Top Nintendo Switch Games Released In 2022
Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the best Nintendo Switch games that hit the shelves in 2022? This was an awesome year for Switch fans, with a mix of epic adventures, charming indies, and exciting new entries in beloved franchises. So, let’s jump right in and explore some of the must-play titles from last year!
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
First off, we gotta talk about Kirby and the Forgotten Land. This game is an absolute delight! It takes our favorite pink puffball into a stunning 3D world that's both adorable and a blast to explore. Seriously, the environments are so vibrant and detailed, it’s like stepping into a whole new dimension of Kirby’s universe. What makes this game so special? Well, it's the perfect blend of classic Kirby gameplay with fresh, innovative ideas. You've still got the core mechanics we all love – inhaling enemies to copy their abilities – but now, you’re doing it in a fully 3D world. This adds a whole new layer of strategy and fun to the game. Imagine floating around, sucking up cars, and then zooming around as a car yourself! It’s ridiculously fun, and the creative ways you can use Kirby’s abilities are endless. But it's not just the gameplay that shines; the storyline is surprisingly engaging too. You're exploring a forgotten world filled with abandoned structures and mysterious creatures, and as you progress, you uncover more about this strange new place and Kirby’s role in it. It’s a narrative that keeps you hooked and makes you want to keep playing just to see what happens next. And let’s not forget the challenge! While Kirby and the Forgotten Land is accessible for newcomers, it also offers a good level of difficulty for seasoned gamers. The boss battles are epic, and you’ll need to use all your skills and abilities to come out on top. Plus, there are tons of collectibles and secrets to find, so you’ll be busy exploring every nook and cranny of this world. For anyone who loves platformers, adventure games, or just wants a dose of pure, unadulterated fun, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a must-have. It’s a game that truly captures the spirit of the Nintendo Switch – bringing joy and excitement to players of all ages. Trust me, guys, you don't want to miss this one. It’s a standout title that deserves a spot in every Switch owner’s library.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Next up, we have Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and oh boy, this one’s a game-changer! If you’re a Pokémon fan, this is the title that you’ve been waiting for. It takes the classic Pokémon formula and flips it on its head, offering a fresh, open-world experience that’s unlike anything we’ve seen before in the series. Seriously, exploring the Hisui region (which eventually becomes the Sinnoh region we know and love) is an absolute joy. The world is vast, beautiful, and filled with Pokémon roaming freely in their natural habitats. And that’s just the beginning! What really sets Pokémon Legends: Arceus apart is its approach to catching Pokémon. Forget the traditional random encounters; now, you can sneak up on Pokémon in the wild, throw a Poké Ball, and catch them in real-time. It’s so much more immersive and engaging than the old system. Plus, there’s a sense of danger and excitement when you’re out in the field, trying to avoid getting spotted by a particularly aggressive creature. The storyline is also a major highlight. You’re part of the Galaxy Expedition Team, tasked with creating the first-ever Pokédex in the Hisui region. This means you’ll be venturing into uncharted territories, battling powerful Pokémon, and uncovering the mysteries surrounding the mythical Pokémon Arceus. It’s a compelling narrative that keeps you invested from start to finish. But it's not just the exploration and catching mechanics that have been revamped; the battle system has also seen some significant changes. Battles are more dynamic and strategic, with different combat styles and the ability to move around the battlefield. It adds a whole new layer of depth to the gameplay, and you’ll need to think carefully about your moves if you want to succeed. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a bold step forward for the Pokémon franchise, and it’s one that pays off in spades. It’s a game that respects the series’ roots while also pushing it in exciting new directions. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring a living, breathing Pokémon world, this is the game for you. Trust me, guys, you’re gonna love it!
Splatoon 3
Okay, let's talk about Splatoon 3 – the game that takes ink battles to a whole new level! If you’re a fan of the Splatoon series, you already know how addictive and fun these games can be. But Splatoon 3 amps up the excitement with new weapons, new stages, and a fresh storyline that’s sure to keep you hooked. What makes Splatoon so unique? It’s the blend of fast-paced shooting action with a colorful, quirky aesthetic. The core gameplay revolves around turf wars, where two teams compete to cover the most territory with their team's ink color. It’s simple, but incredibly strategic, and the matches are always intense and unpredictable. In Splatoon 3, you’ll find all the classic modes and weapons you love, but there’s also a bunch of new content to dive into. The new weapons are a blast to use, offering different playstyles and strategies. Whether you prefer slinging ink from afar or getting up close and personal, there’s a weapon that’s perfect for you. And the new stages? They’re gorgeous! Each one is designed with verticality and strategic choke points in mind, making for some truly epic battles. But it’s not just the multiplayer that shines; Splatoon 3 also features a robust single-player campaign. The story mode is engaging and full of surprises, and it’s a great way to learn the ropes and master your skills before jumping into online matches. Plus, the characters are as charming and quirky as ever, and you’ll find yourself getting invested in their stories. One of the biggest additions to Splatoon 3 is the new Salmon Run mode, which pits players against waves of Salmonids in a cooperative survival mode. It’s chaotic, challenging, and incredibly fun, and it’s a great way to team up with friends and test your skills. Splatoon 3 is a must-have for any Switch owner who loves competitive multiplayer games. It’s easy to pick up but hard to master, and there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re a seasoned Splatoon veteran or a newcomer to the series, you’re gonna have a blast inking your way to victory. Trust me, guys, this is one game you don’t want to miss!
