Top New Nintendo Switch Games Of 2021: Must-Play Titles
Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the awesome world of Nintendo Switch games from 2021? There were so many amazing titles that year, and I’m super excited to share my top picks with you. Whether you're into action-packed adventures, brain-teasing puzzles, or heartwarming stories, 2021 had something for everyone on the Nintendo Switch. Let's jump right in and explore the best new games that made that year so special for Switch gamers!
Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise completely revolutionized the Monster Hunter experience on the Nintendo Switch, bringing players a dynamic and engaging world filled with thrilling hunts, stunning landscapes, and innovative gameplay mechanics. As the flagship title of the year, it not only captivated long-time fans but also welcomed newcomers into its immersive universe. From the serene Kamura Village to the dangerous territories teeming with colossal monsters, every aspect of Monster Hunter Rise was crafted to deliver an unforgettable adventure.
The game's core gameplay revolves around hunting down and defeating a variety of monsters, each with unique behaviors, attack patterns, and weaknesses. Players take on the role of a hunter, equipped with a vast arsenal of weapons and gear, and embark on quests to protect Kamura Village from the impending Rampage – a catastrophic event where hordes of monsters descend upon the village. What sets Monster Hunter Rise apart is the introduction of the Wirebug, a versatile tool that allows hunters to traverse the environment with incredible agility. This mechanic adds a new dimension to combat, enabling players to execute aerial attacks, evade enemy strikes, and reach previously inaccessible areas.
Kamura Village serves as the central hub for players, offering a range of facilities and services to prepare for their hunts. Here, you can craft and upgrade weapons and armor, purchase items, accept quests, and interact with a cast of memorable characters. The village is not only a functional space but also a vibrant community that evolves as you progress through the game. The Rampage is a unique game mode that challenges players to defend Kamura Village from waves of attacking monsters. This mode combines elements of tower defense with traditional Monster Hunter combat, requiring players to strategically place defensive installations, coordinate with teammates, and directly engage the invading monsters. Successfully repelling the Rampage is crucial for protecting the village and unlocking new content.
Monster Hunter Rise also supports both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing you to team up with friends or other hunters online to tackle challenging quests together. Multiplayer hunts require coordination and teamwork, as players must communicate effectively and combine their skills to overcome formidable foes. Whether you prefer to hunt solo or with a group, Monster Hunter Rise offers a flexible and rewarding experience that caters to different playstyles. The game's stunning visuals and detailed environments truly shine on the Nintendo Switch, bringing the world of Monster Hunter to life in vivid detail. From the lush forests to the snow-capped mountains, each location is filled with intricate details and atmospheric effects that enhance the sense of immersion. The monster designs are equally impressive, with each creature boasting unique animations and behaviors that make them feel like living, breathing beings.
Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread marked the triumphant return of Samus Aran in a thrilling 2D adventure that both honored the series' legacy and introduced innovative new elements to captivate players. As the first original side-scrolling Metroid game in nearly two decades, Metroid Dread delivered a masterclass in atmosphere, exploration, and suspense. From the moment you step onto the eerie Planet ZDR, you're plunged into a world filled with danger and mystery, where every corner holds the potential for discovery or dread.
The game's core gameplay revolves around exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, as Samus navigates the labyrinthine environments of Planet ZDR. Equipped with her iconic Power Suit and a variety of weapons and abilities, Samus must uncover the secrets of the planet while evading the relentless pursuit of the E.M.M.I. robots – formidable adversaries that can instantly kill her upon detection. What sets Metroid Dread apart is the emphasis on stealth and evasion, particularly when facing the E.M.M.I. robots. These near-invincible machines patrol specific areas of the map, and encountering them triggers intense chase sequences where Samus must use her agility and cunning to survive. The tension is palpable as you sneak through the E.M.M.I. zones, knowing that one wrong move could spell instant doom.
Planet ZDR is a sprawling and interconnected world, filled with hidden passages, secret chambers, and challenging obstacles. As you explore, you'll gradually unlock new abilities that allow you to access previously inaccessible areas, expanding the scope of your adventure. The map is meticulously designed, encouraging players to revisit locations and discover new secrets. The E.M.M.I. robots are not the only threats that Samus must face on Planet ZDR. The game features a diverse cast of enemies, ranging from alien creatures to robotic drones, each with unique attack patterns and behaviors. Samus must use her arsenal of weapons and abilities to overcome these threats, adapting her strategy to suit each encounter.
