You can’t really beat that price for one of the greatest roguleikes of our time, and while we don’t love Exit as much as Enter, they’re still worth picking up together.
In terms of Enter, this is an endlessly replayable twin-stick roguelike that sits right up there with the very best indie games on Nintendo Switch. With satisfying combat, random levels, and an endless supply of inventive weapons, items and secrets, it’s always a total joy to play. Yet another modern indie classic has found a natural home on Nintendo’s console.
Exit isn’t always a flawless transition, and this is a significantly less rich and rewarding experience than the original. But those after a retro-tinged arcade challenge should by all means lock and load.
$3.99 (-80%)
Full Metal Furies is an impressive fusion of genres from Cellar Door Games, the makers of Rogue Legacy. A beat ‘em up brawler at heart, we wish more developers would invest such considerable effort into this sort of puzzle design in action games, and coupling that with the deep RPG systems, punchy co-op gameplay, and memorable writing makes for an experience that no Switch owner will want to be without.
Put in the time to explore the different tactics required with each character and you’ll find a much deeper, more replayable experience than a typical brawler.
$7.49 (-75%)
Your enjoyment of Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered will depend almost entirely on your affection for the movies. For anyone who adored the first two, this is a wonderful form of time travel. It has no business calling itself a ‘remaster’ and is best approached as a straight port of the 2009 game, but it’s a fine one.
Mechanically speaking, there’s little you haven’t seen elsewhere, but it’s a good-looking, fun third-person romp dripping in slimy nostalgia, and the chance to spend time in the company of these old friends – some of them dearly departed – is too good to pass up if you’ve ever strapped on your school backpack and gone out to bust ghosts in the garden.
$3.99 (-60%)
Heave Ho doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights of Snipperclips, but it’s still one of the best couch co-op titles to hit the Switch. It encourages communication and careful planning, but remains utterly chaotic and achingly hilarious, with a fantastic selection of unique costumes to unlock as you progress.
The fact that you’ll face the same stages whether you’re playing multiplayer or single player is a disappointment, but it’s great fun whatever way you decide to play it.
$1.99 (-90%)
An engaging blend of fantasy RPG and point-and-click adventure, Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption is a successful return to the Quest for Glory universe as well as a clever, addictive and highly replayable adventure game in its own right.
Fans of the franchise will find lots of little references and in-jokes to revel in as they make their way through the substantial campaign, and newcomers should enjoy the well-written, smartly balanced mix of point-and-click puzzling, time/relationship management and turn-based combat on offer.
$13.99 (-30%)
Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition puts Heart Machine’s obtuse yet engaging throwback where it belongs — in portable Nintendo form — and it makes for the definitive version.
With a handful of exclusive features, the game suddenly feels new and fresh – and with a silky smooth frame rate and every boss, secret and upgrade from the original here for you to experience, this is a wonderful addition to the Nintendo Switch’s bulging indie library.
$41.99 (30%) (Base game only)
$55.98 (-30%) (Game + Expansion Pass)
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity uses the Dynasty Warriors format, but borrows a layer of Breath of the Wild’s polished presentation and story, which elevates it in our eyes.
Boasting a large cast of familiar characters — each with their own movesets and weapons — it gives you the chance to fight the Calamity 100 years before the events of BOTW. Performance could be better in some parts (dramatically better on occasion), but frame rate drops didn’t affect our enjoyment of this Hylian hack-and-slasher.
This would be a good option for people who have exhausted BOTW and TOTK but still want to spend quality time in that world. Teaming up with the Four Champions is a treat, and while Age of Calamity is obviously riding on Breath of the Wild’s coattails, we enjoyed our time with this quasi-prequel adventure. And if you liked it as much as you, you can grab the Expansion Pass which is also discounted during this sale!
$11.99 (-40%)
While Infernax is tough, it’s resolutely fair. You can’t really make the game ‘easy’, but you can absolutely mitigate the difficulty or take a break doing something else when you get stuck. Don’t expect a simple ride, though, and don’t expect to take the right decisions on a first playthrough — not that anything seems particularly ‘right’ in this beautifully bloody little world. It’s only familiarity that lets Infernax down.
