Top Nintendo Switch Games Of 2017: A Retro Review
Hey guys! Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the best Nintendo Switch games that graced our consoles back in 2017. The Nintendo Switch was still fresh on the scene, and 2017 was a fantastic year that set the stage for everything we love about the console today. From groundbreaking adventures to innovative gameplay, we'll dive into the titles that defined the Switch's early days. Get ready for some serious nostalgia!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild isn't just one of the best Switch games of 2017; it's arguably one of the greatest video games of all time. This title completely reinvented the Zelda formula, offering players an enormous open world to explore, filled with secrets, challenges, and breathtaking vistas. From the moment you step out of the Shrine of Resurrection, you're given the freedom to tackle the game in any way you see fit. Want to head straight to Hyrule Castle and face Calamity Ganon? Go for it! Prefer to spend hours discovering hidden shrines and perfecting your cooking recipes? The choice is yours.
What makes Breath of the Wild so special is its sense of discovery and emergent gameplay. The world feels truly alive, with dynamic weather, realistic physics, and a day-night cycle that affects enemy behavior. You'll find yourself experimenting with different weapons, armor, and abilities, often stumbling upon unexpected solutions to puzzles and combat encounters. The game encourages creativity and rewards curiosity, making every playthrough feel unique. Even years after its release, players are still uncovering new secrets and glitches, a testament to the depth and complexity of its design. The story, while familiar in its broad strokes, is told in a non-linear fashion, allowing you to piece together the events leading up to the Great Calamity through flashbacks and environmental storytelling. The characters are memorable and well-developed, each with their own motivations and struggles. Whether you're a longtime Zelda fan or a newcomer to the series, Breath of the Wild offers an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It set a new standard for open-world games and solidified the Nintendo Switch as a platform to watch.
Super Mario Odyssey
Another cornerstone title, Super Mario Odyssey, showcased the boundless creativity that Nintendo is known for. This game took Mario out of the Mushroom Kingdom and into a vibrant, globe-trotting adventure filled with imaginative kingdoms and charming characters. The introduction of Cappy, Mario's new hat companion, added a fresh layer of gameplay mechanics, allowing Mario to "capture" enemies and objects, gaining their abilities and using them to solve puzzles and traverse the environment.
Super Mario Odyssey is a celebration of everything that makes Mario games so special. The level design is impeccable, with each kingdom offering a unique and visually stunning environment to explore. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the serene beaches of Bubblaine, every location is packed with secrets, challenges, and collectibles. The game encourages exploration and rewards players for venturing off the beaten path. The sheer variety of activities and challenges is astounding, from traditional platforming sections to mini-games, boss battles, and hidden areas. The controls are tight and responsive, allowing Mario to move with incredible agility and precision. Cappy's capture ability adds a new dimension to the gameplay, allowing you to control a wide range of enemies and objects, each with their own unique abilities. You can become a Goomba, a Bullet Bill, a T-Rex, and many more, each offering a new perspective on the game world. The story is lighthearted and charming, with a cast of memorable characters and a delightful sense of humor. Super Mario Odyssey is a joy to play from beginning to end, a true masterpiece of game design. It's a must-have for any Switch owner and a testament to Nintendo's ability to innovate and create unforgettable experiences.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn't just a port; it's the definitive version of an already amazing racing game. Bringing together all the tracks and characters from the original Wii U release, along with new additions and enhancements, this game became an instant hit on the Switch. The accessible gameplay, combined with the competitive multiplayer, made it a perfect fit for the console's hybrid nature. Whether you're playing solo, with friends on the couch, or online, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers endless hours of fun.
