Top Nintendo Switch Games Released In 2022
Hey guys! 2022 was an awesome year for the Nintendo Switch, and if you're looking to catch up on some of the best titles that dropped, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into the must-play games that made 2022 a standout year for Nintendo's hybrid console.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby and the Forgotten Land marked a significant shift for the pink puffball, bringing Kirby into a fully 3D world for the first time. This wasn't just a visual upgrade; it was a complete reimagining of the classic Kirby formula. Instead of the traditional side-scrolling action, players were given a vast, explorable world filled with forgotten ruins and mysterious landscapes. The transition to 3D allowed for more dynamic level design, intricate puzzles, and a greater sense of adventure.
One of the standout features of Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the new Mouthful Mode. This ability allows Kirby to inhale large objects like cars, vending machines, and even traffic cones, transforming him into these objects and granting him unique abilities. Imagine Kirby as a car, speeding through levels and smashing obstacles, or as a vending machine, launching cans at enemies. These transformations added a layer of fun and creativity to the gameplay, making each level feel fresh and exciting. The developers truly capitalized on the possibilities of 3D, creating scenarios that wouldn't have been possible in previous Kirby games.
The game's story is surprisingly engaging. Kirby finds himself transported to a post-apocalyptic world where he must rescue the Waddle Dees from the Beast Pack. This setup provides a compelling reason to explore the game's various environments, from abandoned cities to desolate beaches. The narrative is lighthearted but has moments of genuine emotion, making it appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. The quest to save the Waddle Dees becomes a central motivation, encouraging players to complete each level and uncover the secrets of this forgotten land.
Beyond the main story, Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers a wealth of side content and collectibles. Players can discover hidden areas, complete optional challenges, and collect figurines to unlock new abilities and upgrades. This encourages thorough exploration and extends the game's lifespan significantly. The post-game content also adds replay value, with tougher challenges and new areas to explore. For completionists, there's plenty to keep you busy long after the main story is finished.
The game's accessibility is another strong point. The difficulty is balanced to be challenging enough for experienced gamers while remaining approachable for younger players or those new to the series. The controls are intuitive, and the game provides plenty of tutorials and hints to guide players along the way. This makes Kirby and the Forgotten Land a great choice for families or anyone looking for a fun and engaging adventure without overly punishing difficulty. The game's charm and colorful visuals also add to its appeal, creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for players of all ages.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus revolutionized the Pokémon formula by taking players to the ancient Hisui region, long before it was known as Sinnoh. This game introduced a semi-open-world environment, where players could freely roam vast landscapes, observe Pokémon in their natural habitats, and engage in real-time battles. This departure from the traditional turn-based combat and linear progression was a breath of fresh air for the franchise, offering a more immersive and dynamic Pokémon experience.
The game's setting in the Hisui region is beautifully realized, with diverse environments ranging from snow-capped mountains to lush forests. Each area is teeming with Pokémon, each behaving differently and requiring different approaches to catch. The sense of exploration is palpable, as players uncover new areas, discover hidden secrets, and learn about the region's history and lore. The game's narrative focuses on the creation of the first Pokédex, giving players a sense of purpose as they document the various Pokémon species and contribute to the understanding of these creatures.
One of the most significant changes in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the battle system. While turn-based combat is still present, the battles take place seamlessly in the open world. Players can throw Poké Balls directly at Pokémon to initiate battles, and they can move around the environment during combat, adding a layer of strategy and dynamism. The game also introduces new battle mechanics, such as Agile Style and Strong Style moves, which allow players to modify their attacks for different effects. These changes make battles more engaging and require players to think strategically about their moves.
Crafting is another important element of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Players can gather resources from the environment and use them to craft items such as Poké Balls, potions, and other useful tools. This adds a layer of resource management to the game and encourages players to explore every nook and cranny of the Hisui region. Crafting also makes players feel more self-sufficient, as they can create the items they need rather than relying solely on purchasing them from shops.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus also features a compelling story that delves into the mythology of Pokémon. Players uncover the mysteries surrounding the legendary Pokémon Arceus and work to quell the disturbances that are plaguing the Hisui region. The narrative is filled with interesting characters, plot twists, and emotional moments, making it a worthwhile experience for longtime Pokémon fans and newcomers alike. The game's focus on exploration, discovery, and understanding the natural world makes it a unique and memorable entry in the Pokémon series.
Splatoon 3
Splatoon 3 continued the series' tradition of colorful, ink-based mayhem, delivering a fresh and refined experience for fans of the unique shooter. The game introduced new weapons, stages, and gameplay mechanics, building upon the solid foundation of its predecessors. Set in the Splatlands, a sun-baked desert inhabited by battle-hardened Inklings and Octolings, Splatoon 3 offered a vibrant and chaotic world for players to explore and compete in.
The game's core gameplay remains the same: teams of players compete to cover the map with their team's ink. However, Splatoon 3 added new elements to keep things fresh. New weapons, such as the Splatana Wiper and the Tri-Stringer, offered new ways to ink turf and splat opponents. The Splatana Wiper is a sword-like weapon that allows players to fling ink with rapid slashes, while the Tri-Stringer is a bow that shoots three strings of ink simultaneously. These new weapons added variety to the gameplay and encouraged players to experiment with different playstyles.