There’s nothing really new here, but it’s all done and delivered so well that you won’t really care unless you’re desperate for a completely fresh experience. In which case why play a faux-retro NES throwback to begin with? A cut above most efforts in the subgenre, Infernax both demands and requires attention.
$8.99 (-64%)
Are there better, more complicated tactical strategy games out there for the Switch? Absolutely, but few of them are quite as entertaining as Inkulinati. In fact, none of them let you use a creature’s butt quite as frequently or as effectively.
The absurd humour doesn’t stop the game from offering some unique tactical options, even if it errs on the easy side for our liking.
$4.49 (-70%)
Lumines Remastered is a luminary of the puzzle genre and feels perfectly at home on the Switch. Intense and immersive puzzle action, psychedelic visuals, a killer soundtrack, and a bevvy of content and modes make for a premier puzzle experience that should not be missed.
Lumines is an addictive experience that is positively a delight to play, and we would highly recommend it to both veterans and newcomers to the puzzle genre. There’s something here for everyone, and considering the relatively low price tag, Lumines Remastered is very much required playing for any Switch owner.
$9.99 (-70%)
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a must-have for Switch-owning fans of turn-based tactical games. More importantly, such is the style and depth on offer that it’s also ideal for those who haven’t played much of the genre – for whom ‘XCOM’ sounds like a silly acronym from a war movie. Kingdom Battle and its excellent DK DLC introduce the concept in the best possible way, and then add their own ideas for what becomes a smart, surprising, and, at times, deliciously challenging experience.
Even if you don’t actually like the Rabbids, this game — and its familiar Mario cast and setting — is so good that Ubisoft’s mascots become likeable. Well, almost.
You can grab the season pass right now for $4.99, too. Or the DK DLC for $3.69.
$9.89 (-45%)
Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes – Definitive Edition is a worthwhile remake of a somewhat obscure puzzle classic. Its clever integration of light RPG elements on top of the puzzling action gives it an impressive amount of strategic depth, while the rotating cast of characters and factions offer plenty of variety in unit types and playstyles across its run.
Though we were put off a bit by its difficulty spikes and the woes of RNG, add a strong multiplayer component and this is ultimately a game that we’d give a strong recommendation.
$2.99 (-77%)
We struggle to recall a dystopia quite as cheerful as the one found in Pikuniku. It’s a short game, but one packed with heart and imagination, with a great single-player component and excellent couch co-op that can genuinely be enjoyed by anyone.
It makes us remember the fun we had cutting pieces from our friends in Snipperclips, but where we occasionally hit a brick wall with that game, Pikuniku sidesteps frustration in favour of a breezy and charming adventure; a perfect salve if you need a break from the backlog, but don’t dive in expecting endless hours of gameplay.
$4.99 (-75%)
It’s hard to overstate our satisfaction with Portal: Companion Collection. Portal and Portal 2 felt incredibly fresh when they first released, and the years have not diminished their immense impact. To have two of the most unique and mind-bending puzzle games on a Nintendo console, and on-the-go if you choose, is a pure joy.
If it weren’t for the frequent load screens punctuating the experience, we’d have absolutely nothing to complain about here. The motion controls work like a dream, the games run at a near-rock-solid 60fps, you’ve got local co-op play available at the drop of a hat, and the writing remains as funny now as it did all those years ago.
If you haven’t played the Portal games before, this should be a no-brainer. If you have… well, just play them again.
$7.99 (-80%)
Despite its ‘Definitive Edition’ moniker, the vast majority of what you get in the Switch version of Rayman Legends has been seen in every other edition. The only truly new features here are a complete character roster for the first time and a tournament mode for its football minigame.
That’s not to say it’s a bad game, though; that couldn’t be further from the truth. Rayman Legends is one of the best plumber-free platformers ever made, and its budget price means if you haven’t played it before, the Switch version is the perfect opportunity to jump in.