What sets Mario Kart 8 Deluxe apart is its sheer polish and attention to detail. The tracks are beautifully designed, with vibrant colors, imaginative themes, and plenty of opportunities for drifting, jumping, and using items to gain an advantage. The roster of characters is vast and varied, each with their own unique stats and kart options. The gameplay is smooth and responsive, with tight controls and a satisfying sense of speed. The item system is chaotic and unpredictable, leading to hilarious moments and unexpected comebacks. Whether you're a seasoned Mario Kart veteran or a newcomer to the series, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master. The game offers a variety of modes and options, from Grand Prix races to time trials, battle mode, and online multiplayer. You can customize your kart with different parts, each affecting its performance in different ways. You can also choose from a variety of control schemes, including motion controls using the Joy-Cons. The game is constantly updated with new content and features, keeping it fresh and engaging for years to come. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the perfect party game, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will bring friends and family together for hours of laughter and competition. It's a timeless classic that deserves a place in every Switch owner's library.
Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2 continued the unique and colorful tradition of its predecessor, offering a fresh take on the shooter genre. With its focus on inking territory rather than just eliminating opponents, Splatoon 2 provided a unique and accessible experience for players of all skill levels. The vibrant art style, catchy music, and quirky characters made it an instant hit, and the regular updates and Splatfests kept the community engaged for years.
Splatoon 2 is a game that defies easy categorization. It's a shooter, but not in the traditional sense. It's competitive, but also casual and fun. It's a game that rewards teamwork and strategy, but also encourages individual expression and creativity. The core gameplay revolves around Turf War, a mode where two teams of four players compete to ink as much of the map as possible. The goal is not to eliminate opponents, but to cover the ground with your team's ink color. This simple mechanic creates a dynamic and engaging experience, where every action has consequences. The weapons in Splatoon 2 are diverse and creative, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. From the Splattershot to the Roller to the Charger, there's a weapon to suit every play style. The game also features a variety of sub-weapons and special weapons, which can be used to disrupt opponents, control territory, and turn the tide of battle. The maps in Splatoon 2 are intricately designed, with plenty of chokepoints, flanking routes, and verticality. The game encourages players to explore and experiment, finding new ways to ink the map and outmaneuver their opponents. The single-player campaign in Splatoon 2 is surprisingly engaging, offering a fun and challenging adventure that introduces players to the game's lore and mechanics. The game also features a variety of other modes, including Ranked Battles, League Battles, and Salmon Run, a cooperative horde mode. Splatoon 2 is a game that's constantly evolving, with regular updates, new weapons, new maps, and new events. It's a game that's built around its community, and it's a testament to Nintendo's ability to create unique and engaging experiences.
ARMS
ARMS was a unique fighting game that made clever use of the Joy-Con controllers. With its stretchy-armed characters and motion-controlled punches, ARMS offered a fresh and innovative take on the genre. While it may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as some other Switch titles, ARMS was praised for its originality and competitive depth. The colorful characters, unique fighting mechanics, and strategic gameplay made it a standout title in the Switch's early lineup.
ARMS is a game that's all about creativity and experimentation. The core gameplay revolves around using the Joy-Con controllers to punch, grab, and block your opponents. Each character in ARMS has their own unique set of ARMS, which can be customized with different abilities and attributes. You can mix and match different ARMS to create a play style that suits your preferences. The game also features a variety of stages, each with its own unique obstacles and hazards. The fighting mechanics in ARMS are surprisingly deep, with a focus on timing, spacing, and prediction. You can curve your punches to hit your opponents from unexpected angles, or use the grab to punish aggressive players. The game also features a variety of special moves and abilities, which can be used to turn the tide of battle. ARMS is a game that rewards skillful play and strategic thinking. The single-player campaign in ARMS is a fun and challenging adventure that introduces players to the game's characters and mechanics. The game also features a variety of other modes, including Versus, Grand Prix, and Party Match. ARMS is a game that's constantly evolving, with regular updates, new characters, new ARMS, and new stages. It's a game that's built around its community, and it's a testament to Nintendo's ability to create unique and engaging experiences. While it may not be for everyone, ARMS is a game that's worth checking out if you're looking for something different.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it β a look back at some of the best Switch games from 2017. These titles not only defined the Switch's early success but also set the stage for the incredible library of games we enjoy today. What are your favorite memories from the Switch's launch year? Let us know in the comments below! These amazing games prove why the Nintendo Switch is one of the best consoles ever!