2020 was a great year for digital and indie games on the Nintendo Switch. Everyone knows about the hits like Hades, but not every game got the same critical acclaim or attention. Here are a few digital gems on the Nintendo Switch that you might have missed last year.
La-Mulana 1 & 2
Who Is It For? Fans of Metroidvanias will find plenty to love in the La-Mulana series. They are brutally difficult, but not unfair. Learning how to solve the game’s puzzles and survive its traps is a delight to work through.
Moero Crystal H
Who Is It For? Fans of JRPGs with tons of fanservice will be delighted by Moero Crystal H. The game has a sense of humor and character designs that appeals to a niche audience. The gameplay is solid though, with an addicting monster collecting system It’s not for everyone, but those who are able to tolerate the game’s themes and tons will find a solid experience.
Chicken Police
Who Is It For? Fans of noir and detective games will get plenty of mileage out of Chicken Police. This point and click game has an incredible amount of atmosphere that is likely to hook the player and hold on through its short but memorable story. Sure the characters look weird, but it is charming in a weird way.
Wintermoor Tactics Club
Who Is It For? Those who are looking for an enjoyable tactics strategy game that isn’t Fire Emblem will want to check out Wintermoor Tactics Club. The academy setting, roleplaying references, and quirky characters make for a fun little adventure. Just don’t expect too much difficulty.
Langrisser I & II
Who Is It For? If you want something a little closer to Fire Emblem, it’s hard to do wrong with Langrisser I & II. There is tons of value in this package, with over 50 hours of gameplay across the two included games. The gameplay is solid, and there are plenty of bells and whistles here to make the experience feel as modern or as retro as players want.
CrossCode
Who Is It For? Crosscode is there for anyone looking for a retro-feeling action RPG with a modern coat of paint. The gorgeous graphics and engaging story are perfectly complemented by smooth gameplay and satisfying mechanics. Those who want a Zelda game mixed with an RPG will want to pick up CrossCode when they are able.
Fury Unleashed
Who Is It For? Fans of Contra and Metal Slug will dig Fury Unleashed, especially if they have a friend to play with. The game combines the fun mechanics of the retro shooters with some roguelike elements, making this a unique experience with tons of replayability.
Crown Trick
Who Is It For? This one is here for those who enjoy turn-based roguelikes. There is a lot to learn in Crown Trick, making for a challenging but rewarding game. It’s also gorgeous, with some of the best art and animations in the genre.
Yumeutsutsu Re:Master
Who Is It For? Anyone who enjoys visual novels will find Yumeutstsu absolutely charming. It doesn’t have the biggest budget out there, but Yumeutsutsu Re:Master (And its sequel) is as great of a visual novel as any on the Switch. It’s full of fanservice for the video game industry and features an exciting mystery that’s sure to delight anyone who is a fan of the genre.
One Step From Eden
Who Is It For? Anyone who misses the Megaman: Battle Network games will want to play One Step From Eden. The game takes some creative detours from the series that inspires it, yet still feels like the closest thing we have to it. This is another roguelike game on our list, meaning it has tons of replayability (And challenge).
Hotshot Racing
Who Is it For? Those who miss the old arcade racers of the 90s will instantly feel at home while playing Hotshot Racing. The presentation pays homage to the games that inspire it in every possible way. There isn’t too much content, but the tight controls and fun online play gives the game a significant amount of value.
Paradise Killer
Who Is It For? Paradise Killer is a detective game with vaporwave aesthetics and killer music. Fans of detective games and visual novels will fall in love with Paradise Killer. The game lets players enjoy the story at their own pace and draw their own conclusions as they solve a murder. This is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Nexomon Extinction
Who Is It For? Nexomon Extinction is there for Pokemon fans that have not been satisfied with the Switch’s offerings. It’s more than a clone. It has fantastic monster designs, unique mechanics, and an entertaining story. Those who want an enthralling single-player Pokemon game should give Nexomon a try.
Monster Prom: XXL
Who Is It For? Anyone who has ever wanted to try a visual novel with friends will want to check out Monster Prom. The game has a fantastic sense of humor, fun art, and is a blast to play with friends. Up to four players can enjoy Monster Prom as each other’s wingmen or saboteurs.
Unrailed!
Who Is It For? Unrailed! is perfect for fans of chaotic party games like Overcooked or Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime. It’s easy to learn and is accessible to players of all skill levels. This is one of the best couch coop games on the Switch.
Super Mega Baseball 3
Who Is It For? Super Mega Baseball 3 is the best baseball (and possibly sports) game on the Switch. It doesn’t have an official MLB License, but it makes up for it with addicting gameplay and plenty of game modes. It doesn’t matter if you want to run a franchise or just play a quick game with a friend, Super Mega Baseball 3 delivers.
Arcade Spirits
Who Is It For? Okay, this another one for visual novel fans. It’s also a great game for fans of arcade games, or just video games in general. The characters are quirky. The game embraces diversity and inclusion. The art is solid, and the story is entertaining. If you want to find some love in an arcade, pick this one up.
Merchant of the Skies
Who Is It For? Anyone who gets addicted to trading mechanics and games like Sid Meier’s Pirates! will love Merchant of the Skies. It’s not too complex, but the gameplay loop is enjoyable and there are plenty of hours of fun available to the player.
