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10 Nintendo Switch indie games we can't wait for
Colourful, exciting and unique – here are the grassroots games that will shine on Switch.
The 10 most hyped Nindies
© Playtonic
Now the Nintendo Switch is out and in our hands, we really want more games on the platform. Don’t get us wrong: the new Zelda is one of the greatest games of all time. But once the credits have rolled and you’ve strolled through every shrine, you’ll need something else to occupy your thumbs while you wait for Super Mario Odyssey. Thankfully, the recently announced set of ‘Nindies’ – the industry phrase for games made by independent developers for Nintendo systems – means that there’s a veritable smörgåsbord of games coming to the system in the near future.
Some you may have heard of, and some that may be new to you, but one thing is for sure: we can’t wait to play these games. In no particular order of preference, here are the 10 indie games we’re most excited about playing on Nintendo Switch.
Splasher
We’d wager this first title is one you haven’t heard of. Released not too long ago on PC, the platformer requires timing and efficiency to run around the tightly designed levels in order to complete them with the highest score. The closest comparison we can make is to Super Meat Boy, as Splasher has similar ‘warp zone’ bonus rooms inside the levels, but also has you wall running, avoiding spikes, enemies, and all kinds of things that will kill you. Splasher will be perfect in handheld mode, we just know it.
Thumper
Developer Drool’s first game caused a stir in 2016 with its initial release on PC, PS4, and PSVR, with PC VR support coming later. This hardcore rhythm violence game has a gloriously oppressive feel thanks to the intense soundtrack. But the reason we’re dying to play it on Switch is because Drool have said they will be utilising the HD Rumble functionality in the Joy-Cons. This means that an already incredibly intense experience could be taken to the next level.
Ultimate Chicken Horse
Despite the ridiculous name, Clever Endeavour Games have made a fun party game that is best played with friends. You know, like the Switch itself. The idea is that you are given a blank slate and take turns with your friends to create a horrendously difficult level that you have to complete. Each turn allows you to place even more obstacles and hazards, and the winner is the person who gets to the flag the most times. It’s great fun, and the ability to take the Nintendo Switch anywhere will really make the most of this one, especially with the touch screen, which we’re hoping you can use to place objects.
Steamworld Dig 2
The first Dig game was fantastic, but there’s a high chance you may not have even heard of it. Image & Form successfully created a silly yet adorable universe with the first ‘Steamworld’ game – carried into Heist, and hopefully Dig 2 – but the addictive nature of Dig came from the exploration of the underground mines. It’s closest to Terraria or Minecraft, but this new iteration hopefully leans harder on its MetroidVania roots, which we all prefer.
Yooka-Laylee
It may seem strange to some, but certain games just feel at home on specific platforms. With all the ex-Rare developers at Playtonic Games ( developer of Yooka-Laylee), forgive us for feeling like this one belongs on a Nintendo platform, not least because the originally crowd-funded 3D platform game was supposed to be coming to Wii U. With that version cancelled in favour of a Switch edition, we’re confident the bright colours and joyous spiritual successor to Banjo-Kazooie will prove a hit on Switch.
Stardew Valley
The phenomenon that is Stardew Valley looks set to continue on Switch after its success on consoles, but this version brings something new to the table. Apart from the obvious ‘on the go’ factor the Switch can bring, Chucklefish Games and publisher 505 Games will be bringing a timed console exclusive multiplayer mode first to Switch. If you haven’t played it yet, this seems like the ideal time to get involved. The fact you can just never stop farming thanks to the handheld nature of Nintendo’s newest console makes it well worth picking up.
The Fall Part 2: Unbound
If we were confident you hadn’t heard of Splasher, we’re almost certain you won’t know what The Fall is. Firstly, it’s got nothing to do with Mark E Smith’s alt-rock band. Secondly, the first part of this game was released in 2014 to little fanfare, despite it being a terrific side scrolling action adventure game. Part 1 actually came to Wii U before PS4 and Xbox One, so it’s clear Over the Moon Games like Nintendo. We won’t spoil the plot, but the story to The Fall is a deeply interesting one, and ends on a cliffhanger that’s left us dying to play Part 2. We started on Wii U, and we’ll finish – unless there’s a part 3, we can only hope – on Switch. Also, telling you about this one now gives you time to play Part 1, so get on it.
Duck Game
This is another game that feels like it was somehow originally designed with Switch in mind. Just as with 1-2-Switch, on the go, multiplayer games rule supreme on Nintendo’s multi purpose console. With all manner of weaponry, Duck Game lets you choose your duck – complete with crash helmet, or sombrero, or any hat that’s available – and shoot the hell out of your buddies. The PC version even has a level editor, so perhaps on the Switch you could create levels, then meet up and play on your own Switch via local multiplayer? Think Nidhogg: this one is fast, frenetic, and will cause lots of laughs.
The Jackbox Party Pack 3
If you’ve never heard of the Jackbox Party Pack games, you’re missing out on the best party games full stop. The reason these games are so fun is because of the method of controlling it: you use your smartphone. Everyone has one, and input pretty much only varies between touching a button and drawing with your finger. The only concern we have over this one is that, because of the use of phones, you need an internet connection for the game, so you’ll need to be connected to wifi when playing in portable mode. Otherwise, though, taking this game to your friend’s house just got a whole lot easier.
Overcooked: Special Edition
Pretty much the ultimate co-op experience, Overcooked is a fantastic game and it feels like too few people played it. Working in a kitchen is stressful, and Overcooked channels this feeling of rushing around putting out fires so successfully. This Special Edition will bring all the previously released DLC to the table, as well as making use of the HD Rumble on the Joy-Cons. We’re hoping this means you’ll feel the chopping of onions taking place, or your heart beating as the time runs out. We wanted to include ToeJam & Earl or WonderBoy in our list of 10, but there was no way we could leave out Overcooked, especially as we’re hoping for some amiibo for the game.
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