It’s been just over four months since the Nintendo Switch debuted on the market, and, in that small time frame, we’ve seen some impressive titles come out for it, mainly from Nintendo. This includes The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a stellar port of Mario Kart 8, the innovative fighting game ARMS, and the forthcoming Splatoon 2, which promises to be a hit.
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But the system is much more than its AAA titles, as there have been a number of smaller releases that have fared well for it also. Even though it’s still very early in its life cycle, a number of indie favorites have called the system home, even if they haven’t gotten the greatest amount of hype with their arrival.
Even without that hype, though, we’ve encountered a few games that are well worth your attention. Here are a few indie favorites that you should check out now, even if you haven’t necessarily heard of them…
Cave Story + (Nicalis)
The original Cave Story was a wonderment in old-school design, challenging you to take on a number of bosses while exploring danger-filled levels and picking up a variety of items along the way, including new weapons. Nicalis, recognizing a good thing when it sees it, saved the best version of the game for the Switch, with a few more gameplay goodies and the same great presentation we’ve come to expect from the original release. Plus, it’s tremendous fun when it comes to needing a title to take with you on the go. If you’re a fan of old-school platformers and shooters, this is an absolute must. Check out our review!
Wonder-Boy: The Dragon’s Trap (DotEmu)
“Why would I want to play a Sega Master System game on a Nintendo Switch?” you might be asking yourself. Well, this is more than just a simple 8-bit port. The team at DotEmu have remastered everything that you can imagine within the game, including gorgeous hand-drawn visuals and a remastered soundtrack that you can be proud of. On top of that, the classic gameplay has been fully retained, and, as a bonus, you can switch between the new and old Master System versions of the game with the press of a button. It’s not every day you see a developer go the extra mile like that, so feel free to show your appreciation.
Mr. Shifty (Tinybuild)
The Nintendo Switch doesn’t have a version of Hotline Miami to call its own just yet (and who knows, it might come sooner rather than later), so Mr. Shifty is a good challenge for those players. In it, you play a special kind of hero that can use teleporting to his advantage as he beats up thugs and avoids traps in a high-rise. This game is loaded with great little nuances that are suitable for action fans, like being able to knock a thug out of the building and watching him fall to his inevitable death. Just be warned, though – the later levels in the game can get crazy hard. Just like Hotline. Check out our review!
Snake Pass (Sumo Digital)
We’ve seen our fair share of 3D platformers make the rounds over the years, but none of them can really touch Snake Pass when it comes to innovation. Instead of just playing a hero that can jump around and swing a sword, you play an actual snake as he slithers his way through a series of levels, using real-world physics to get around traps and puzzles while trying to collect everything in the level. It’s a neat design that calls back to the classic PS2 days, while at the same time remaining surprisingly fresh with its presentation and gameplay. If you grew up in the age of platforming games, consider this essential for your collection. Check out our review!
Jackbox Party Pack 3 (Jackbox Games)
Who doesn’t love a good party game? If Super Bomberman R doesn’t quite fulfill your party needs, then this compilation of games certainly will. Jackbox Party Pack 3 contains the amazing Quiplash 2, along with other oddball favorites like Guesspionage, Tee K.O. and the astonishingly cool Trivia Murder Party, which is a little darker than you might expect from the usual party fare – but that’s what makes it stand out. On top of that, this game is perfect for those looking for a good game to stream with, as its online connectivity makes it perfect for people to drop in and play a spell. Check out our review!
BONUS: Garou: Mark of the Wolves (SNK)
Okay, so let’s say you’re a fan of fighting games, and Ultra Street Fighter II: The New Challengers isn’t quite your cup of tea. That’s okay, there are tons of Neo-Geo titles that SNK has been releasing for the Switch, and among them is easily one of the best 2D fighting games in the history of the console. This Fatal Fury spin-off is nothing short of remarkable, with its diverse cast of characters, pinpoint controls, challenging encounters and fantastic old-school presentation. On top of that, it’s fairly cheap, going for a very reasonable $7.99 – and, yes, you can play with friends locally. Get your fight on!