$11.99 (-70%)
Sifu was one of the best games of the year when it launched on other platforms, and it’s no different now on Switch. Its hardcore combat that pushes you to the limits of your skill, paired with a smart ageing mechanic, makes for one of the most satisfying gaming experiences in the beat ’em up genre.
While the Switch port is obviously a bit downgraded from the PS5 version, it’s still a more than valid option for Nintendo-only gamers and those keen to try this kung-fu brawler out on the go.
$3.99 (-60%)
Many years after its debut, Spelunky still has all the fundamentals in place and remains a great entry in the roguelike genre. Solid gameplay, plenty of secrets, and an addictive gameplay loop make for an easy game to recommend, though we’d say you should come into this one prepared to die a lot before you really ‘get it’.
Whatever your tolerance for difficulty may be, Spelunky proves to be a nice fit for the Switch; it’s certainly worth your time if you never tried it before.
$7.99 (-60%)
Spelunky 2 is a masterclass in great roguelite game design, expertly combining crushing difficulty with a steady drip of new secrets and lessons to keep you coming back for more.
Some may be put off by the steep challenge—this is certainly a game you have to work for a bit—but putting in the effort is sure to reward you with plenty of thrilling memories.
$4.49 (-85%)
A truly pleasant game, Spiritfarer balances undemanding platforming, gentle exploration and forgiving resource management with a beautifully-realised world with a cast full of charming, likeable, memorable characters. It’s a pleasure to move around in with an evocative, endearing atmosphere and a succession of gameplay styles that gel superbly and never feel like padding.
It’s a long game, and you may find it becomes a little rote and repetitive before the end, but if it gets its hooks into you it’s a game you’ll want to go the distance with. Would it be distasteful to say it’s dead good?
$3.99 (-69%)
Steredenn: Binary Stars is a fantastic game that does a great job of providing an experience that feels simultaneously classic and modern. Its high difficulty, rewarding gameplay, endless variety, and beautiful presentation make this an essential buy for any fans of the genre, and a high recommendation for those who aren’t.
If you’re looking for a tightly made arcade game that can be played both in short bursts and for hours on end, here’s yet another one for your list.
$8.74 (-65%)
Streets of Rage 4 is the very best the series has ever been. Its hand-drawn graphics breathe new life into Wood Oak City and its inhabitants, the soundtrack is outstanding, and the combat feels better than ever.
Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games, and Dotemu managed to completely modernise the look and feel of Streets of Rage, expanding on the experience without losing sight of what made the original games so popular to begin with – and the handful of additions made to the action here serve only to enhance the classic core gameplay, resulting in one of the best side-scrolling beat ’em ups we’ve played in a long time.
And the Mr X Nightmare DLC is pretty tasty, too. A truly fantastic brawler.
$44.99 (-25%)
Tales of Graces f Remaster occasionally feels dated thanks to its visuals and limited map, but the unique structure of the plot and fun combat make it a worthwhile addition to the library of any JRPG fan. The characters remain the stars of the show, with more growth and change over the course of the game than we expected.
If the frequent but short load times don’t get in your way, it is easy to sink dozens of hours into this adventure.
$14.99 (40%) (Standard Edition)
$21.44 (-35%) (Ultimate Edition)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is the best Turtles beat ’em up ever made. It looks delicious, sounds superb, and rekindles childhood memories beyond all expectations, time-warping you back to 1987.
Its combat system is so much fun to mine that you feel compelled to keep coming back to try new strategies, and with its awesome co-op multiplayer, the experience evolves again and again. Like many a beat ’em up, it does get repetitive as you enter the last third, but that’s more a fault of the concept than the game. Shredder’s Revenge really is an unprecedented, ahem, shell-ebration.
The Dimension Shellshock DLC adds new fighters and a Survival mode, too, and it’s only $5.19 right now. Plus, Casey Jones & the Junkyard Jam and Radical Reptiles are also discounted.
