Very hard to narrow this list down - possibly the hardest one so far. With that in mind, please do feel free to offer any more alternatives in the comments section. Let's make this the 'go to' place for new Switch owners over this festive period! A big thank you to Dave Morrish of Savedex Gaming for helping with some of the editing for this video. Please check out his channel here: - ru-vid.com Looking for eshop credit? Get OFFICIAL Nintendo Eshop Cards and other bits and bobs, at our new website and online store here - switchup.gg/ Get 10% off of your order with the code SWITCHUP until 24th December. Remember we’re giving away 2 (!) Nintendo Switch OLED editions on Christmas Day. To Enter simply leave comments as normal but if you use our website www.SwitchUp.gg (Code: SWITCHUP) to save 10% on your Eshop vouchers, you are automatically entered into a side draw! Happy days! If you are a physical collector you can use code "SwitchUp" to save 5% at PlayAsia www.play-asia.com Happy gaming! Glen and Mark
Here's some I recommend: Monster Hunter Rises, Dying light: Platinum edition, Death's Door, Fire emblem three houses, Sonic Mania, Street of rage 4, Stardew Valley, Both Ori games, Eastwood, And Don't Starve.
This the best recommendation format/presentation I have ever experienced. It felt like talking to the store clerk and telling them what kind of games I like and they show a number of options to try to figure out my particular tastes.
I nominate Mark of the Ninja for this list. This generation does not lack for Metroidvanias and Contravanias but MotN is a Tenchuvania and it handles beautifully.
@@nirast2561 I just made it up but Tenchu is a stealth game from Playstation 1 era that took place in Feudal Japan where you played as one of two ninjas. You were heavily penalized for getting detected as open combat usually felt like severe mismatches. Your characters thrived in the shadows with tools and traps unlocked with progression. Because Mark of the Ninja combines that spirit in an otherwise Metroidvania visual presentation, I called it a Tenchuvania.
Another category for future, is a strategy category. Fire Emblem Three Houses and Mario + Rabbids would be my choice. Project Triangle Strategy has so much promise this upcoming spring.
FE 3 Houses is an absolute must have for the Switch, simply amazing game, probably the best strategy RPG on the Switch. 4 different story paths with a wide variety of characters to choose from, content wise it's just amazing.
Best Switch related channel on RU-vid! I love the thoroughness of your research and the fact that you include sales prices for different regions and territories. Amazing work this year guys !
Great list guys! I would add Slay the Spire in the rogue-like genre, though it’s much different because it’s a deck builder. Still a great game though!
I own most rogue likes on switch and I couldn't agree more, I've yet to play monster train but my only switch games I just keep playing even though I keep getting more and more games on every sale are slay the spire and the binding of Isaac, I just can't get enough of them, even if I've done almost everything you can do on both. They're like crack for an RNG addict.
Rolled up the jazz cabbage. Cracked open then twisted tea. Popped on my boys Mark and Glen, couldn't ask for a better rainy afternoon! Keep up the excellent work guys!
Great list! I would like to add that Children of Morta is one of the most beautiful pixel art games I've ever played. The gameplay is great but the visuals are unmatched.
A few I thought of were the Metro Redux games (fps), Bioshock Collection (fps), Need for Speed Hot Pursuit (racing), both Ori games (maybe puzzle and adventure), and Death's Door (maybe puzzle and isometric action). None are Nintendo developed games but are fantastic and none of these would break the bank either.
Must own Switch games 😎🤙👍 BOTW - Hollow Knight - Metroid Dread Zelda Link's Awakening - Celeste - Ori 1/2 Hyper Light Drifter - Golf Story - HADES Mario Kart - Kunai - Children of Morta Lonely Mountains Downhill 🤪🎄✌️
I don't think I'd be able to pick only 2 games per genre, this must have been so hard, especially cause you had to agree with each other. Keep em coming!
I got Demon Turf because of you guys and your review. I honestly would've missed out on it and lost in the sea of new games if weren't for your review so thanks guys.
I played through Fenyx Rising before BOTW and I’m currently going through BOTW.. in my opinion they feel different enough to both be enjoyed in their own respect I’m sure you guys have heard it a lot but I’m really enjoying these more open style of videos!
I played BotW and then Fenyx (as most did, I guess) and it's obvious that I thought about the visual and even some game play resemblance...But once you start playing Fenyx you get so easily absorbed in all that world and narrative that you just don't even think about it anymore. At the end of the day it's just another beautiful looking game, and I think it's very much underrated.
