The recent release of Animal Crossing has seen an influx of new Switch owners. With an increasing number of us going into lockdown, here are five titles that’ll help you get the most out of your Switch.
Obviously, there are a lot of quality games to choose from on the Switch. But given present circumstances, we’re really leaning on games that make for a good distraction from everyday life.
Untitled Goose Game
Digital Price: $19.99
Let’s start with gaming‘s newest anti-hero, the star of the BAFTA-nominated Untitled Goose Game, which we gave an admirable 4 out of 5. Developed by House House, the game puts you in charge of the titular hoodlum’s reign of terror.
Your honks are seared into your neighbors’ nightmares as you work your way through a series of tasks, including “soaking the groundskeeper,” “trapping the boy inside the phone box,” and “breaking into the pub.” As comedic as it is clever, the game doesn’t outstay its welcome. And at less than $20, it’s a reasonable value.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Digital Price: $59.99 | Physical: $59.99
The console’s flagship title, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the best games ever made. Protagonist Link awakens with the kingdom of Hyrule fraught with danger as Calamity Ganon edges closer to ending the world. Yet it still retains some serenity. Roaming the map from the outset can feel overwhelming, but the game is designed with independence in mind.
Versatility is BotW’s greatest strength. You can conquer shrines with any manner of methods and utilize the dynamic weather to electrocute enemies by hurling metal objects at them during a thunderstorm. It’s even possible to finish the game in forty minutes – although at $59.99, that approach doesn’t represent much value for the money.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition
Digital Price: $59.99 | Physical: $49.99
If BotW feels too daunting for casual players, then The Witcher 3 will grant you similar depth with a little more structure. You’ll enter into a prologue area where you can acclimatize to Geralt’s story and the game’s systems, after which you are free to mount his horse Roach and wander to your heart’s content. The Continent is teeming with monsters to battle and side quests to explore – many more compelling than entire video game plots. If you’ve watched the Netflix show, you’ll have some idea of what to expect. However, this game will exceed your expectations.
Ori and the Blind Forest Definitive Edition
Digital Price: $19.99
One of the biggest benefits of Microsoft’s increasingly pro-consumer approach in recent years is the release of first-party titles on the Switch. Ori and the Blind Forest is an enchanting platformer that drew initial influence from The Lion King and The Iron Giant.
Taking control of Ori – a decidedly cute guardian spirit – you embark on a journey to revive a decaying forest after a calamitous incident. It’s a soothing adventure, one which relies on navigating the vibrant environment and some puzzle solving, which will keep your mind active and your attention engaged.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Digital Price: $59.99 | Physical: $59.99
Finally, you can’t go wrong with Mario Kart 8. It’s a steadfast, reliable game. It might not suit to bury yourself in single-player games, either. So this old favorite gives you the chance to play against friends online – as well as anyone at home. Adjustable difficulty on single-player allows you to dictate how challenging you want the experience to be.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this gives you some ideas for respite from the challenges of quarantine and self-isolation. There is an abundance of remakes, remasters, and re-releases from the PS1 on the Switch as well. So if you’re a lapsed gamer then give them a look. Be safe out there, folks!
