We collect ten independent proposals that are enjoyable only in digital format and that make a difference on the Nintendo laptop.
Indie games have found a vein on Nintendo Switch, a platform where it is customary to sell a greater percentage of this type of independent and digital games for various reasons, one of them being the versatility of the hybrid console between desktop and portable. The wide variety of games of this type and risky proposals of all kinds make diving into the Nintendo Switch eShop a good way to hunt down some powerful proposals, which go beyond the concept of a large game to offer, in exchange, great proposals but in a small format.
That is why at Meristation we want to review 10 ideal indies gems to discover and enjoy on Nintendo Switch. Varied in its proposal, impressive and surprising at the audiovisual level and with a different air, sometimes far from the conventional but always with something important to convey. So, without further ado, here is a selection of 10 totally recommended indies to purchase in the Switch eShop.
Inmost
Inmost is one of the proposals for the second half of 2020 that leaves no one indifferent. With a striking visual style and a love for pixel-art that is transmitted from the first screen, the story, which intertwines three protagonists in a world that rides between light and darkness, is one that makes a dent. Because of how it develops and how it ends. A more than interesting mix of platforms, action and stealth that is worth discovering.
Carrion
Surely for a Triple A game, controlling a monster with tentacles as the protagonist would not be the greatest attraction, but in Carrion that courage to introduce us to “this” type of protagonist is what makes the difference. Visceral, with a direct combat and a careful aspect, this is an action game with a good approach and gushing blood. For something this time we are the monster and not the others.
A Short Hike
As cute as it is simple, A Short Hike is one of those little surprises that the last Nindieworld left us. A game to disconnect from what surrounds us while using flight and verticality as the backbone of progress in this small but essential adventure. With the ability to give off a great personality despite using familiar mechanics and situations, the construction of a welcoming world full of secrets makes this experience a safe and different bet.
Raji: An Ancient Epic
Another of the indies that shone with their own light in the last event dedicated to them for Switch. The debut feature of Nodding Heads Games, which is capable of successfully delving into Hindu mythology while enjoying a combat system, puzzles and platforms that are well reminiscent of the last Prince of Persia trilogy, but this time with an isometric view and a way of narrating the events more than original to provide a solid adventure in almost everything it proposes.
Ori and the Will of the Whisps
Ori came by surprise with its sequel to Nintendo Switch without warning, and it became one of the surprises of the year for the console. It is not for less. We are talking about one of the best games of this 2020, with an audiovisual display at the level of the first installment -also in the eShop by the way- and with a gameplay that takes steps forward, turning more to action, with huge final bosses, a story that is capable of shrinking the heart and endless secrets. Living it on a laptop is quite an experience.
Cuphead
Cuphead is another of those essential games in the eShop’s digital catalog. And it is for many reasons. For that handmade animation that takes us back to previous times. For that accompanying soundtrack, those huge bosses and those expressions that are pure originality. Also because of the devilish difficulty, which provides great satisfaction when we manage to advance and overcome all its challenges. And because despite dying dozens of times, he is capable of making us play with an almost constant smile.
West of dead
West of Dead has the ability to be attractive in a genre that is many years old: the Twin Stick. Roguelike format, and that means that it will change the rooms and give us different challenges every time we die, its particular visual style adds a unique touch to the game experience. The firefights don’t stop, and the ability to cover all sides at 360 degrees means that as we get new weapons and control the game better, we enjoy the overall experience even more.
Katana zero
From the hand of Askiisoft and Devolver Digital, Katana Zero was one of the great indies of 2019 and a totally recommended bet this 2020. A title that has a first-rate soundtrack and trial-and-error gameplay where stealth and action They go hand in hand: overcome all the enemies in one go by controlling a protagonist, a ninja, who has problems and a personal plot much deeper than it seems. Visually powerful and even better on the move, Katana Zero is simply a guarantee of success.
Spiritfarer
Against all odds. This is Spiritfarer, a story starring Stella that offers us an audiovisual beauty comparable to the best of the genre and a more than inspired combination of genres that makes us face a title more attractive than beautiful. And that is very nice. With excellent animations, a story that integrates seamlessly with the management, platforming and exploration mechanics, and memorable characters to discover, Spiritfarer is another of those games capable of taking you to a fantasy world.
Hades
SuperGiant is always a guarantee of quality. Able to reinvent and surprise with each game, different from the previous one but excellent in its execution. And that happens with Hades, an addictive roguelite like few others, with an excellent combat system, rewards and balanced learning at every turn we take and the title that has best known how to integrate narrative, characters and dialogue to procedural titles like this one. When you get into the shoes of Zagreo trying to escape from hell, worth the redundancy, you no longer have an escape. You will play for hours and hours.