The call out for Kaze is definitely worth it. It's a fantastic 2D platformer. For an alternate on the 3D platformer, I'd recommend Poi. It nails the Mario 64 play style, is about 10 hrs in length, and just feels really good.
@@SaberKingofKnights1 for sure. The action is awesome and the gameplay is dope! I have played Astral Chain more than both Bayonetta 1 and 2 personally. More people should play it! Loved the droopy cameo in the Bayonetta 3 trailer 😁
Me too. It's one of my favorite games on switch now. Personally I really liked the art style as well, it looks so vibrant and neon, especially liked the hacker town and quest line. My only critic of this game is that I wish the area to explore in the city were bigger. I love the music as well. The police stations one
@@Em-fz5uh i haven't completed the stray cat quest yet but I totally agree on the music, sometimes just stood and waited in the station between challenges!
Bravely default 2 is one of my favorite games of all time. They nailed a lot of things that other games fall short on. The job system is fleshed out and battle is both rewarding and punishing. Fighting a boss for the first time without the right team is soo fun. And even with the best team I could figure to make some bosses took ten minutes! Great game
I agree. The weapons breaking in botw was super annoying, although I love and finished it I wish I can keep the weapons I find and let me focus on the more fun aspects of the game
I'd love to be able to register a stalhorse at a stable. I know they would disappear at sunrise, but being able to bond with it and take it out during the evening would be cool. And, you are right - weapon breakage is a total drawback to this game. My favorite part of the game is unhorsing bokoblins and using their horses against them.
My first play though I hated the weapon breaking system. Second time through it didn't bother me. I just used the best weapon I had and didn't save them. They hit harder and lasted longer. Never short on good weapons and regularly had to cull. We think we want a different system, but I honestly believe the game would be poorer for it and not as well liked.
Loved it. I feel like it’s a trope. We are so used to being “rewarded” with weapons that we attach to them. Once you learn to let go of those attachments is when you can truly enjoy it. My advice: form attachments to the way you look your Armor and Outfits. Those never go away and are highly customisable. The beauty of this combat system is no “press X to attack, and ZL to block” every single time. Every other game already does that. The beauty of combat here is mixing it up. Using your environment, and the game’s physics to win. The fact Link or these weapons can’t “upgraded” or don’t “level up” is testament of that. They want you to experiment with the mecanics. Be real : how many people play a game with 1 weapon and just never change it. Doing essentially the same thing the entire game. I think they handled it perfectly here. With the Master Sword as a weapon that doesn’t break permanently. Wich is supposed to be Link’s Main weapon. I mean imagine Sauron going : Meh f this “one ring” I’ll use Galadriel’s Ring because this is my Magic build and I need the extra mp. Just no. I think it’s perfect.
I have to say even though I loved dragon quest 11 S, my "obvious" quintessential pick for jrpg would be octopath traveler. The combat system is just sooo great and the music and art style are also simply sublime. Funnily enough if the game has a weak point it is that the 8 story's are quite cliché.
I'd say Luigi is a must-have. Probably one of the best games I've played in the last 20 years. It's even better when you play it co-op too, especially when puzzle solving.
Ooo this is a lovely idea with the must have big games and similar smaller ones. Truly lovely stuff and it means that there's certainly going to be something for everyone here. A lot of this video reminded me of the existence of games I'd forgotten too😅
This video just reminded me to keep Astral Chain on my list of "watch out for sales" games, to me it just looks awesome, the only issue I have is with its price
For Grid Autosport: Yes you can easily adjust the controls to also have gas and brake on a stick Ps: I love this option, it makes the best racing game (in my opinion) on switch even better
Agree. I use this control style on TT Isle of Man 2, and it revolutionized how the game feels. I can't believe how much control I have over the vehicle
you want even more control? the 8bitdo pro 2 gives you full control of acceleration and braking with their software. You can swap the triggers with the right stick and hence, you have analog triggers for acceleration and braking. This controller has fully encouraged me to buy more racing games on the switch. It's just baffling that no channels on youtube even talks about this game changing feature when they review the pro 2!!!!!!
The category monster hunter games is missing... The obvious pick would be monster hunter rise and the alternative pick monster hunter stories 2. Both are quite essential I would say
As a monster hunter fan I recommend both these games. However stories 2 wouldn't really be a fair alternate pick as its a jrpg through and through. Id say dauntless is probably the closest to an alternative on switch.