$5.19 (-35%)
Dimension Shellshock has all the charm of the base Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge game, but with a challenging new standalone mode that adds quality and value.
The opening challenge won’t be for everyone and those early runs can be pretty unforgiving, but once you see those unlocks rolling in and with an upgrade or two under your belt, you’ll soon wonder why a Turtles roguelike hasn’t been on your wishlist from the very beginning. With these added bells and whistles, Shredder’s Revenge is still totally tubular, dude.
$19.99 (-50%)
Tetris Effect: Connected is perhaps the best iteration of the classic puzzler yet.
While this Switch port doesn’t offer a great deal over existing versions in terms of features, it delivers the one key ingredient that its rivals cannot: portability. Sure, some will argue that Tetris Effect: Connected’s unique brand of synesthesia only really comes alive when played on PSVR or an Oculus Quest headset, but we’d argue passionately that this game benefits far more from the ability to pick it up and play whenever, wherever.
Just as the Game Boy and Tetris combined to create an irresistible, world-conquering fusion back in 1989, Tetris Effect: Connected found the hardware that allowed it to truly shine, making this an utterly essential purchase for all Nintendo Switch owners. Don’t forget those headphones.
$15.99 (-60%) (Standard Edition)
$19.99 (-60%) (Deluxe Edition)
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 on Nintendo Switch is a rock-solid port of a pair of genuinely fantastic remakes.
These really are two of the very best arcade sports titles of all time, revamped, reworked and re-imagined for modern audiences with all the graphical bells and whistles, collectibles and game modes we’ve come to expect in this day and age.
With flawless performance in both docked and handheld modes and visuals that still look the part after a few necessary concessions here and there, this is one collection we highly recommend you kickflip right into.
$3.99 (-80%)
Torchlight II proves to be a wonderfully well-polished ARPG that’s sure to provide dozens of hours of fun, all at an incredibly low price point when you consider what’s all being offered. Rewarding, loot-heavy gameplay, an expressive art style, and oodles of replayability come together to make for an impressively charming and addictive experience, even if it’s let down by the occasional technical hiccup or glitch.
We’d give Torchlight II a strong recommendation to anybody who’s interested in seeing what the ARPG genre is about, as this proves to be an accessible adventure that sacrifices none of the unique qualities that set the genre apart. Genre veterans may want to pause and think before buying, as there isn’t a whole lot here you haven’t seen before, but it’s tough to argue that you won’t enjoy the time you spend with this one.
$27.49 (-50%)
Touhou Spell Bubble is a top-notch puzzler with a ton of content to enjoy. The wonky localisation is a little disappointing, especially from a well-established company like Taito, but ultimately it doesn’t hurt the experience to a significant degree.
The mechanics are the real star here; a thoroughly enjoyable, very modern and hugely stylish take on Puzzle Bobble’s base formula.
$3.99 (-80%)
Trials Rising is the (mostly) full package you’d want on Switch. With its huge list of tracks to tackle and all the races and trick-based stunts you could ask for, RedLynx has served up the best instalment in the series since Trials Evolution.
With a killer soundtrack, tons of customisation and an impressively deep tutorial mode, it’s only really let down by a tutorial-free Track Editor. The drop to 30fps might put off those also playing on other platforms and the drop in visual fidelity can be hard to miss at times, but despite its blemishes, Trials has proved it’s right at home on Nintendo Switch.
$5.99 (-60%)
Trombone Champ is a hilarious rhythm game about perfection. Before you (or up to three other tromboners) play, it asks you to select a stance: ‘estudious’ or ‘jubilant’. Neither of these is appropriate when you know your performance will be as ear-abusive as an excited puppy mauling a bulb horn. Or are they?
The true lesson is perhaps to hold your head high anyway. In life, as in Trombone Champ, faced as we all are with certain doom, be estudious if you like, be jubilant, parp like crazy, and be your very best you – no matter how imperfect that invariably is.
