September was a busy month for Nintendo’s hybrid console and the same can be said for October where we saw quite a few more game releases including the return of the gaming world’s most iconic jumping plumber. As promised here is our list of the top Nintendo Switch games of October.
Table of Contents
Major Game Releases
Although we have fewer major game releases this month, we did get one of the best games ever released.
Super Mario Odyssey
The world’s most famous plumber finally makes a debut on the Nintendo Switch and he did so in an explosive fashion. Quite frankly, the most anticipated game for the hybrid console this year, Super Mario Odyssey once again throws players and Mario into a 3D open-world far from the classic 2D side-scrolling experience. In the game, players take control of Mario and his trusty cap, Cappy, as they explore areas outside the Mushroom Kingdom to once again save Princess Peach from Bowser’s evil plans. The game differs from previous Mario open-world platformers as this time players are given a variety of extra actions through Cappy such as using it as a platform, a long-distance item collector, and a weapon among others.
The most exciting new feature, however, is Cappy’s ability to capture and control various objects, creatures, and enemies players encounter. It supports 2-player co-op where the second player controls Cappy. Super Mario Odyssey is already highly regarded in the gaming community and has received numerous perfect reviews from critics and players alike. You’ll now be able to relive your childhood memories with Mario at home or on the road via Datablitz or GameOne PH/iTech for Php 2,895 or digitally via Nintendo’s e-shop for $59.99 (~Php 3,070).
Fire Emblem Warriors
The other major game release last month, alongside Super Mario Odyssey, was Fire Emblem Warriors. Before heading into the game’s features though let’s take a quick history lesson about the Fire Emblem and Warriors series.
If you’re not familiar with the series, Fire Emblem is a turn-based tactics RPG strategy game that was first released on Nintendo’s Family Computer. It features a triangle weapon system and the notoriously famous perma-death mechanic. The series grew over the years picking up a fan following and has made its way to most of Nintendo’s home and handheld consoles. The Warriors or Musou series, on the other hand, is a hack and slash action game series started by Omega Force and Koei Tecmo which gave birth to Dynasty Warriors. The hack and slash formula has since made its way to other games such as Hyrule Warriors and One Piece: Pirate Warriors. Fire Emblem is the latest game series to receive the “Musou” treatment.
Now onto the game, Fire Emblem Warriors players are given the chance to control and command iconic characters from across the Fire Emblem universe as they battle to defeat Velezark, a dark dragon. The game features hack and slash style combat where players are thrown into a battlefield and duke it out with hundreds of enemies. The series’ iconic weapon triangle system is present in the game. As well as the pairing system we first saw in Fire Emblem: Awakening where a character pairs with another for stat boosts. The game generally garnered positive reviews from critics and fans and it was a first for many to see their beloved Fire Emblem characters outside of a turn-based world. Fire Emblem Warriors is now available over at DataBlitz and GameOne PH/iTech for Php 2,895 and at Nintendo’s e-shop for $59.99 (~Php 3,070).
Just Dance 2018
The 2018 version of Ubisoft’s well-known dance game also got released to Nintendo’s hybrid console this year. Just like with the 2017 version you’ll be able to dance away to the music with up to three other people as you use the Joy-cons motion control to match the dance moves shown on your TV screen. So, if you’re looking to funk up your home-visits, vacations, or get-togethers with the latest chart toppers then be sure to check this game out. The game is now available at DataBlitz or GameOne PH/iTech for Php 2,595 and digitally at Nintendo’s e-shop for $59.99 (~Php 3,070).
Minor Game Releases
Of course more than the big boy releases we have the minor game releases but that doesn’t mean these are not worthy of your hard-earned money. Once in a while, there are some titles that we consider as hidden gems, here are a few of those.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a farm simulation role-playing game released February of last year and has now plowed its way through to the Nintendo Switch. The game has been closely compared to the well-known and well-received Harvest Moon series. Similar to Harvest Moon, in Stardew Valley the player is given a piece of land previously owned by their grandfather in the small yet quaint town called Pelican. The player’s goal is to revive this land into a thriving farm with various plants and livestock by making a living out of fishing, farming, crafting, and gathering. Apart from that goal players could also interact with non-playable characters (NPCs) residing all around the town, not to mention engage in a relationship with them. The game also has a health, exhaustion and time mechanic that players have to balance out as losing health or becoming exhausted will have certain consequences.
What makes it unique, however, are the quest and bundles system and combat. Players may undergo certain quests to earn additional money or collect certain materials to complete bundles. Bundles could be considered as the game’s progression system as by completing these players would gain access to new areas and game mechanics. Interestingly, Stardew Valley also has combat as players can encounter monsters during their cave explorations. We’ve only ever seen combat in other farm simulation games in the form of Rune Factory, which is technically the RPG version of Harvest Moon. It was well received by critics and gamers alike and is generally considered as a farm simulator worthy of going toe-to-toe with Harvest Moon. Stardew Valley is available digitally at Nintendo’s e-shop for $14.99 (~Php 770).
First released back in 2015 for the PS4, Windows, Mac, and Linux, Axiom Verge is a side-scrolling Metroidvania (A game with similar mechanics to Metroid and Castlevania) action RPG game by indie developer Thomas Happ Games. In the game, players take control of Trace a scientist who woke up in an ancient and high-tech world known as Sudra after suffering a crippling injury. Players will then explore and battle throughout the world of Sudra after Elsenova, a giant war machine, asks for Trace’s help in order to stop Athetos, a mad scientist responsible for the destruction of the Sudrans. The game has received critical acclaim from both critics and players praising it for its settings, weapons, boss battles, and secrets. Axiom Verge is available digitally at Nintendo’s e-shop for $19.99 (~Php 1025).
So that’s all for October, found other hidden gems last month? Be sure to give us a heads up over in the comments section below. Just like last time stay tuned for our list for November at the end of the month.
How about Doom?
Doom was released this month (November), this list was for games released during October.:)