Would have been nice to mention Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition. For me it's a really special jrpg, because back then my love for jrpg was fading. But after i put my disc in the wii I just could not leave this very special world. I had the feeling of being part of a adventure as epic as lord of the rings or Star Wars. Characters you really cared about a world so astonishing and diverse and a groundbreaking battle system for a jrg. I even stopped playing Skyrim because of Xenoblade.
I honestly swear by Dragon Quest XI S. I played it when I was off work sick last year and it just stuck with me. Hearing actual Scottish accents too was such a surprising comfort while isolating 😅
@@sarajane5306 is that the accent of the hero’s mum? I didn’t recognise it right away, but that’s great to know. Rab and his family’s accents sound like me and my family, so it was like a wee present from square Enix while I was isolating and living alone.
I would maybe say Spiritfarer, Animal Crossing, Octopath Traveler and Shin Megami Tensei V are my essential Switch games. While the first two are fantastic for relaxing, with AC for wholesomeness and Spiritfarer for having a good ol' ugly cry (just thinking of Stanley my mushroom boy makes me tear up already), the latter two have great turn-based gameplay and create a fantastic atmosphere (the soundtrack of both are just *chef's kiss*).
Love that you guys have such a unique and interesting list going on here. I know there are some of the big bangers included, but also a lot of surprises too and I genuinely appreciated it. Cheers on another great video!
These 12 Days of Switchmas videos are a godsend- covid is currently making its way through our house and these videos are a welcome escape and helping me add to my pile of shame
I can confirm, yes you can use the other stick as the accelerator in Grid. My preferred way of playing as it gives a bit more control than the digital triggers. You can also use a GameCube controller 👍🏼
Things I learned after watching this video: 1) Trails of Mana is worth my attention 2) Mark would love soulslike tetris 🤣 You guys are the best, I love your effort with 12 days of switch up
Trials of Mana is shockingly bad. It looked like my perfect type of game but was just shit. I'm glad I demo'd it first. It was no fun and load screens were a joke. At one point I waited a long load screen, to load a single screen with nothing going on in it at all and then I got to the other side and it went to another load screen. ARPG's are my favourites but ToM was a turd.
Great set of videos this month boys. Tons of hard work. Switch Up has become such a great part of owning a switch for me. Can’t wait to see what you both do in the new year. Would love to see more conversational stuff. Also the live streams were really fun.
For Zelda I would have suggested Blue Flame, it's out right now with expansion and its brilliant, also I would add Hollow Knight into the mix and that alternative would be Gleamlight
Really liked this video, not just for the recommendations, but as a lot of the alternatives aren’t first party they’re more often on sale or reduced, so great for those of us on a very limited budget. Love you guys and all you do!
I bought Witcher 3 on the Switch so I could play it through again and, of course, play it anywhere. My first playthrough was 180 hours and didn't even touch the dlc. There's just too much to do and see.
Astral Chain has a special place in my heart. The game play gave me all kinds of Nier: Automata feels which is my all time favorite game. The soundtrack is beautiful. It's like playing an anime.
Great list and video. I like that there are at least 2 per genre, an 'obvious' and a 'less obvious'. Would love to see follow-ups with more game types (eg 2d fighters, shmups, beatemups, arcade, metroidvania, horror/survival, multiplayer, sports...)
I’ve enjoyed all these lists you guys have put together. My Top 10 Switch games are: 1. Metroid Dread 2. Ori and the Will of the Wisps 3. The Messenger 4. Dead Cells 5. Super Mario Odyssey 6. Valfaris 7. Death’s Gambit: Afterlife 8. Astral Chain 9. Streets of Rage 4 10. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3
Got to rep the point and click genre as well: Thimbleweed Park is a masterpiece, great pixal art, quirky story, great puzzles. Good alternates are definitely the Deponia series and if you're a bit older, the Leisure Suit Larry games are gold for that goofy adult humor, especially if you've played the originals.
great video guys, love that you're one of the few channels that puts not obvious options in the chart, in that regard I would pick fot the not obvious racing option the amazing f zero like racing game, Fast RMX, beautiful graphics, solid 60 fps (I even don't know how they achieved this, it is even more optimized that triple A games, and it is from an indie developer) the gameplay is pretty good, with a shift faze mechanic that allows to get boost when you are in the same faze (color), it's amazing.
