Welcome back! In a month dominated by Lego Star Wars and Nintendo Switch Sports, it can be easy to lose track of the gems that are scattered throughout the eShop. We are here to help remedy that! Here are 10 games that you might have missed in April!
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
$59.99 On The eShop
I’m starting off this list with 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim because out of everything on this month’s list, this is the game you have most likely heard of. Still, it’s not the most high profile game in the world, and it’s my job to make sure to spread the word of this game whenever possible. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is one of the best science fiction games in recent memory. The story is compelling and the art does an excellent job of complimenting the narrative. Throw in solid RPG mechanics and you have a must-play experience.
Nobody Saves The World
$24.99 On The eShop
Gamers who need some more dungeon crawling in their lives won’t find too many experiences on the Switch that are better than Nobody Saves The World. The latest game by the team that brought us Guacamelee is a unique action RPG with tons of customization when it comes to abilities. It’s as colorful and fun as you would expect, and the gameplay feels silky smooth. Throw in fun multiplayer and you have one of the best indie games on the Switch this year.
Lumberhill
$14.99 On The eShop
I think there is always room on the Switch for janky and chaotic cooperative games. Sure, the controls aren’t fantastic, but that’s what makes them so fun if you don’t take them seriously. Lumberhill is the latest game in this genre that plays in the spirit of games like Very Very Valet and Get Packed. Up to four players take on the role of lumberjacks handling various jobs including chopping trees, crafting, and putting out fires. Of course, nature seems to be out to get the players, and they will have to get the job done with disasters and even dinosaurs getting in the way. It’s all silly, but for less than $15, it’s a good enough time if friends are around.
Arise: A Simple Story – Definitive Edition
$9.99 On The eShop
Most narrative indie games tend to make severe sacrifices when it comes to gameplay. Sure the story is important, but if the gameplay is dull, the player might as well watch a move. Arise: A Simple Story avoids these pitfalls and gives players an engaging story and video game. While working through a devastating story full of loss and happiness, players will solve creative puzzles and even manipulate time. I don’t want to give too much away because it’s best going into Arise blind. Just know that this one is a special experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Tormented Souls
$19.99 On The eShop
Tormented Souls is a horror game that lives in the PS2 era, both for better and for worse. Horror purists will love the game’s emphasis on survival horror and resource management. The puzzles are great and can stand tall with Resident Evil’s best puzzles. Still, the classic horror emphasis does hold the game back with some clunky design choices. The game also suffers from some performance issues as well. Still, this a solid horror game that should be explored by hardcore fans of the genre.
Cat Cafe Manager
$19.99 On The eShop
Anyone who has a soft spot for simulation games that allow for players to manage their own shop in a sleepy town will fall for Cat Cafe Manager. Games don’t get much more cozier than this one. The art style breathes life into the character portraits. The soundtrack will remind players of Stardew Valley. The gameplay loop is addicting, and the ability to build relationships with both people and cats is endearing. It’s not the deepest experience out there, but the game isn’t expensive and there is just enough here to make players say “Just one more day” before going to bed.
Andro Dunos 2
$19.99 On The eShop
Fans of side-scrolling shooters will likely fall for Andro Dunos II, especially if they love the 90’s era of this genre. While the first game in the franchise is mostly forgettable, developer Picorinne Soft does just about everything one could want from a sequel. The level design is superb, and the fire soundtrack keeps the energy surging through the player. There are a few presentation shortcomings, but this is an otherwise solid shooter.
Happy’s Humble Burger Farm
$19.99 On The eShop
One of the best horror games of 2021 has made its way onto the Nintendo Switch. Happy’s Humble Burger Farm is a strange and trippy experience that merges elements from Five Nights At Freddy’s with Overcooked! It shouldn’t work, but it does. The visuals will remind players of the PS1 era in the best way possible, while the ominous and meta story will likely sit with players for a long time. After beating the game, there is an endless mode to allow for players to keep cooking, adding to Happy’s Humble Burger Farm value. If horror fans only pick up one horror game this month, it should be this one.
Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars
$49.99 On The eShop
I’m usually hesitant on recommending Idea Factory Switch ports since they often come with severe limitations. Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars seems to be the exception. This engaging and fanservice-filled collaboration finds some of the best elements of both franchises and combines them well. It’s not the strongest action RPG, but it’s just good enough to be worth checking out by fans of either franchise. Being handheld makes the experience even better since the stages are usually short.
8Doors: Arum’s Afterlife
$19.99 On The eShop
8Doors is this month’s metroidvania game and while it isn’t superb, it handles everything that it needs to well. While this might not sound like a glowing recommendation, the genre is becoming inflated, and sometimes all hardcore fans of the genre can ask for is a competent game. The art style is lovely and the controls all feel good. There aren’t any unique systems at play though, and sometimes it can feel like the combat strikes don’t have any weight to them. Still, all of this is made up with engaging boss battles that will challenge players. You can do much worse than 8Doors if you are looking for a new action adventure game.
Lila’s Sky Ark
$14.99 On The eShop
Lila’s Sky Ark might be the most divisive game on this list. It teeters the line between mediocre and good. The soundtrack and presentation are nothing short of superb. It’s creative, with some gameplay mechanics and world design that players have likely never seen before. Unfortunately, the action adventure gameplay itself is disappointing. There isn’t much depth here, and players may find themselves bored if they aren’t fascinated by the presentation. Lila’s Sky Ark is worth taking a look at, just make sure that it’s your cup of tea before diving in.