Metroid Dread also features a compelling narrative that delves into the mysteries of Samus' past and the origins of the Metroid species. As you progress through the game, you'll uncover fragments of information that shed light on the events that led to the current crisis, adding depth and intrigue to the overall experience. The game's stunning visuals and atmospheric sound design create a sense of immersion and dread that permeates every aspect of the game. From the dimly lit corridors to the alien landscapes, each environment is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of isolation and danger. The haunting soundtrack further enhances the atmosphere, adding to the overall tension and suspense.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury brought a delightful and expansive adventure to the Nintendo Switch, combining the classic charm of Super Mario 3D World with the innovative open-world exploration of Bowser's Fury. This dynamic duo offered players a diverse and engaging experience, whether they preferred cooperative multiplayer fun or a solo journey through a vast and interconnected world. From the colorful landscapes of the Sprixie Kingdom to the ominous Lake Lapcat, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury delivered a memorable and rewarding adventure for Mario fans of all ages.
Super Mario 3D World is a cooperative platformer that allows up to four players to team up as Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad. Each character has unique abilities that can be used to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. The game features a wide variety of levels, each with its own distinct theme and challenges. From the bustling streets of Toad Town to the treacherous heights of Mount Mustachio, Super Mario 3D World offers a diverse and engaging platforming experience. The game introduces several new power-ups, including the Super Bell, which transforms the characters into cat-like creatures with enhanced abilities. These power-ups add a new layer of strategy to the gameplay, allowing players to explore levels in new and creative ways.
Bowser's Fury is a standalone adventure that takes place in Lake Lapcat, a vast open-world environment filled with islands, secrets, and challenges. Mario must team up with Bowser Jr. to stop his father, Bowser, who has been transformed into a giant, rampaging monster. The game features a dynamic weather system that can change the environment at any time, adding to the sense of unpredictability. Bowser's Fury is a unique and innovative adventure that showcases the potential of open-world gameplay in the Super Mario universe. The combination of cooperative platforming and open-world exploration makes Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury a must-have title for Nintendo Switch owners. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Super Mario series or a newcomer to the franchise, this game offers a fun and engaging experience that you won't soon forget.
New Pokémon Snap
New Pokémon Snap brought a fresh and captivating perspective to the Pokémon universe, inviting players to become wildlife photographers and capture stunning images of Pokémon in their natural habitats. As a long-awaited sequel to the beloved Nintendo 64 classic, New Pokémon Snap delivered a visually stunning and deeply engaging experience that resonated with Pokémon fans of all ages. From the lush jungles of Florio Island to the mysterious depths of the Lental Undersea, New Pokémon Snap offered a virtual safari filled with wonder, discovery, and endless photographic opportunities.
The game's core gameplay revolves around exploring a variety of environments and capturing photos of Pokémon in their natural behaviors. Players ride in a vehicle called the NEO-ONE, which travels along a predetermined path through each location. As you journey through the environment, you'll encounter a diverse array of Pokémon, each with unique behaviors and interactions. The goal is to capture the best possible photos of these Pokémon, taking into account factors such as pose, size, direction, and background. The photos are then evaluated by Professor Mirror, who assigns them a score based on their quality.
New Pokémon Snap features a wide variety of environments to explore, each with its own distinct ecosystem and Pokémon inhabitants. From the serene beaches of Belus Island to the volcanic landscapes of Fireflow Island, each location is filled with unique sights and sounds that bring the world of Pokémon to life. The game introduces several new features and mechanics that enhance the photographic experience. Players can use items such as Fluffruit and Illumina Orbs to interact with Pokémon and trigger special behaviors. The Illumina Orbs, in particular, cause Pokémon to glow with a vibrant light, creating stunning photo opportunities. The game also features a day-and-night cycle, which affects the behaviors of Pokémon and the types of Pokémon that appear in each location.
New Pokémon Snap also includes a robust editing suite that allows players to customize and enhance their photos. You can adjust the brightness, focus, and zoom of your photos, as well as add stickers and frames to create unique and personalized masterpieces. The game also features online leaderboards, where you can compare your scores with other players around the world. The combination of exploration, photography, and customization makes New Pokémon Snap a truly immersive and rewarding experience for Pokémon fans. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a newcomer to the franchise, this game offers a fun and engaging way to explore the world of Pokémon and capture its beauty through the lens of a camera.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, my top picks for the best new Nintendo Switch games of 2021! Each of these titles brought something special to the table, whether it was thrilling monster hunts, suspenseful exploration, cooperative platforming, or captivating photography. 2021 was an amazing year for Nintendo Switch gamers, and these games are a testament to the console's versatility and the creativity of its developers. Which of these games was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below, and happy gaming, guys!