Splatoon 3 also introduced new stages, each with its unique layout and challenges. From bustling cityscapes to abandoned ruins, the stages offered a diverse range of environments for players to battle in. The stages were designed to encourage strategic gameplay, with plenty of flanking routes, high vantage points, and hidden areas to discover. The game also featured dynamic elements, such as moving platforms and interactive objects, which added another layer of complexity to the matches.
The single-player campaign in Splatoon 3 was also a highlight, offering a compelling story and challenging gameplay. Players took on the role of Agent 3, tasked with uncovering the mysteries of Alterna, a strange underground facility. The campaign featured a variety of levels, each with its unique theme and challenges. Players had to use their ink-based abilities to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and navigate treacherous environments. The campaign also introduced new characters and expanded on the lore of the Splatoon universe.
Beyond the core gameplay, Splatoon 3 offered a wealth of customization options. Players could customize their Inkling or Octoling with a variety of clothing items, hairstyles, and accessories. They could also customize their weapons with different abilities and modifications. This allowed players to create a unique look and playstyle that suited their preferences. The game also featured a robust online community, with regular events, tournaments, and challenges to keep players engaged.
Mario Strikers: Battle League
Mario Strikers: Battle League brought back the beloved soccer-style spin-off with enhanced graphics and new strategic elements. This game is all about over-the-top action, where anything goes! No fouls, no rules, just pure, unadulterated fun on the field.
The core gameplay of Mario Strikers: Battle League revolves around 5-on-5 soccer matches, where each team consists of four outfield players and a goalie. Players can choose from a roster of iconic Mario characters, each with their own unique stats and abilities. The game emphasizes fast-paced action and over-the-top moves, such as powerful shots, electric tackles, and special strikes that can turn the tide of a match.
One of the standout features of Mario Strikers: Battle League is the Hyper Strike system. By charging up a shot and timing it perfectly, players can unleash a devastating Hyper Strike that is almost guaranteed to score. These Hyper Strikes are visually spectacular, with each character having their own unique animation and effect. Mastering the Hyper Strike system is essential for success in the game, as it allows players to quickly rack up goals and dominate their opponents.
Customization is also a key element of Mario Strikers: Battle League. Players can equip their characters with gear that modifies their stats, such as speed, strength, shooting, and passing. This allows players to tailor their team to their preferred playstyle. For example, players who prefer a fast-paced, attacking style can equip gear that boosts speed and shooting, while players who prefer a more defensive style can equip gear that boosts strength and passing.
Mario Strikers: Battle League also features a variety of game modes to keep players engaged. The main mode is Striker Club, where players can create their own club, recruit members, and compete against other clubs online. This mode offers a competitive and social experience, as players work together to climb the ranks and become the best club in the world. The game also features Quick Battle mode, where players can jump into a quick match against the CPU or another player, as well as Cup Battles, where players can compete in a series of matches to win a trophy.
Nintendo Switch Sports
Nintendo Switch Sports brought motion-controlled fun back into the spotlight, offering a collection of sports games that are easy to pick up and play. This title aims to capture the magic of Wii Sports, providing a family-friendly experience that is both accessible and engaging. Using the Joy-Con controllers, players can swing, kick, and spike their way to victory in a variety of sports.
The game features six sports at launch: Tennis, Bowling, Chambara (swordplay), Soccer, Badminton, and Volleyball. Each sport is designed to be intuitive and easy to learn, with simple controls that rely on motion. For example, in Tennis, players simply swing the Joy-Con to hit the ball, while in Bowling, they swing their arm to roll the ball down the lane. The game provides helpful tutorials and tips to guide players along the way, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
One of the standout sports in Nintendo Switch Sports is Chambara, a swordplay game where players battle each other on a platform suspended above water. Players use the Joy-Con to swing their sword, block attacks, and knock their opponent off the platform. The game emphasizes timing and strategy, as players must carefully choose their attacks and defend against their opponent's strikes. Chambara is fast-paced and exciting, offering a unique and engaging experience that is sure to get players moving.
Soccer is another popular sport in Nintendo Switch Sports, offering both 1v1 and 4v4 matches. Players use the Joy-Con to kick, pass, and shoot the ball, as well as perform diving headers and other acrobatic moves. The game is fast-paced and chaotic, with plenty of opportunities for highlight-reel goals and dramatic saves. Soccer is a great way to get a workout while having fun, as players run, jump, and kick their way to victory.
Nintendo Switch Sports also features online play, allowing players to compete against others from around the world. Players can join online leagues, participate in tournaments, and earn rewards for their performance. The online mode is a great way to test your skills and compete against the best players in the world. The game also features local multiplayer, allowing players to play with friends and family in the same room. This makes Nintendo Switch Sports a great choice for parties and get-togethers, as it provides a fun and engaging activity that everyone can enjoy.
So there you have it, guys! These were some of the top Nintendo Switch games that were released in 2022. Each of these games offered something unique and exciting, making 2022 a fantastic year for Switch owners. Whether you're into exploring open worlds, battling with friends, or getting active with motion controls, there's something for everyone on this list. Happy gaming!