution
Not every game can be a winner, and some Nintendo Switch titles fall short of expectations. These games may have significant flaws, lack polish, or simply fail to deliver on their promises. Here are a few examples of games to approach with caution.
Balan Wonderworld
Balan Wonderworld was a high-profile flop that disappointed many gamers. The game's concept was intriguing, with players collecting costumes that granted them unique abilities. However, the execution was severely lacking. The controls were clunky and unresponsive, the level design was uninspired, and the story was confusing and poorly told. The game was plagued with technical issues, including glitches and performance problems. Balan Wonderworld failed to capture the magic of classic platformers, and it received overwhelmingly negative reviews. It's a game that's best avoided, as there are many other platformers on the Nintendo Switch that offer a far superior experience.
The Quiet Man
The Quiet Man is a unique but ultimately flawed action game. The game's main gimmick is that the protagonist is deaf, and much of the game is played without sound. While this concept is interesting, the execution is poor. The combat is clunky and repetitive, the story is convoluted and difficult to follow, and the lack of sound often makes it difficult to understand what's happening. The game's visuals are also unimpressive. The Quiet Man had potential, but it failed to deliver a compelling gaming experience. It's a game that's best left unplayed.
Override: Mech City Brawl
Override: Mech City Brawl promised exciting mech battles, but it failed to deliver a satisfying experience. The game's controls are clunky and unresponsive, making it difficult to control the mechs. The combat is repetitive and lacks depth. The game's graphics are unimpressive, and the performance is often poor. While the concept of fighting with giant mechs is appealing, Override: Mech City Brawl simply doesn't live up to its potential. There are many other fighting games on the Nintendo Switch that offer a far superior experience.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch has a diverse library of games, ranging from absolute masterpieces to disappointing failures. By doing your research and reading reviews, you can make informed decisions about which games to add to your collection. Remember, everyone's tastes are different, so what one person considers a great game, another might not enjoy. However, by focusing on high-quality titles and avoiding the duds, you can ensure that your time with the Nintendo Switch is filled with fun and excitement. Happy gaming, everyone!