Bayonetta 3
Alright, let’s talk about a game that’s all about stylish action and over-the-top combat – Bayonetta 3! If you’re a fan of action games, this is a title that you absolutely need to check out. Bayonetta is back, and she’s more powerful and stylish than ever before. What makes Bayonetta games so special? It’s the incredible combat system, the over-the-top action sequences, and the sheer spectacle of it all. Bayonetta is a witch who can summon demons, transform into animals, and unleash devastating attacks. The combat is fast-paced, fluid, and incredibly satisfying, and you’ll feel like a total badass as you chain together combos and take down enemies with style. Bayonetta 3 takes the action to new heights with the addition of Demon Masquerade, which allows Bayonetta to fuse with her demons for even more powerful attacks. This adds a whole new layer of strategy to the combat, and you’ll need to master these new abilities if you want to take down the game’s challenging bosses. And speaking of bosses, Bayonetta 3 is packed with epic encounters that will test your skills to the limit. These battles are massive in scale, and they’re full of surprises and over-the-top moments that will leave you speechless. The storyline in Bayonetta 3 is as wild and unpredictable as the gameplay. You’ll be traveling through different dimensions, battling all sorts of enemies, and uncovering the mysteries surrounding Bayonetta’s past. It’s a narrative that’s full of twists and turns, and it’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. But it’s not just the combat and story that make Bayonetta 3 so great; it’s also the sheer style and flair of the game. Bayonetta is a fantastic character, and her personality shines through in every aspect of the game. From her sassy dialogue to her over-the-top attacks, she’s a character that you’ll never forget. Bayonetta 3 is a must-have for anyone who loves action games. It’s stylish, fast-paced, and full of over-the-top moments that will leave you breathless. If you’re looking for a game that will challenge your skills and keep you entertained from start to finish, this is the one for you. Trust me, guys, you won’t be disappointed!
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Let’s switch gears and talk about a strategy game that’s both charming and challenging – Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope! This is the sequel to the surprise hit Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, and it takes the tactical gameplay to new heights. If you’re a fan of strategy games or just love the Mario and Rabbids universes, this is a title that you need to check out. What makes Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope so special? It’s the blend of tactical combat with the quirky humor and charm of the Mario and Rabbids characters. The game features turn-based battles where you’ll need to strategically position your characters, use their unique abilities, and plan your attacks carefully. It’s a game that rewards careful planning and strategic thinking, and it’s incredibly satisfying to pull off a well-executed plan. In Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, you’ll be exploring a variety of colorful and imaginative worlds, each with its own unique challenges and enemies. The game introduces a new cast of characters called Sparks, which are powerful creatures that can be equipped to your heroes to grant them special abilities. This adds a whole new layer of customization and strategy to the gameplay, and you’ll need to experiment with different Sparks to find the perfect combinations for your team. The storyline in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is engaging and full of surprises. You’ll be teaming up with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Rabbid Mario, Rabbid Luigi, and a host of new characters to save the galaxy from a mysterious threat. The story is full of humor and heart, and it’s sure to keep you invested from start to finish. But it’s not just the gameplay and story that make Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope so great; it’s also the attention to detail and the sheer polish of the game. The graphics are stunning, the music is fantastic, and the overall presentation is top-notch. This is a game that’s been crafted with care and attention, and it shows in every aspect of the experience. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a must-have for anyone who loves strategy games or the Mario and Rabbids universes. It’s challenging, charming, and full of surprises, and it’s a game that you’ll want to keep coming back to. Trust me, guys, you’re gonna love it!
Other Notable Releases
Of course, 2022 had more to offer than just these heavy hitters. We also saw some fantastic indie games and smaller releases that are definitely worth checking out. Games like Tunic, * культ of the Lamb*, and Neon White brought unique experiences to the Switch, showcasing the versatility and creativity of the indie scene. These games prove that you don't need a massive budget to create something truly special and memorable. Tunic, for instance, is a charming action-adventure game with a retro aesthetic and a mysterious world to explore. It's a game that encourages exploration and discovery, and it's full of secrets and surprises. Cult of the Lamb, on the other hand, is a dark and quirky roguelike that blends dungeon crawling with cult management. It's a unique and addictive experience that will keep you hooked for hours. And then there's Neon White, a fast-paced action game that combines first-person shooting with card-based mechanics. It's a challenging and rewarding game that's perfect for speedrunners and anyone who loves a good adrenaline rush.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – some of the best Nintendo Switch games that were released in 2022! It was an incredible year for Switch owners, with a diverse lineup of titles that offered something for everyone. Whether you’re into epic adventures, tactical battles, or stylish action games, there was a game out there for you. And with the Switch continuing to thrive, we can only imagine what amazing games are in store for us in the future. What were your favorite Switch games of 2022? Let us know in the comments below! And as always, thanks for reading, guys! Stay tuned for more gaming goodness!