The Nintendo Switch had a fantastic 2021, and a big part of that is thanks to the wide range of titles on offer. There are many games that managed to capture the attention of the audience in a unique way and show what the console is fully capable of.
Metacritic has reviewed all of these video game experiences throughout 2021 and compiled the best games based on their overall reviews. These games have managed to achieve impressive sales, and while they include major franchises, there are also lesser-known games that have made their way through the Nintendo community.
15 Bustafellows – 86
Although also available on Steam, NIPPON CULTURAL BROADCASTING EXTEND INC. and PQube’s Bustafellows was a real hit on Nintendo Switch. This may interest you : The 10 best video games to die in really matters. With brilliant storytelling and stunning visuals, this store is a hidden gem for fans of the romance genre.
As the leader is able to note down clues, players explore multiple relationships, interacting with many characters as the plot unfolds. Digitally Downloaded said: “Bustafellows is part crime caper and part autoromance, and those are common enough things, but it’s the quality of the writing and the strong thematic core that set it apart.”
14 The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles – 86
Players will embark on adventures with Ryunosuke Naruhodo, a talented lawyer who operates throughout Victorian-era Britain and Japan, charismatically solving complex cases. Developed and produced by Capcom, the Switch is arguably the best platform to experience this story.
With a compelling mystery and stunning animation, Nintendojo noted that “The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is not just a reminder of why the series as a whole is beloved, but also a confirmation that video games can be capable of so much more as an entertainment medium. On the same subject : Sooner Jr. Kids Club Youth Sports Day Set for September 3 – University of Oklahoma. .”
13 Overboard! – 86
While this adventure game is far from a traditional platformer, it’s a bird’s-eye view of Overboard! is full of fun gameplay as the player tries to get away with the crime of the century: murder. This may interest you : OSU football on Madden, NCAA football video games | Sports | ocolly.com. Incredible software that promotes thinking and developing characters that feel truly alive is the source of this intriguing title.
Created by Inkle and Psygnosis, it’s also visually striking. Pure Nintendo said in their review: “Overboard is a charming and darkly funny game, with incredibly well-written characters and great intrigue, mystery and 1930s style.”
12 There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension – 87
Created by Draw Me A Pixel, although it’s available on other platforms, there’s something about the retro quality of There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension that makes it truly at home on the Nintendo Switch. The quality of the puzzle game is such that it works perfectly with the JoyCons.
The point-and-click adventure is steeped in comedy and is quite metallic in design. In its review, Nintendo Enthusiast said that the game “is a fun and clever little experience that anyone can enjoy. Apart from a moment at the end, the puzzles are clever but not too difficult. The writing is precise and well-balanced, and everything can be put together in one sitting, making it a great title for a live broadcast or a long day of travel.”
11 Quake Remastered – 87
Quake was originally released in 1996 on classic consoles such as the Nintendo 64. But in 2021, Nintendo managed to relaunch the project from publishers GT Interactive and Bethesda Softworks, as well as from developers id Software and Nightdive Studios. The result was the well-received shooter Quake Remastered.
It plays to its strengths just like the original title and features updated graphics that are sure to leave previous fans feeling nostalgic. Nintendo Life said the team made it a success by adding plenty of optional bells and whistles, packing in a ton of content and providing a definitive way to present this 25-year-old masterpiece.
10 Overcooked! All You Can Eat – 87
Overcooked! titles are great party games that the whole family can enjoy. All You Can Eat brought together the original game and sequel from Ghost Town Games and Team17 into one unified product with all the bonuses and DLC from over the years.
The Switch works great as a platform with fast-paced gameplay and cartoonish graphics. As Nintendo Life noted, “the weird visuals and chaotic gameplay make it the perfect game for local co-op.” The updated rendering has also been popular with the audience.
9 Metroid Dread – 88
Metroid Dread was easily one of the most anticipated games of the year on the Switch platform, as it was a return to a classic and beloved series. The title did not disappoint with stunning visuals, memorably challenging Samus levels, and plenty of intriguing narrative beats.
Developed by Mercury Steam and Nintendo, the game managed to recapture the spirit that made the originals so popular. Starbit said via Metacritic that “This great work brings the Metroid formula up to date, but it doesn’t compromise what made Metroid such a colossal name.”
