Top New Nintendo Switch Games Of 2022: Must-Play Titles
Hey there, fellow gamers! Are you ready to dive into the amazing world of Nintendo Switch games from 2022? If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for the next big adventure to embark on. Well, buckle up because 2022 delivered some absolute bangers for the Nintendo Switch, and I’m here to give you the lowdown on the must-play titles. Let’s jump right in!
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
First up, we have Kirby and the Forgotten Land. This game is an absolute delight! If you're a fan of the pink puffball, or even if you're new to the Kirby universe, this title is a fantastic entry point. What makes it so special? Well, for starters, it's the first time Kirby has ventured into a fully 3D world. The transition is seamless, and the developers at HAL Laboratory have truly outdone themselves.
Gameplay and Exploration: The gameplay in Kirby and the Forgotten Land is incredibly smooth and intuitive. You get to run, jump, and float through a variety of vibrant and detailed environments. These aren't your typical Kirby stages; they're filled with abandoned urban landscapes, mysterious ruins, and lush natural areas. Exploring each level feels like a genuine adventure, with hidden secrets and collectibles tucked away in every corner. The level design encourages you to take your time and really soak in the atmosphere.
Copy Abilities: Of course, it wouldn't be a Kirby game without the iconic copy abilities. Kirby and the Forgotten Land introduces some fresh and hilarious new transformations. One of the standout abilities is Mouthful Mode, where Kirby can inhale real-world objects like cars, vending machines, and even traffic cones. This leads to some truly creative and laugh-out-loud moments. Imagine rolling around as a car, smashing through obstacles, or using a vending machine to launch cans at enemies. It's pure, unadulterated fun!
Visuals and Performance: Visually, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a treat. The game boasts a colorful and charming art style that really pops on the Nintendo Switch screen. The environments are detailed, and the character animations are smooth and expressive. The performance is also solid, maintaining a stable frame rate even during intense action sequences. Whether you're playing in handheld mode or docked on your TV, the game looks fantastic.
Overall Impression: Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a must-play title for any Nintendo Switch owner. It's a delightful blend of exploration, platforming, and combat, wrapped up in a charming and accessible package. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of Kirby, you're sure to find something to love in this game. It’s a solid 9/10 from me!
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Next on our list is Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Now, this is a game that really shook things up for the Pokémon franchise. For years, we’ve been used to the traditional formula of turn-based battles and linear progression. Pokémon Legends: Arceus throws much of that out the window, offering a fresh and innovative take on the Pokémon experience. Set in the ancient Hisui region (which would eventually become the Sinnoh region), you play as a member of the Galaxy Expedition Team, tasked with studying and documenting Pokémon behavior.
Open-World Exploration: One of the biggest changes in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the introduction of open-world exploration. You can freely roam the vast landscapes of the Hisui region, encountering Pokémon in their natural habitats. This makes the world feel much more alive and immersive than in previous Pokémon games. Instead of just walking through tall grass and hoping for an encounter, you can actually see Pokémon roaming around, interacting with their environment.
Real-Time Battles: The battle system has also been revamped. While it still retains some elements of the classic turn-based combat, battles now take place in real-time. You can move your character around the battlefield, dodge attacks, and strategically position yourself for an advantage. This adds a new layer of depth and strategy to the battles, making them more engaging and dynamic.
Catching Pokémon: Catching Pokémon is also different in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Instead of just weakening them in battle and throwing a Poké Ball, you can now catch Pokémon directly in the overworld. Some Pokémon will be docile and easy to approach, while others will be aggressive and require you to use stealth and strategy to catch them. This makes the process of building your team much more interactive and rewarding.
Crafting and Side Quests: The game also introduces crafting, allowing you to create useful items like Poké Balls, potions, and other essential tools. This adds a new layer of resource management to the game, as you'll need to gather materials and carefully plan your crafting recipes. In addition to the main story, there are also plenty of side quests to complete, offering additional challenges and rewards.
Overall Impression: Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a bold and ambitious step forward for the Pokémon franchise. It’s not without its flaws – the graphics aren’t the most impressive, and the performance can be a bit choppy at times – but the innovative gameplay and immersive world make it a truly unique and memorable experience. If you're a long-time Pokémon fan looking for something new, or if you've never played a Pokémon game before, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is definitely worth checking out. I’d give it an 8.5/10.
Splatoon 3
Alright, let's talk about Splatoon 3. This game is a vibrant and chaotic celebration of all things squid-like. If you’re new to the Splatoon series, imagine a world where squids and octopuses evolved and became obsessed with turf wars fought with colorful ink. Sounds wild, right? Well, it is, and it's absolutely fantastic.
Gameplay and Turf Wars: At its core, Splatoon 3 is a team-based multiplayer shooter. The main mode, Turf War, pits two teams of four against each other in a battle to cover the map with their team's ink. You play as an Inkling or Octoling, customizable characters who can transform between humanoid and squid forms. In squid form, you can swim through your team's ink, move faster, and hide from enemies. The goal is simple: ink more territory than the opposing team within the time limit.
