Since March 2017 has Nintendo Switch has amassed a massive library of first-party exclusives, third-party AAA titles and indie darlings. The hybrid console features 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 tantalizing projects on the Nintendo Store, a few releases will naturally go unnoticed. Oddly enough, this extends to Switch games which are often on sale. In fact, it can be tempting to ignore these often discounted titles, dismissing them as the digital equivalent of bargain basement deals. But if they’re on sale, some of these Switch gems are worthy additions to any collection.
Call Of Juarez: Gunslinger
Regularly discounted down to $7.99 or lower, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is a stylish western shooter about Silas Greaves, a bounty hunter who has had alleged run-ins with most of the iconic characters of the Wild West. Divided into chapters dealing with different bounties, Gunslinger has a cool aesthetic, a likable protagonist and rock-solid gunplay.
While the campaign reuses enemy skins a little too often and has some frustrating QTE sections, Techland’s game is still a short and sweet ride. The Switch isn’t particularly known for its first-person shooters, and Gunslinger ranks among the console’s stronger offerings.
Anima: Gate Of Memories – Arcane Edition
If anyone regularly browses the Nintendo Store’s “Sales & Deals” section, they’ve more than likely seen one Anima project. Port of Memories and The Nameless Chronicles is both hack and slash RPG set in dark fantasy worlds. Both games have their share of issues, whether it’s difficulty levels, uneven combat, or a confusing narrative.
That said, these are ambitious titles that make the most of their budget. The Arcane Edition contains both titles, which combine for approximately 30 hours of gameplay. The Switch certainly has bigger action RPGs, but this collection is a steal if it’s under $10.
Port of Memories and The Nameless Chronicles are available separately as well, and they’re no strangers to discounts either. The former is the better entry point to the series, but the latter is the superior game.
Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered
Need for Speed hardly qualifies as an unknown gem, but Car chaseits age may deter some from giving it a chance. Criterion’s project originally came out in 2010, with the remaster debuting roughly a decade later. In terms of scale, Car chase cannot be compared with later entries in the franchise such as Heat and Unbound; But in terms of pure entertainment value, this remaster holds up well against most games in EA’s series.
On the switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe reigns supreme among cyclists. Although the controls are not that far removed from the kart racer, Hot Pursuit remastered is a fantastic arcade alternative with a reasonably long career mode. The regular price of $39.99 is a little on the steep side, but this Need for Speed the title is regularly discounted to under $10.
This War Of Mine: Complete Edition
This war of mine is a harrowing survival game that revolves around innocents caught in the middle of a war zone. Players take charge of characters that come with unique traits and backgrounds, each of which significantly alters their chances of survival.
Instead of a typical story, the campaign mainly challenges players to survive until the war ends. Meanwhile, they must search for resources, maintain shelter, and try to avoid unnecessary interactions with other people.
Phantom doctrine
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Release date (switch) |
June 6, 2019 |
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Developer |
CreativeForge games |
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Genre |
Strategy, management |
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Nintendo Store page |
Phantom doctrine |
Phantom doctrine puts players in charge of a secret organization of spies, pitting them against an enemy group trying to undermine their actions. CreativeForge’s games are both turn-based strategy games similar to XCOM and a management sim that revolves around making smart use of assets (aka agents).
Although missions become repetitive after a while, Phantom doctrineits combat is more than decent, and its focus on stealth sets it apart from other entries in the genre. Spoils owners looking for a strategy game could do a lot worse than Phantom doctrine.
Hotshot Racing
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Release date (switch) |
10 September 2020 |
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Developer |
Sumo Digital |
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Genre |
Racing |
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Nintendo Store page |
Hotshot Racing |
Hotshot Racing screams “retro arcade racer”. Featuring blocky and colorful visuals that can trigger 90s-themed flashbacks for people who grew up with Virtua Racing and Cruise in the USA, Hotshot Racing wears 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 inviting and satisfying package. Hotshot Racing isn’t overflowing with content, but it’s the perfect game to pick up while it’s on sale.