8 Monster Hunter Rise – 88
Monster Hunter Rise from RE Engine and Capcom continues the franchise in a great way with some of the best concept designs in the series. Thanks to the Switch’s visual capabilities, the gameplay has also improved significantly with impressive combos and eye-catching choices.
The RPG franchise may never get better than this stunning story, recognized for both its narrative and core mechanics, even on some of Monster Hunt Rise’s hardest levels. Switch Brasil said: “With the many elements that make this franchise uniquely connected to other games, it also brings back the best of each entry, both in gameplay and in the monster roster.”
7 Fez – 88
The indie game from Phil Fish, Polytron Corporation, and Blitworks got a 2021 update for Nintendo Switch after its previous release on other platforms in 2012. It’s aged perfectly, combining retro platform mechanics with a fun art style.
It’s simple and elegant in its design, and with a quick expansion, it suddenly reveals how big this movie world really is. Vandal said Fez “is unique and irreplaceable. A masterpiece that is still as relevant as it was nine years ago.” Its subtle creative choices keep it moving forward.
6 Dusk – 88
Dusk, an indie game, was originally published in 2017 by New Blood Interactive and David Szymanski and performed incredibly well. Although its visuals were deliberately dated in their concept, the shooting mechanics and eerie rhythms helped create an immersive experience.
The version put on Nintendo Switch brings the audience even more into the story. The game looks incredibly well rendered on an HD screen. NintendoWorldReport said that “the creator took the time to polish and sharpen every little corner of DUSK for its Switch debut,” allowing it to fit well on the console.
5 Death’s Door – 89
Acid Nerve’s Death’s Door, published by Devolver Digital in association with Special Reserve Games, may be one of the most surprising titles of the year. For starters, its graphic design is truly memorable, with several iconic characters created thanks to the simplicity of the visual style.
The action-adventure role-playing game is full of incredible content, but the gameplay is the star here, which suits the Switch’s setup well. Pure Nintendo stated that it’s “a fun and unique action-adventure game with appealing scenery and music. You can pick it up and play on the go, and while the controls require skill, it’s easy to master.”
4 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury – 89
While Mario games have had a lot of frustrating clichés and tropes in the past, the Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury combo title manages to avoid them in a big way, creating a satisfying game set that recreates some classic moments.
Both titles are actually high points in their genre, with the genius combination of the two allowing fans to keep all of its content in one place despite the differences in gameplay. The player said that “Ultimately, Super Mario 3D World in this package is the best game ever, the increased speed and ease of access to multiplayer makes it much more engaging than ever.”
3 Chicory: A Colorful Tale – 90
A late addition given that it was released on Nintendo Switch in late 2021, Chicory: A Colorful Tale is an adventure game by Greg Lobanov and Finji. This is truly one of the liveliest titles, with the lead dog using his brush to add color to the world.
Nintendo Life said, “As an adventure game, Chicory is absolutely spot on and the best of the genre… The characters and their foibles are rich and likable, the game’s sense of humor is generally inspired, and it’s all very sweet. Without being sweet or talking down to the player.”
2 Tetris Effect: Connected – 94
Is there a more iconic puzzle game than Tetris? Featuring some of the hardest levels of any Tetris title to date, but also bringing back the feel of the original, Effect kicks things up a notch with a lively reimagining of its story classics. The game was created by Resonair, Monstars, Stage Games, Sony and Enhance.
It’s not just your typical Tetris either, as it brings with it a number of new options based on the dreaded timer and fun co-op levels. Nintendo Insider said the game “is an incredible top-to-bottom experience, both solo and with others in the newly added competitive modes. The fusion of its stunning visuals and euphoric music makes it much more than just a puzzle game.”
1 The House In Fata Morgana: Dreams Of The Revenants Edition – 96
Developed by Novectacle and published by Limited Run Games, MangaGamer, Mighty Rabbit Studios, Gengosha Inc. and FuRyu scored Metacritic’s Switch Game of the Year. The novel storytelling style is truly unique and works best with the Nintendo Switch.
It fits perfectly into the console’s catalog of games and is beautifully drawn with visuals that help tell the narrative expertly. Mako Reactor said “The House In Fata Morgana on Nintendo Switch is the best way to experience a true storytelling masterpiece.” It will surely bring tears to the audience.
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