Weapons and Gear: What sets Splatoon 3 apart from other shooters is its unique arsenal of weapons. Instead of traditional guns, you wield ink-based weaponry like rollers, brushes, chargers (sniper rifles), and sloshers (buckets of ink). Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, and mastering them is key to success. You can also customize your character with a variety of clothing and gear, each offering different stat boosts and abilities. This allows you to create a loadout that suits your playstyle.
Single-Player Campaign: In addition to the multiplayer modes, Splatoon 3 also features a robust single-player campaign. This time, you’re Agent 3, tasked with fighting the evil Octarians and uncovering the mysteries of Alterna. The campaign is full of creative level designs, challenging boss battles, and quirky characters. It's a great way to hone your skills and learn the ins and outs of the game.
Salmon Run: Another popular mode in Splatoon 3 is Salmon Run. This is a cooperative horde mode where you and three other players team up to fend off waves of Salmonids, collect Golden Eggs, and deposit them in a basket. It's a chaotic and intense mode that requires teamwork and coordination. Salmon Run is a great way to earn rewards and level up your character.
Overall Impression: Splatoon 3 is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner who enjoys multiplayer shooters. It’s a vibrant, colorful, and endlessly entertaining game that’s easy to pick up but difficult to master. Whether you’re a seasoned Splatoon veteran or a newcomer to the series, you’re sure to have a blast with this game. I give it a solid 9/10. The only downside is that it requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to fully enjoy the multiplayer experience, but it’s well worth it for the hours of fun you’ll have.
Mario Strikers: Battle League
Alright, let’s switch gears and talk about Mario Strikers: Battle League. If you're a fan of soccer and the Mario universe, this game is a match made in heaven. It's a fast-paced, over-the-top sports game that combines the thrill of soccer with the chaotic fun of Mario games. Forget about the boring rules of traditional soccer; Mario Strikers: Battle League is all about epic goals, special moves, and no-holds-barred action.
Gameplay and Hyper Strikes: The gameplay in Mario Strikers: Battle League is simple to pick up but offers plenty of depth. You control a team of Mario characters, each with their own unique stats and abilities. The goal is to score more goals than the opposing team within the time limit. But this isn't your typical soccer game; you can tackle opponents, use items, and unleash devastating Hyper Strikes to score goals in style. Hyper Strikes are powerful special moves that require precise timing and execution. When done correctly, they can send the ball flying into the net with incredible force.
Customization and Gear: One of the cool features of Mario Strikers: Battle League is the ability to customize your characters with gear. Each character can equip different pieces of gear, each offering different stat boosts. This allows you to tailor your team to your playstyle. You can focus on speed, strength, shooting, or passing, depending on your preferences.
Multiplayer Mayhem: Mario Strikers: Battle League is best enjoyed with friends. You can play with up to eight players locally or online. The game supports both competitive and cooperative modes, allowing you to team up with friends or battle against them. The online multiplayer is smooth and stable, making it easy to connect with other players from around the world.
Overall Impression: Mario Strikers: Battle League is a fun and addictive sports game that's perfect for parties and get-togethers. It’s easy to pick up and play, but offers enough depth to keep you coming back for more. If you're a fan of Mario games or sports games in general, you'll definitely want to check this one out. I’d give it an 8/10. It's a blast to play with friends, and the Hyper Strikes are always satisfying to pull off.
Nintendo Switch Sports
Last but definitely not least, we have Nintendo Switch Sports. This game is a spiritual successor to Wii Sports, bringing motion-controlled fun to the Nintendo Switch. It's a collection of sports games that are easy to pick up and play, making it perfect for families and casual gamers.
Gameplay and Sports: Nintendo Switch Sports features a variety of sports, including bowling, tennis, badminton, volleyball, soccer, and chambara (sword fighting). Each sport uses the Joy-Con controllers to simulate the movements of the real-life sport. For example, in bowling, you swing the Joy-Con like a bowling ball to roll it down the lane. In tennis, you swing the Joy-Con like a racket to hit the ball. The motion controls are intuitive and responsive, making the game feel immersive and engaging.
Customization and Miis: You can customize your character with a variety of clothing and accessories. You can also use your Mii characters from previous Nintendo consoles. This adds a personal touch to the game, allowing you to create a character that reflects your style.
Multiplayer Fun: Nintendo Switch Sports is best enjoyed with friends and family. You can play with up to four players locally or online. The game supports both competitive and cooperative modes, allowing you to team up with friends or battle against them. The online multiplayer is smooth and stable, making it easy to connect with other players from around the world.
Overall Impression: Nintendo Switch Sports is a fun and accessible game that's perfect for families and casual gamers. It’s easy to pick up and play, and the motion controls are intuitive and responsive. If you’re looking for a game that everyone can enjoy, Nintendo Switch Sports is definitely worth checking out. I’d give it a 7.5/10. It's a great way to get some exercise and have some fun with friends and family.
So there you have it, folks! My top picks for the must-play Nintendo Switch games of 2022. Whether you're into open-world adventures, chaotic shooters, or motion-controlled sports, there's something for everyone on this list. Happy gaming!