Top 10 Nintendo Switch E-Shop Games

#10: "Snake Pass" (2017)

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Many gamers may have had their hands full with “Breath of the Wild” when this game launched in March of 2017. But those who did pick it up found a delightfully charming puzzle platformer. Players take control of the adorable serpent, Noodle, as he makes his way through a variety of different worlds. He does this by coiling around different objects to make it through each obstacle. The game was built with the Unreal Engine 4 and plays incredibly well. It’s also got a suitably lighthearted score and is bursting with color. For a game with such a simple concept, it’s nice to see how much effort the developers put into making great.

The Switch has become home to some wonderful RPGs, but none are quite like this one. The story follows a down-on-his-luck golfer trying to reclaim his love for the sport. “Golf Story” plays like a traditional RPG but replaces the combat with golfing. While this may seem like an odd pairing, the game will surprise you with its addictive gameplay and large areas that are filled with minigames, side quests, and increasingly tough courses. Much like other RPGs, players are encouraged to explore so that they can gain new skills and unlock different equipment. This blend of RPG elements with golfing gameplay makes it unlike anything else the system has to offer.

This rhythm game may have appeared first on other consoles, but it’s addictive and quick gameplay pairs perfectly with the Switch’s on-the-go design. You control a metallic beetle as it races towards an unknown destination, all the while hitting notes on the track in time to the score (which is killer, by the way). The game goes beyond your traditional rhythmic gameplay, however. The notes will help you fight enemies, but you must also avoid obstacles and turn against curved walls, all of which are coming at you at lightning fast speed. This beautiful pairing of gameplay and music makes for one insanely suspenseful ride.

If you’ve been missing classic Metroid or Bionic Commando gameplay, you might want to pay attention. The story of this side-scrolling action game revolves around Trace, a scientist who is knocked unconscious during a lab experiment and wakes up in a futuristic world filled with deadly machines and creatures. From there you must shoot your way through each section using a wide variety of weapons and upgrades while also using said weapons to find new areas. Much like the Metroid games of old, you’re encouraged to explore as there are secrets hidden everywhere. With even more variety than the games it’s paying homage to, “Axiom Verge” demands your attention.

#6: "Night in the Woods" (2017)

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For gamers who prefer a story-over-gameplay experience, look no further than this revered indie adventure game. The story follows Mae, a college drop out who moves back to her hometown of Possum Springs where everything is not as it seems. Citizens have been mysteriously disappearing and Mae must piece the plot together with her friends, all while her weakened mental state gets worse. What has made the game such a hit are its characters and writing. The plot delicately handles mental health issues while also providing an entertaining and tantalizing mystery. It was even nominated for several awards thanks to its cynically hilarious tone that actually pairs well with its adorable, zoomorphic characters.

This farming simulator turned heads when it was released back in 2016 thanks to its improvements on the Harvest Moon-like gameplay. The story follows your customizable character as you take over management of your grandfather’s run-down farm. From there, how the game plays out is entirely up to you. There are five different farm maps to choose from, each which offer different resources. You can also get married to one of the townspeople, explore procedurally-generated caves with enemies, and accomplish various tasks to build your farm into the best it can be. With so much to do, it’s no wonder players have been getting lost in this lovely landscape for weeks if not months.

#4: "Sonic Mania" (2017)

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Ok so we’re kinda bending the rules here, as a physical release was recently announced … but it’s not out yet so screw it. We all know that Sonic has been in a bit of a rut for the last couple of…well, decades. But given the right game design and creative team, the Blue Blur can still hold his own against the best 2D platformers. Such is the case with Sonic Mania, which offers everything players loved about the hedgehog’s games from the 90s. With remixed versions of classic stages and brand new zones, easter eggs galore to find and more Knuckles than you know what to do with. It’s a true love letter to Sonic’s heyday, one that gamers everywhere owe to themselves to check out.

If you missed the 2013 original, don’t worry. You don’t need to play that to understand it’s sequel, which improves on every aspect. You play as Dorothy, a robot in search of Rusty, the original game’s protagonist. Like the first game, you explore underground mines by using your trusty pickaxe to create new paths. You can mine resources and uncover secrets, but this sequel features a higher focus on action-platforming. It’s been rightfully praised for its gameplay and RPG elements that make your character’s abilities highly customizable. The term “Metroidvania” gets thrown around a lot these days, but this is by far the best representation of it that the Switch has to offer.

The original game in this platforming series was released during the resurgence of nostalgia heavy games. While you can buy that for cheaper, “Treasure Trove” will offer you more bang for your buck and it is so worth it. You’ll get the brilliant original as well as two expansions that have you play as two of the villains. This shift in characters and setting offers a variety of gameplay elements as they each have their own unique move set and story to tell. You’ll also get the fourth and final chapter of the saga once it releases. With improved classic gameplay, unlockable power ups, and an awesome soundtrack, there’s plenty here to unearth. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: “Enter the Gungeon” (2017) “Crypt of the NecroDancer” (2017) “Thimbleweed Park” (2017)

If you’ve played “TowerFall,” then you already know that MattMakesGames can create a brilliant 16-bit experience. Though similar in art style, “Celeste” is a very different type of game. The story follows Madeline as she climbs her way up the titular mountain and offers incredibly challenging yet satisfying platforming gameplay. What sets it apart from others in the genre is its story, as the mountain serves as a physical representation of Madeline’s depression. It’s rare for an indie game to feature such a heartfelt and emotional story as this one. Add that with it’s tight gameplay, kooky characters, and a soundtrack you’ll want to download immediately, and you’ve got a truly special experience.