Out of the big three, Nintendo had the most eventful and interesting decade. Things began with the shift from the insanely popular Wii to the Wii U. Though the latter had no shortage of amazing titles, Nintendo’s focus on its gamepad confused many prospective buyers who thought it was an add-on to the Wii. The Wii U’s failure made some believe the company would emulate Sega and become a third-party developer. As we now know, the wild success of the Nintendo Switch brought the Japanese-based game company back with a vengeance.
Stretching across the Wii, Wii U, 3DS, and Switch, Nintendo released a slew of modern-day classics this decade. Below you’ll find some of the very best games the company had to offer.
Super Mario Odyssey
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release date: October 27, 2017
Super Mario Odyssey is the Super Mario 64 of the modern age. Each level is its own playground; featuring a myriad of enemies and obstacles to overcome. One can simply play through the game once to take in the sights. However, Odyssey opens up during the second playthrough’s unlocked levels which test one’s platforming skills. If you need an example of a “fun” game, you need look no further than Super Mario Odyssey.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Platforms: Switch, Wii U
Release date: March 3, 2017
There are numerous Zelda games out there but The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is arguably the pinnacle of the series. More than any other entry, Breath of the Wild truly places players in the world of Hyrule. Eschewing waypoints and markers, the game encourages players to explore the world and make their own discoveries. It’s little surprise that Breath of the Wild continues to sell extremely well almost three years later. There’s just so much packed into it.
Super Mario 3D Land
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Release date: November 13, 2011
The 3DS’ 3D feature was superfluous for most titles but it was absolutely essential for Super Mario 3D Land. There are many levels that are almost impossible without having 3D enabled. While that may sound frustrating, the integration of 3D was so expertly integrated that it became another gameplay element. On top of the 3D, Super Mario 3D Land combines the best aspects of 2D and 3D Mario games. It is little surprise that it got a full-on console sequel in the form of Super Mario 3D World.
Super Mario 3D World
Platform: Wii U
Release date: November 22, 2013
Super Mario 3D World is essentially a bigger version of Super Mario 3D Land. Though lacking the 3D component of its 3DS prequel, this game makes up for it by having four-player co-op. This feature is somewhat of a throwback to Super Mario Bros. 2 since each of the characters (Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad) control differently. With so many Wii U titles on Switch, it’s surprising this one hasn’t made the journey. Hopefully, Nintendo will dust Super Mario 3D World and give it another lease on life.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Platforms: 3DS, Switch, Wii U
Release date: December 5, 2014
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker may be an offshoot of Super Mario 3D World’s “Adventures of Captain Toad” but it is an exceptional game in its own right. Here, players must explore levels to (you guessed it) find treasure. The trick is moving the camera in such a way that helps you find said treasures. Treasure Tracker has several ports and each is great in their own right.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Platform: Switch
Release date: October 31, 2019
This third installment of Luigi’s Mansion sees the other famous Italian plumber once again rescuing people from all types of nasty ghosts. The main difference this time is that, instead of a mansion, Luigi busts ghosts inside of a hotel. One new gameplay element is a companion called Gooigi. This apparition is useful for solving puzzles and is just fun to have around. If you don’t already have this game, you need to get it.
Bravely Default
Platform: 3DS
Release date: October 11, 2012
Bravely Default is Final Fantasy in everything but name. It has the series’ classic turn-based gameplay along with the popular class system. Even the world and character designs are decidedly of the Final Fantasy variety. One thing Bravely Default has over the series that inspired it is the ability to tailor combat to one’s liking. You can level grind more efficiently by cranking up the random encounter rate. You can also completely eliminate random encounters in order to enjoy the story. With the imminent release of Bravely Default 2, now seems like a great time to revisit this often overlooked gem.
Metroid: Samus Returns
Platform: 3DS
Release date: September 15, 2017
Metroid: Samus Returns is a remake of the Gameboy classic, Metroid II: The Return of Samus. While containing the basic storyline of the original, this is effectively a brand-new game since it features never before seen levels and enemies. The ability to counter attacks also makes this a more action-packed affair. If any game is deserving of a Switch port, it is Samus Returns.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Platform: Switch
Release date: December 7, 2018
The “Ultimate” in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate isn’t just there for show. This really is the pinnacle of the series. Featuring every character that has ever appeared in a Smash Bros. game (along with several newcomers) and a wide variety of imaginative stages, this entry bulges with endless hours of content. Whether you’re looking for a fun party game or want to delve deep into each character’s move sets, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has something for everyone.
