Best Nintendo Switch Games Of 2017

50. Slime-san (Switch eShop)

Slime-san is a brilliantly snappy, charismatic and challenging title that manages to deliver a satisfying core game with tonnes of bonus extras to play around with besides. The controls are spot-on, the environments are varied and engaging, and while other platformers may have tread similar ground before, Slime-san weaves together so many different elements into a finely-crafted experience that it deserves a place among the best in the genre. That's not even mentioning a handful of arcade game modes, a suite of options for speedrunning, and a soundtrack that almost warrants the price of admission alone. It represents immense value for money, and if you're itching for something weird then the future is most certainly green.

49. Overcooked: Special Edition (Switch eShop)

Overcooked is an absolute must-buy for anybody looking for a fantastic party game to play with friends. The wacky visuals and chaotic gameplay make it an ideal game for local co-op, and there’s plenty of content to work through.

We still give this one a strong recommendation overall, even if the sequel stole its thunder to a certain extent; it's a more compact experience and a title that perfectly nails what makes local multiplayer games so fun.

48. Oxenfree (Switch eShop)

A genuinely creepy creation, Oxenfree combines a clever story and smart dialogue mechanics with superbly sinister music to leave a deep and lasting impression on the player, one that should encourage an all-important second playthrough.

Fans of Stranger Things and Poltergeist will love the direction this game takes – if not to hell and back, exactly, then absolutely to some other place where horrors abound, just waiting for an invitation into our world. It’s yet another Switch essential.

47. Mutant Mudds Collection (Switch eShop)

Mutant Mudds Collection gives Nintendo Switch owners the chance to own two fantastic platforming games in one handy, portable package, as well as a nice extra in the new puzzle game, Mudd Blocks. The difficulty of these games may well put a reasonable amount of players off - Mutant Mudds Super Challenge in particular is one nasty fiend – but the overall quality of the two original titles places this collection amongst the best within its genre that the eShop can offer. If you love platformers, and you don’t mind a hefty challenge, do yourself a favour and buy this game.

46. Thumper (Switch eShop)

Thumper is a fantastic video game, an extravagant rhythm experience that's also a brutal assault on the senses. It's extremely difficult — painfully so at times — yet we feel the need to persevere, retrying tough stages over and over again. Even when that's done, the drive for better ranks remains simply because the game compels us to play on.

The only real flaw of Thumper is that it offers so little respite and no 'easy' mode. Some may scoff at that, saying it's a game designed to be tough, but the downside is that without that optional concession, the game will be inaccessible and impenetrable for some. That's a pity, as for those up for the challenge, it's a wonderful, albeit gruelling gaming experience.

45. Snipperclips - Cut it out, together! (Switch eShop)

Snipperclips - Cut it out, together! makes no bones about the fact it's a game best played with others, and the formula is functional but lacking a real hook in single player. When in a team, however, it transforms into an intelligent yet cute set of co-op puzzles, with plenty of content and variety to keep duos busy. It's a shining example of how games can be accessible and fun for players of any level, and in the Switch launch lineup was probably the most laid-back and flexible multiple experience available.

The built-in multiplayer aspect of the Switch is played up nicely (to the point that only Joy-Con controllers can be used), and beyond the lengthy main mode there are larger four-player puzzles and a few competitive minigames (two of which are fun in short bursts).

Couple all this with some great DLC (included with the expanded 'Plus' retail version) and you've got one of the Switch's finest co-op experiences.

44. Romancing SaGa 2 (Switch eShop)

Romancing SaGa 2 is a really intriguing JRPG. The combat system has a great sense of depth thanks to its distinctive take on levelling, the inclusion of formations and how the player is held accountable for each party member.

The kingdom management aspects also provide a greater sense of player agency and help set it apart from conventional role-playing games. Due to this design, the story and character development – including the dialogue throughout – aren’t quite as refined as other Square Enix titles.

Regardless, the entire concept has aged surprisingly well, even by modern standards.

43. Puyo Puyo Tetris (Switch)

What happens when you throw arguably the two most popular falling block puzzle games in a blender? It’s a miracle that the result wasn’t a horrible, horrible mess, but Puyo Puyo Tetris mixes the two so confidently that it doesn’t occur to you how catastrophic this cocktail could have been.

Sonic Team respects the fundamentals of each series and offers a rock-solid game of both, but isn’t afraid to have fun stirring them together. There’s a bevvy of multiplayer options for up to four people, and everything is presented with a vigour and verve which belies the decades-long history behind both puzzle genre titans.

The Story mode is… well, it’s a bit nuts, but it’s there if you want it (we were glad for the skip button). More importantly, the wealth of modes available means aficionados of either series have more than enough to occupy themselves with. In fact, it’s possible to pretty much ignore your least favourite, but that would be a great shame; this is a glorious firework of a crossover, uniting puzzle fans of all creeds and it shines very brightly on Switch.

42. Retro City Rampage DX (Switch eShop)

This release was the third time we'd played through this game, yet on each occasion a more feature-packed and improved iteration revealed itself.

Despite its 2010 roots — and pop culture references to match that time — it stands up extremely well, as pixels this stylish and action this chaotic don't lose their edge. Retro City Rampage DX is still an anarchic, almost overloaded game that bombards the senses while, at the same time, maintaining impressive polish in its gameplay.

Whether you're playing it for the crazy story, excessive retro-styled violence or a mix of both, Retro City Rampage still has the goods.

41. I Am Setsuna (Switch eShop)

As an ode to the RPGs of the past, I Am Setsuna succeeds in recreating the sort of adventure you experienced on older Nintendo hardware. Its combat system is the main supplier of this nostalgia, with the deep active time battle system, the number of weapons and moves you can perform, and the time management aspect.

But those not looking to take a trip down memory lane may be left wanting more. In terms of pure gameplay hours this offers a reasonable return on investment, but the no-thrills plotline and gameplay outside of combat could have been fleshed out. I Am Setsuna could be the perfect complement to your Nintendo Switch, but if you're not foaming at the mouth with nostalgia it's an optional purchase.