I'm so glad that Astral Chain made it into a video! I'm playing Immortals Fenyx Rising right now. It's definitely a fun game, but I can't escape the feeling that it's missing something. I wish there was more variety in the enemies and puzzles. But BOTW didn't have a ton of variety in those aspects either, so I don't know. Still a fun game though.
(I'm saying this without having played BotW) I agree with you on the variety front, but I really liked how much story they were able to pack in to shake up the tempo. The fact that it was fully voiced (twice!) helps a ton. My biggest negative was actually the difficulty curve. I don't know how less-seasoned gamers feel, but after the first major boss everything got progressively easier just because I was upgrading everything while using a triple crit build. I wish that progression were more tied to the combat or even a sort of shop system rather than just being a reward for searching for everything you can.
I think the word you’re searching for is “soulless”. The fact of the matter is people will be still talking about masterpieces like Botw in 20 years…. Immortals is just another generic Ubisoft game that no one will remember in a year. Doesnt mean its bad. It just has no artistry or longevity.
What in the world makes BoTW a masterpiece to you people? It does literally nothing new, its story seems made for babies and its just another Zelda game lol
@@OrphanCrippler1 If you’re actually curious, there are plenty of dissection essay videos on youtube. There’s one called “Why Breath of the Wilds Empty Space is So Important”, one called “Good Game Design Botw”. And plenty of other good essays.
Currently powering my way through Fenyx Rising I love it !! I’m also that person who bought BOTW the other day and I only played about half hour but so far I’ve not gelled with it which does surprise me maybe I just need to give it more time
I didnt enjoy it until I left the great plateau after that I’m really enjoying it. Once the world opens and a little bit of story evolves it becomes the second best game on switch
Thank you for this list and 12 days of SwitchUp! My wallet is quaking in absolute terror but I couldn't be happier to have a backlog of games haha Thank you for the comprehensive and unbiased reviews always, cheers!
Great video! The Switch library is so fantastic, you always bring something to my attention that I've never heard of before. Demon Turf has totally passed me by but it looks class!
For DKC-esque platforming games, I truly enjoyed Yooka/Laylee and the Impossible Lair more than Tropical Freeze. Also, Dead Cells is my fave roguelite ever.
Atmoicrops is hands down my favorite rouguelite, and I've been playing them since pixel dungeon on the phone before they even knew what to call them. Was gunna check out tropical freeze but your comment is keeping money in my pocket. 👍👍 Thanks for the advice!
A late comer to the Switch only got mine in Oct/Nov of 2021 & I love BoTW, 180hrs in & still going & not completed the storyline yet, while the weapons breaking was a bit frustrating at 1st, its soon forgotten about...amazing game Glyn-MRTv
Wheres my atelier ryza in the rpg section!?? 🤣 Nonetheless, thank you for the video man. Now that I can start buying games for myself, this is a really good guide on what games I must get. :)
I liked the idea of this list. I really liked getting a list of essentials to be able to point someone to who just got a new switch. Since I can’t buy everything, because I can’t afford everything, I really really truly wish that you had a third option for the deep discount budget option as a starter for those who just don’t have deep pockets. You missed major categories. One. life Sims Major, animal crossing. LifeSim minor, Stardew valley. Two. Strategy major, disgaea . Strategy minor, war groove. Three. Creative major, Minecraft. Creative miner, Mario maker 2. And for the parent who thinks every toy should come with an educational side… Game maker garage. Yeah yeah, I had trouble thinking of budget ones too. I’m not familiar enough with horror or point-and-click to point those out. Do 4x or survival count as separate genres?
I just got Dragonquest XI for Christmas yesterday, I've only heard great things, and as someone who is developing their own game, I'm super excited to learn from this game's design! 🤩🤩🤩
Another fantastic episode! The 12 days of switch has been fantastic! This one of the few channels that me and my 10 year old daughter can watch together and both enjoy so much! Hoping that one day I can find one of those switch OLED out in the wild so we can both have a switch to play some of those multi players together on the go! Thank you so much for all of the amazing content. It really is a highlight for my family. With a daughter nearing her teens anything that brings us together is loved!
Incase no-one else has mentioned it, you CAN use the second analogue stick as the accelerator/brake in Grid (something I figured out a few days ago myself). +100000 for the new switch having analogue triggers though. Even the cheaper handheld emulators have them.
