Since March 2017, theNintendo Switchhas amassed a massive library of first-party exclusives, third-party AAA titles, and indie darlings. The hybrid console has RPGs, first-person shooters, 3D platformers, 2D platformers, horror, hack and slash, strategy, and essentially every other possible genre. There should be dozens of options to suit anyone’s needs, and these titles cover a range of price points.
With so many tempting projects on the Nintendo Store, a few releases will naturally go unnoticed. Strangely, this extends to Switch games that are frequently on sale. In fact, it might be tempting to ignore these commonly discounted titles, dismissing them as the digital equivalent of bargain-basement deals. However, if they are on sale, a few of theseSwitchgems are worthy additions to any collection.
Nintendo Store Page
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
Regularly discounted down to $7.99 or lower,Call of Juarez: Gunslingeris a stylish western shooter about Silas Greaves, a bounty hunter who has had alleged run-ins with most of the iconic figures of the Wild West. Split into chapters revolving around different bounties,Gunslingerhas a cool aesthetic, a likable protagonist, and rock-solid gunplay.
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While the campaign reuses enemy skins a bit too often and has some frustrating QTE sections, Techland’s game is nevertheless a short and sweet ride. The Switch is not particularly known for its first-person shooters, andGunslingerranks among the console’s stronger offerings.
Anima: Gate Of Memories - Arcane Edition
If someone regularly browses the Nintendo Store’s “Sales & Deals” section, they have more than likely seen anAnimaproject.Gate of MemoriesandThe Nameless Chroniclesare both hack and slash RPGs set in dark fantasy worlds. Both games have their share of issues, be it difficulty spikes, uneven combat, or a confusing narrative.
That said, these are ambitious titles that make the most of their budget. TheArcane Editioncontains both titles, which combine for roughly 30 hours of gameplay. The Switch certainly has greater action RPGs, but this compilation is a steal if it is under $10.
Gate of MemoriesandThe Nameless Chroniclesare available separately as well, and they are also no strangers to discounts. The former is the better entry point into the series, but the latter is the superior game.
Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered
Need for Speedhardly qualifies as an unknown gem, butHot Pursuit’s age might discourage someone from giving it a shot. Criterion’s project originally came out in 2010, with the remaster debuting roughly a decade later. In terms of scale,Hot Pursuitcannot compare to later entries in the franchise such asHeatandUnbound; however, in terms of pure entertainment value, this remaster holds up well against most games in EA’s series.
On the Switch,Mario Kart 8 Deluxereigns supreme among racers. Although its controls are not too far removed from the kart racer,Hot Pursuit Remasteredis a fantastic arcade alternative with a reasonably lengthy career mode. Its regular $39.99 price is a bit on the steep side, but thisNeed for Speedtitle is regularly discounted to under $10.
11 bit studios
This War Of Mine: Complete Edition
This War of Mineis a harrowing survival gamerevolving around the innocents caught in the middle of a war zone. Players take charge of characters who came with unique traits and backgrounds, each of which significantly changes the odds of survival.
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Rather than a typical storyline, the campaign mainly challenges players to survive until the war comes to an end. In the meantime, they must search for resources, maintain their shelter, and try to avoid unnecessary interactions with other people.
Phantom Doctrine
Phantom Doctrineputs players in charge of a secret organization of spies, pitting them against an enemy group who are trying to undermine their actions. CreativeForge’s game is both a turn-based strategy game akin toXCOMand a management sim revolving around making smart use of assets (aka agents).
Although missions get repetitive after a while,Phantom Doctrine’s combat is more than decent, and a focus on stealth sets it apart from other entries in the genre. Switch owners looking for a strategy game can do much worse thanPhantom Doctrine.
Hotshot Racing
Hotshot Racingscreams “retro arcade racer.” Featuring blocky and colorful visuals that might activate ’90s-themed flashbacks for people who grew up withVirtua RacingandCruis’n USA,Hotshot Racingwears its inspiration on its sleeves, but the game has more to offer than just a nostalgia trip.
Great controls, gorgeous tracks, and a handful of extra modes combine to create an endearing and satisfying package.Hotshot Racingis not overflowing with content, but it is the perfect game to pick up while it is on sale.