$39.99 (-20%)
WarioWare: Get It Together! was a triumphant Switch debut for the subversive series that made some daring changes to core gameplay, resulting in the best entry in the franchise to date. With a generous roster of playable characters, lots of solo and multiplayer modes to dig into, and stages that cleverly adapt to your choices on the fly, this is a superb compilation of microgames that delivers more ways to play than ever before.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll dodge bird droppings on a skateboard. Essential stuff.
$7.49 (-75%)
In rounding off Katamari Damacy’s rougher edges and upping the ante with more diverse mechanics and challenges, even goofier writing, and a terrific soundtrack, We Love Katamari cemented itself as a high watermark for video game sequels in 2005.
Even without the remaster treatment, the game’s maintained its lustre remarkably well but Reroll + Royal Reverie is (an admittedly thin layer of) icing on an already decadent cake. With a number of solid quality-of-life updates and sharper, brighter visuals, this is undeniably the best way to experience the 2005 classic. And you can play it accompanied by the Series Music Bundle, which is only $4.99 right now.
Plus, playing Royal Reverie will pop you in good stead for Once Upon a Katamari, which is out in October.
$4.49 (-70%)
Over the years, Windjammers has slowly achieved cult status due to its simple pick-up-and-play controls that hide complex mechanics that only become apparent the more you play against human opponents. Data East’s extreme sports versus title has now arrived on the ultimate multiplayer-friendly console, once again brandishing the same fast and addictive gameplay that had us hooked in 1994.
Despite the passing of the decades the core gameplay still manages to entertain, and the 2D visuals have likewise stood the test of time rather well. The bone of contention remains the single-player side of things; if you’re playing alone, you’ll get bored relatively quickly. However, with online play and easy-to-configure local multiplayer, there’s plenty of scope to embrace the game’s true USP: two-player action.
$5.99 (-70%)
With Windjammers 2, Dotemu has taken the fiendishly addictive core formula of the Neo Geo classic and improved upon it in every way. The core gameplay here remains as immediately endearing as ever whilst being enhanced and given a real strategic kick by a bevvy of new moves and skills that add to the fun without detracting from or overcomplicating proceedings.
Yes, there’s not much in the way of modes, but this is another banger from Dotemu — an all-time classic improved upon, an arcade classic refined for a new generation.
$3.99 (-80%)
Despite its modest hack-and-slash origins, Wulverblade manages to pack in a lot of content, depth, and unlockable elements, and these allow it to transcend the usual limitations of the beat ’em up genre. Like the games that inspired it, Wulverblade is best played with a friend – not just because it’s more enjoyable, but because it blunts the almost sadistic difficulty level.
Wulverblade therefore might not be to everybody’s tastes, but if you have even a passing interest in genre then we can confidently predict you’ll get along with this famously – and you may even learn something about the history of Roman Britain in the process, which isn’t something you can say about every video game.
$7.49 (-70%)
Those of you who were big fans of Castle Crashers or Streets of Rage 4 will find plenty to love here. Young Souls smartly mixes RPG-lite elements with a compelling story, non-linear structure, and some impressively satisfying beat ‘em up combat to make for an experience that you won’t want to miss.
Despite some rare performance hiccups which tarnish the Switch version slightly compared to the more powerful platforms, Young Souls still proves itself to be one of the best beat ‘em up titles on the system, and we’d give this one a high recommendation to anyone who enjoys a good brawler, co-op or solo.
$9.99 (-80%)
Zombie Army 4: Dead War is a surprisingly solid Switch port of one of our favourite Rebellion titles thus far. There’s a ton of zombie Nazi-slaying sweetness to get stuck into here and, although the graphics have taken a hit and the frame rate has been halved in comparison to other platforms, what’s here is eminently playable in both docked and handheld modes.
Whether you’re taking on Hitler’s undead hordes alone or with a few friends in tow, this one’s a ton of schlocky B-movie fun that gets a great big thumbs up from us.
Source link