Bayonetta 2
Platforms: Switch, Wii U
Release date: October 24, 2014
Bayonetta 2 is just like the first game, only better. The titular character hacks and shoots her way through hordes of angels and demons and does so with impeccable style. Bayonetta 2 is not only an exemplary action game, but it also embodies the spirit of Platinum Games thanks to its over-the-top mechanics. This game is up there with classics like Devil May Cry 3 and Ninja Gaiden Black.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Platforms: Switch
Release date: July 26, 2019
Fire Emblem: Three Houses sees the series’ return to home consoles. Like past entries, Three Houses is a tactical turn-based RPG where battles take place on a grid-like field. However, that’s only half of the game. There is a heavy social component where players must create bonds with many different characters as their school professor. The two disparate gameplay styles all come together by the end; creating a truly unique experience. Given the number of different outcomes, Fire Emblem: Three Houses encourages multiple playthroughs.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Platforms: Switch
Release date: April 28, 2017
Mario Kart 8 is a fantastic game on Wii U but Nintendo managed to improve it on Switch. This port features enhanced graphics, new characters, and unlockable vehicles and costumes. The most notable aspect of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the revamped Battle Mode, which now has new arenas. While all these additions make for a better experience, at the end of the day, this is still the same zany Mario Kart experience you remember. A must-own for Switch owners.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Platforms: 3DS
Release date: November 22, 2013
Being a direct sequel to the classic A Link to the Past, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds had a lot to live up to. The game did not disappoint thanks to its imaginative puzzles which perfectly incorporate new gameplay mechanics. The chief one among them being the ability to blend into walls. This is useful not only for solving puzzles but for defeating some of the bosses. A Link Between Worlds is a great game to pick up if you’ve recently finished the Switch’s Link’s Awakening.
Super Mario Maker 2
Platforms: Switch
Release date: June 28, 2019
Super Mario Maker was one of the most celebrated games on Wii U and 3DS. Its sequel is very much in the same vein — allowing players to create levels using assets from both classic and recent Super Mario Bros. titles. The newest addition is the ability to use assets from Super Mario 3D World. As you can imagine, this opens up the possibilities for some imaginative levels. The only drawback of this game is its somewhat unstable online. For a title reliant on playing others’ levels, this can cause some issues. Besides that, it’s still a brilliant title that lets players’ imaginations run wild.
Pokémon Sun and Moon
Platforms: 3DS
Release date: November 18, 2016
Pokémon games were generally the same for many years. That changed with Pokémon Sun and Moon on 3DS. Featuring polygonal character models and environments, Sun and Moon opened up exploration like never before. The new graphics also allowed for more visually dynamic battles and character customization. One of the coolest features is being able to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon X, Y, and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire to Sun and Moon. To many, this is the finest Pokémon entry ever released.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Platforms: Switch, Wii U
Release date: February 14, 2014
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is for those who love highly challenging platforming games. A follow up to Donkey Kong Country Returns, Tropical Freeze has the titular ape and his allies traveling to ten different islands where they navigate hazardous landscapes filled with dangerous enemies. The game is fantastic on both the Wii U and Switch, but we’ll have to recommend the Switch version. Not only does it sport better graphics, but it also has Funky Kong, who serves as a sort of “easy mode” for those who just want to check out the inventive levels.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Platforms: Switch
Release date: August 29, 2017
One of the strangest games on this list is Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. This Ubisoft-developed tactical strategy game features characters from the Super Mario Bros. and Rabbids franchises. On paper, an X-Com-inspired game set in the Mario Universe shouldn’t work. But it does work and does so exceptionally well. Don’t let the cute graphics fool you either, this is one of the toughest games out there; requiring players to fully think through each move before committing. A deeply rewarding experience for those willing to look past its whimsical veneer.
Splatoon 2
Platforms: Switch
Release date: July 21, 2017
The original Splatoon surprised many since Nintendo isn’t exactly known for having online multiplayer shooters. Splatoon 2 features the same colorful third-person shooting combat of the original and adds new weapons and even a single-player mode. Though the core game is solid, the online aspect isn’t all it could be. This is because players must use a third-party app on their phones to communicate online. Though online is disappointing, Splatoon 2 is still an absolute joy to play.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Platforms: Switch
Release date: January 11, 2019
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is an enhanced version of the original game found on Wii U. It contains both New Super Mario Bros. U and its DLC: New Super Luigi U. This game captures the feel of the original Super Mario Bros. games with its 2D sidescrolling gameplay. But this isn’t a complete throwback thanks to power-ups like the flying squirrel suit. A variety of different modes — including Challenge and Boss Rush — also keep things fresh.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Platforms: Switch
Release date: December 1, 2017
Many consider Xenoblade Chronicles 2 the very best JRPG on Nintendo Switch. This is due to the game’s epic storyline, endearing characters, deep action RPG combat, and large, expansive world. At roughly 70 hours, the game gives players more than enough content. But when you toss in the expansion, Torna – The Golden Country, there’s even more for players to sink their teeth into. If you’re a fan of JRPGs this is one you don’t want to miss out on.
from Geek.com https://ift.tt/2Ql84eS
via IFTTT
0 comments:
Post a Comment