The Nintendo Switch has been the best place to experience indie titles, no question. Gamers eagerly look forward to the latest and greatest nindies to hit the system. Because of this, developers have shown no signs of slowing down with releasing high-quality content. With so many games and so many new Switch owners, it’s only necessary to break-down the 5 must-own nindies on the system.
Stardew Valley
This wouldn’t be a quality “must-own” list without the inclusion of Stardew Valley. Players begin the game inheriting a farm from their grandfather in the small town of Stardew Valley. The old plot of land isn’t much but it’s enough to start a new life and make an honest living. However, the town has been changed thanks to the involvement of a large corporation. With only a few tools, it’s up to you to restore the town to its former glory. Users can plot out their farm to their liking while also completing quests, cleaning up the town, fishing, and plenty more. It’s a fantastic title that users can relax with, as well as sinking plenty of hours into. Now, the game supports online multiplayer so you can share your experience with friends. If you’re looking for something similar to the Harvest Moon series, look no further.
Dead Cells
Next up on this list is VGCultureHQ’s 2018 Indie Game of the Year, Dead Cells. This title blends together a Metroidvania with a Roguelite experience. Every level changes once a player dies meaning the game must be completed in one go. But don’t worry too much about that because each run gets better. Your skills grow as you learn to master the combat and layout of the area. It’s not as if each run is brand new, however. There are some perks and power-ups that can carry over, in addition to some that help each run. Stronger weapons are able to be found as levels progress in order to fight the more difficult bosses. The gameplay is incredibly addictive and allows the user to be immersed in its world. Recently, the game has also seen a free content update that grants users the new Rise of the Giant DLC for no cost at all.
For a more in-depth review of Motion Twin’s Dead Cells, check out our review here.
Golf Story
It’s not every day that an indie game can become a reason to purchase a brand new system. Well, that’s what happened with Sidebar Games’ Golf Story. It released in September of 2017 to overwhelming praise from fans and critics alike. This console exclusive lets players golf on different courses, in addition to experiencing a fun and lengthy story. On paper, this game may not seem like much. I mean, at the end of the day, you’re just playing golf. However, it’s golf mixed with RPG elements, which means you can level up your clubs and shots. There are also different tasks that have to be completed by executing different challenges. It’s not just head-to-head matches on various courses. Players can also play disc golf! The experience is fairly open-world while also being very relaxing and funny. It’s a title you won’t want to miss out on.
Celeste
Out of these five games, only one tells a story that can stay with you long after the credits roll. Matt Makes Games’ Celeste is fantastic in almost every regard. It must be noted, though, that this 2D platformer is very challenging. This isn’t really a title for anyone looking for something relaxing to playthrough. There are some very useful Assist Mode options that can help you beat the game which I ended up using in later sections. Yet, the story and environment are what’s going to keep you coming back for more. I easily could have raged on this title and given up fairly quickly but there’s something intriguing about the concept. You play as Madeline, a girl who wants to climb the treacherous Celeste Mountain and reach its peak. There are various adversities along the way, yet the biggest one is herself. Seeing the main character trying to overcome their faults while also trying to help others makes for a great experience. It also helps that the soundtrack is one of the best to be found in an indie game or any game.
Overcooked! 2
The final title on this list is the hectic multiplayer party game, Overcooked! 2. Anyone looking for something to play with friends should look no further. This is an absolute must-own title on the Switch. Each player is a chef in a buzzing restaurant. As orders come in, everyone has to work together to create various dishes. Grabbing the ingredients, chopping up the products, cooking them, then assembling it all is easier said than done. Teamwork is the key to achieve the highest rewards possible. To also make matters tougher is that dishes need to be washed, food can spoil, and fires can be started if the grill is unattended. In addition to a story mode, there’s also Arcade, Versus, and Online Multiplayer options. It can also be played in solo, in addition to local multiplayer so don’t worry if you don’t have a full party. Not only does it have all these features but the developers constantly support it with seasonal updates for some festive goodies. This is a title you won’t want to miss out on.
This list features five titles that are absolute must-owns on the system. Each represents a different type of game that players of all types can enjoy. From life simulators to wild multiplayer experiences, there’s something for everyone. The Nintendo Switch isn’t short of indies, though. There are still plenty of others that deserve recognition and praise just the same. 2020 is looking to be another great year to feature some fantastic titles, so make sure to stay tuned to VGCultureHQ for coverage of these future releases.
For a look at our 20 Best Nindies of 2018, click here.