Top Nintendo Switch Games Of 2021: Must-Play Titles
Hey everyone! Looking for the best Nintendo Switch games from 2021? You've come to the right place! 2021 was an awesome year for the Switch, with a ton of fantastic games hitting the console. Whether you're into action, adventure, RPGs, or something totally unique, there was something for everyone. Let's dive into some of the must-play titles that made 2021 a standout year for Nintendo Switch gamers. Get ready to discover (or rediscover) some true gems!
Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread is an absolute masterpiece and a fantastic addition to the Metroid franchise. Released in 2021, it marked the return of the classic side-scrolling gameplay that fans adore, while also introducing new elements that made it feel fresh and modern. As Samus Aran, you explore a mysterious and dangerous planet filled with hostile alien lifeforms and deadly robots known as E.M.M.I. What makes Metroid Dread so special? First, the atmosphere is incredibly tense and immersive. The environments are dark and foreboding, and the sound design is top-notch, creating a constant sense of unease. You really feel like you're being hunted as you navigate through the labyrinthine levels. Second, the gameplay is perfectly refined. Samus's movements are fluid and responsive, and the new abilities she gains throughout the game add layers of depth to the exploration and combat. The E.M.M.I. encounters are particularly thrilling, requiring you to use stealth and quick thinking to evade these relentless pursuers. Third, the story is engaging and well-told. It expands on the Metroid lore in interesting ways, and the cutscenes are beautifully animated. If you're a fan of Metroid, or even if you're just looking for a challenging and rewarding action-adventure game, Metroid Dread is an absolute must-play. It's a shining example of what makes Nintendo games so special, and it's a title that will stay with you long after you finish it. Trust me, guys, this game is worth every penny!
Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise brought the thrill of monster hunting to the Nintendo Switch in a big way. Launched in 2021, it quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to its addictive gameplay loop, stunning visuals, and a host of new features that made it accessible to both newcomers and veterans of the series. In Monster Hunter Rise, you play as a hunter tasked with protecting the village of Kamura from hordes of fearsome monsters. You'll embark on quests to hunt down these beasts, gathering resources and crafting powerful weapons and armor along the way. What makes Monster Hunter Rise stand out? The introduction of the Wirebug mechanic revolutionized the gameplay. The Wirebug allows you to zip around the environment with ease, perform aerial attacks, and even grapple onto monsters. This adds a whole new layer of verticality and mobility to the combat, making each hunt feel dynamic and exciting. The Palamute companions are another fantastic addition. These loyal canine companions can be ridden across the map, allowing you to quickly traverse large areas and engage in combat while mounted. They also provide valuable support in battles, making them an indispensable part of your hunting team. The game's world is vibrant and beautifully designed, inspired by Japanese folklore and culture. The monsters are incredibly detailed and imaginative, each with their own unique behaviors and attack patterns. Whether you're hunting solo or teaming up with friends online, Monster Hunter Rise offers endless hours of fun and challenges. If you're looking for a game that you can sink your teeth into, with a deep and rewarding progression system, Monster Hunter Rise is definitely worth checking out. It's one of the best action RPGs on the Switch, and it's sure to keep you hooked for a long time.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a delightful package that combines the classic Super Mario 3D World with an all-new adventure, Bowser's Fury. Originally released on the Wii U, Super Mario 3D World made its triumphant return to the Nintendo Switch in 2021, bringing its charming cooperative gameplay and imaginative level design to a whole new audience. Super Mario 3D World is a 3D platformer that allows you to play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad, each with their own unique abilities. You'll travel through a series of colorful and whimsical worlds, collecting power-ups, solving puzzles, and battling enemies along the way. What makes Super Mario 3D World so enjoyable? The cooperative multiplayer is a blast. You can team up with up to three friends and play through the entire game together, creating chaotic and hilarious moments as you compete to collect the most stars and reach the end of each level. The level design is incredibly creative and varied. Each world introduces new mechanics and challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting from start to finish. The power-ups are also a highlight, from the Super Bell that transforms you into a cat, to the Double Cherry that creates clones of your character. Bowser's Fury is a standalone adventure that offers a completely different experience. You'll explore a vast open world filled with islands and secrets, as you work to stop Bowser from rampaging across the land. The gameplay is more focused on exploration and combat, with a greater emphasis on freedom and discovery. Together, Super Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury offer a wealth of content and replayability. Whether you're a fan of classic Mario games or looking for a fun and engaging multiplayer experience, this package is a must-have for your Nintendo Switch library. It's a perfect blend of classic and new, and it's sure to bring a smile to your face.
New Pokémon Snap
New Pokémon Snap brought a fresh and unique perspective to the Pokémon universe. Released in 2021, it invited players to step into the role of a Pokémon photographer, embarking on a journey to capture stunning images of Pokémon in their natural habitats. As a photographer, you'll travel to various islands in the Lental region, each teeming with different Pokémon species. You'll ride in the NEO-ONE, an automated vehicle that guides you through each course, allowing you to focus on taking the perfect shot. What makes New Pokémon Snap so captivating? The attention to detail is remarkable. The Pokémon are brought to life with stunning graphics and animations, and their behaviors are incredibly realistic. You'll see them eating, playing, sleeping, and interacting with each other in ways you've never seen before. The game encourages experimentation and creativity. You can use a variety of tools to interact with the Pokémon, such as throwing Fluffruit, playing music, and using Illumina orbs to trigger special reactions. The better your photos, the higher your score. You'll be judged on factors such as the Pokémon's pose, size, direction, and background. The game also features a robust editing suite that allows you to customize your photos with stickers, frames, and filters. New Pokémon Snap is a relaxing and rewarding experience that will appeal to Pokémon fans of all ages. It's a chance to see Pokémon in a whole new light, and it's a game that you can play over and over again, always discovering something new. If you're looking for a game that's both beautiful and engaging, New Pokémon Snap is definitely worth checking out. It's a perfect blend of photography and Pokémon, and it's sure to capture your heart.
Shin Megami Tensei V
Shin Megami Tensei V is a dark and atmospheric JRPG that made its debut on the Nintendo Switch in 2021. It's the latest installment in the long-running Shin Megami Tensei series, known for its challenging gameplay, complex storylines, and demon-fusing mechanics. In Shin Megami Tensei V, you play as a high school student who gets transported to a post-apocalyptic version of Tokyo, where demons roam freely. You'll merge with a mysterious being known as Nahobino, granting you the power to fight back against the demonic forces. What makes Shin Megami Tensei V so compelling? The demon-fusing mechanic is incredibly deep and rewarding. You can recruit demons to your party and fuse them together to create new and more powerful demons. There are hundreds of demons to collect, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. The combat is challenging and strategic. You'll need to exploit your enemies' weaknesses and manage your resources carefully to survive. The game features a Press Turn system, which allows you to gain extra turns by hitting enemy weaknesses, but also gives your enemies the same advantage. The story is dark and thought-provoking, exploring themes of morality, religion, and free will. You'll make difficult choices that will impact the outcome of the game. Shin Megami Tensei V is a challenging but ultimately rewarding JRPG that will appeal to fans of the genre. It's a dark and atmospheric adventure with a deep and complex gameplay system, and it's sure to keep you hooked for hours on end. If you're looking for a game that will test your skills and challenge your mind, Shin Megami Tensei V is definitely worth checking out. It's one of the best JRPGs on the Switch, and it's a must-play for fans of the series.
These were just a few of the amazing Nintendo Switch games that were released in 2021. It was a great year for gaming, and these titles are sure to provide hours of entertainment. Happy gaming, guys!