2D Platformer- Sonic Mania 3D Platformer- Sonic Mania's Special Stages Action- Sonic Mania Racer- Sonic Mania multiplayer Puzzle- Sonic Mania Chemical Plant Zone Boss FPS- Sonic Mania if he had a gun JRPG- Sonic Mania if it was turn based ARPG- Sonic Mania if it wasn't turn based Roguelite- Some Sonic Mania mod somewhere probably
I finally bought a Switch once the OLED came out. Super happy. My initial game spree: Essentials: Mario Kart 8 Breath of the Wild Odyssey Physical Holiday deal picks: Mario vs. Rabbids Super Mario U Xenoblade Chronicles 2 E-shop holiday deal picks: Unraveled 2 Golf Story Link’s Awakening Saints Row IV Surprising most played so far: Slay the Spire
Got to mention Celeste for as an amazing 2d platformer. It is forgiving but by no means easy if you want to get all the collectibles. If you haven’t played it, do yourself a favor and pick it up!
Great list, you guys are killing it with the 12 days of SwitchUp! I’m one of those people who doesn’t get the hype around BOTW. It’s a decent enough game, but it just didn’t grab me for whatever reason. No biggie though, not every game is for everyone.
Absolutely adored Hades. One of my most played games to date, and definitely a must buy for any Switch owner. On a quite different note, I may just have to give Trials of Mana a shot, esp with the current discount on offer. It looks like a fun time. Thanks for adding it to the list!
Breath of the Wild was really hard to get into, but once I gave it a proper go it was so great. Still my longest played game on Switch even though I've only played through once
Dq11 is one of those games that I've tried to avoid because I thought it wouldnt entertain me for long. Boy was i wrong. I have sank 60 hours in it without playing anything else and im still playing, I highly recommend it if you like to Bond with your fellow party members. Every one of them has their own backstory sooner or later in the game and they are veery likable :)
I'm not a big JRPG fan, especially turn based ones. The only games like that I've enjoyed were the original Pokemon games for the GBC and FFIV. However, I've only heard good things about DQ11 though, even from people who aren't big into JRPGs. I played the demo and, while I liked the graphics, I was pretty bored with the combat. Given this, do you think I'd legitimately enjoy the game?
@@amphibeingmcshpongletron5026 Well the game is heavily centered around the combat so I think that if you are not satisfied with its mechanics then you will struggle. This was the case for me with Tales od Vesperia, I really wanted to complete the game but the combat was unbearable for me :/
I love how you two review Switch games with so much honesty and obvious passion! Grid Autosport totally has local multiplayer with splitscreen, unless my friend Max and I have been sharing a recurring hallucination. ;D
I remember before I got a Switch the only two exclusives that really interested me were BOTW and Astral Chain, so it was a shock to me that AC wasn't more popular in the US. I figure if it had come to the Playstation 4 and Xbox, it's would have been an instant hit with those consoles.
Definitely recommend Horizon Chase Turbo for someone looking for old school racing. Inspired by Top Gear on the Snes, even has some of the same music, same composer came back. Loads of great DLC including an excellent Aryton Senna one that adds F1 and a 1st person view. Cant recommend it enough! Keep an eye out as its on sale a lot as well.
Let's be honest... Children of Morta should be in both categories.... Just put it on the list twice lol! Also really liked how you guys did the format for this video of one obvious pick and a hidden gem was a great idea
This vid made me buy Bayonetta 1 + 2 Digital bundle 😤. Anyways, thanks for making videos like this as it has introduced me games I’ve never heard of and playing those games have been a blast! Happy Holidays!
I know this one is immediately obvious but almost 5 years later, goddamn that's crazy, Zelda Breath of the Wild is still the best Switch game full stop, but i will admit this here when i first played the game i didn't like it because of the difficulty but trust me when it clicks and you get it, it is truly a masterpiece of a game :)
Within a couple of hours it became too easy. This master mode saves the replay value of the game. I'm giving a switch for Christmas and botw is the game going with it, animal crossing be damned!
My all time favourite too. It really deserved to win game of they year and beat some awesome games like RDR2 and HZD. Most love it but I must admit it hurts a little when I hear others didn’t like it and couldn’t get on with it. To each their own, I guess. I liked Immortals and did enjoy for it a while, but I lost interest after a while as it just seemed like slog. Maybe I’ll get back to it soon and see if I’m can rekindle my enjoyment.
