Best To Worst: Ranking Nintendo Switch Games
Hey guys! So, you're diving into the world of Nintendo Switch, huh? Awesome choice! But with so many games available, figuring out what's gold and what's… well, not so golden can be a real challenge. That's why I've put together this guide, ranking Nintendo Switch games from the absolute must-plays to those you might want to think twice about. Let's jump in and sort the winners from the whiners!
Top-Tier Titles: The Absolute Best of the Best
When we talk about the creme de la creme of Nintendo Switch games, we're talking about titles that not only push the console to its limits but also offer experiences that are unforgettable. These are the games that define the Switch and are essential additions to any gamer's library. Let's get into the details of what makes these games truly exceptional.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Okay, let's kick things off with a game that redefined open-world adventures: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Seriously, this game is a masterpiece. From the moment you step into Hyrule, you're greeted with a world that's both breathtakingly beautiful and incredibly dangerous. The sheer freedom it offers is astounding. You can literally go anywhere and do anything right from the start. Want to head straight to Hyrule Castle to face Ganon? Go for it!
But what makes Breath of the Wild truly special is the way it encourages exploration and experimentation. Every nook and cranny of the map hides secrets, puzzles, and challenges. The physics-based gameplay allows for emergent and creative solutions, making every playthrough unique. The combat is engaging, the story is captivating, and the world is so richly detailed that you'll constantly discover new things, even after hundreds of hours of gameplay. It's a game that respects your intelligence and rewards your curiosity, making it a truly unforgettable experience. The game has won numerous awards, and for good reason. If you own a Switch and haven't played this yet, you are missing out. It is a must-have.
Super Mario Odyssey
Next up, we have Super Mario Odyssey, a game that's pure, unadulterated joy in digital form. This isn't just another Mario game; it's a celebration of everything that makes Mario, well, Mario. With its innovative capture mechanic, you can take control of enemies and objects, opening up a world of possibilities for exploration and puzzle-solving. The levels are vibrant, creative, and packed with secrets, and the sense of discovery is constant. From bustling cityscapes to ancient ruins, each kingdom is a unique and delightful place to explore.
What sets Super Mario Odyssey apart is its sheer sense of fun. The game is constantly throwing new ideas and challenges at you, and it never gets old. The controls are tight and responsive, making Mario feel more agile and versatile than ever before. The story is lighthearted and charming, and the characters are full of personality. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or a newcomer to the series, Super Mario Odyssey is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It's a game that reminds you why you love video games in the first place.
Great Games with Minor Flaws
Okay, so these games aren't perfect, but they're still seriously good. They might have a few quirks or minor issues, but overall, they're totally worth your time. These titles are fantastic, but they just miss that je ne sais quoi that elevates them to the top tier. Let's check them out.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Then there's Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the game that took the world by storm during the pandemic. This charming life simulation game lets you create your own island paradise, complete with adorable animal villagers, customizable homes, and endless crafting possibilities. The game is relaxing, addictive, and surprisingly deep, offering a constant stream of new activities and events. It's the kind of game you can play for hours on end, just losing yourself in its cozy and charming world.
While Animal Crossing: New Horizons is undeniably a great game, it does have a few drawbacks. The pace can be slow at times, and the reliance on real-time progression can be frustrating for some players. The online multiplayer features are also somewhat limited, and the lack of substantial updates in recent months has left some fans feeling disappointed. However, despite these flaws, Animal Crossing: New Horizons remains a delightful and engaging game that's perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing escape.
Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread marks a triumphant return for Samus Aran in a thrilling and atmospheric action-adventure. This game masterfully blends exploration, combat, and stealth, creating a sense of constant tension and excitement. The environments are beautifully detailed and unsettling, and the enemy designs are both terrifying and fascinating. The E.M.M.I. encounters are particularly heart-pounding, forcing you to rely on your wits and reflexes to survive.
However, Metroid Dread can be brutally difficult at times, and some players may find the constant threat of death to be overwhelming. The story is also somewhat sparse, and the lack of clear direction can be frustrating for those unfamiliar with the Metroid series. Despite these issues, Metroid Dread is a fantastic game that showcases the best of the Metroid franchise. It is a must-play for fans of action-adventure games.
Middle-of-the-Road: Decent but Not Essential
Alright, so these games are… fine. They're not bad, but they're not amazing either. If you're really into the genre, you might enjoy them, but otherwise, you're not missing out on much. These games are okay, but they probably won't blow your mind. Let's see what they are.
Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced a new generation of Pokémon to the world, along with a sprawling open-world area called the Wild Area. The game is charming, colorful, and addictive, just like every other Pokémon game. Catching, training, and battling Pokémon is as fun as ever, and the new Gigantamax forms add an extra layer of excitement to battles. The online multiplayer features are also well-implemented, allowing you to trade and battle with players from around the world.
However, Pokémon Sword and Shield have been criticized for their lack of innovation and their relatively short story. The Wild Area, while expansive, can feel empty at times, and the graphics are not as polished as they could be. The removal of certain Pokémon from previous generations also sparked controversy among fans. Despite these flaws, Pokémon Sword and Shield are still enjoyable games that will appeal to Pokémon fans of all ages.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses combines tactical RPG gameplay with social simulation elements, creating a unique and engaging experience. You play as a professor at a prestigious military academy, training students and leading them into battle. The story is complex and branching, with multiple paths to choose from, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. The battles are challenging and strategic, requiring you to carefully plan your moves and utilize your units' strengths.
While Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a great game, it can be overwhelming at times. The sheer amount of content and the complex social mechanics can be daunting for newcomers to the series. The graphics are also somewhat dated, and the performance can be spotty in certain areas. Despite these issues, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a fantastic game that will appeal to fans of tactical RPGs and social simulation games alike.
The Bottom of the Barrel: Avoid if Possible
Okay, let's be real, these games… aren't good. They might have some redeeming qualities, but overall, they're just not worth your time or money. These titles are bad, and you should probably avoid them. Let's see what made it to the bottom of the list.
Super Mario Party
While the concept of Super Mario Party sounds like a surefire hit – bringing the classic board game experience to the Nintendo Switch – the execution falls flat. The minigames, which are the heart of any Mario Party title, are often repetitive and uninspired. The board designs are bland and uninteresting, and the reliance on luck-based mechanics can be frustrating. The single-player mode is lackluster, and the online multiplayer features are poorly implemented.
Overall, Super Mario Party feels like a missed opportunity. It fails to capture the charm and excitement of the earlier Mario Party games, and it offers little to keep players engaged. Unless you're a die-hard Mario Party fan, you're better off skipping this one.
WWE 2K18
WWE 2K18 on the Nintendo Switch is a prime example of a rushed and poorly optimized port. The game suffers from severe performance issues, with frequent frame rate drops and long loading times. The graphics are muddy and unappealing, and the character models look dated. The gameplay is clunky and unresponsive, and the controls are difficult to master. The career mode is uninspired, and the online multiplayer features are plagued with issues.
Overall, WWE 2K18 is a disaster on the Nintendo Switch. It's a buggy, unplayable mess that should be avoided at all costs. There are far better wrestling games available on other platforms, so save your money and steer clear of this one.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! A hopefully helpful guide to navigating the vast world of Nintendo Switch games. Remember, this is just my opinion, and you might totally disagree with some of my choices. That's cool! The most important thing is to find games that you enjoy. Happy gaming, everyone!