Things just got real for Nintendo. The Switch has been going from strength to strength since
its launch earlier this year, but there’s been a lingering sense of unease when looking at its line-up. The first-party IP releases have been, unsurprisingly, fantastic, but there’s still a rather large gap to fill. Third-party publishers have been slow to adopt the console, while the lack of independent studios pledging commitment had left us wondering whether Nintendo was still yet to update its archaic approach to courting and supporting Indies. Lord are we happy to be wrong on that one.
“We love the creativity, passion and amazing response that our independent developer community has already shown for Nintendo Switch,” said Damon Baker, Nintendo of America’s Senior Manager for Publisher & Developer Relations. “It’s great to see so many different developers creating new, unique experiences that take advantage of the hardware’s features. This is a win for fans, who will have access to an even wider selection of great indie content to take wherever they go.” Nintendo has revealed that over 100 indie games are in the works for Switch, showing off some of the most
exciting this past month as it looks to lock its release window down until early 2018. This means that the console now has an enviable list of games on the way; some are simply fun to see, such as ports of Morphies Law and Mom Hid My Game, while others, such as the return of No More Heroes as a console exclusive, are huge. An all-new Super Meat Boy is great to see, as too is the final piece of the Shovel Knight puzzle and the console launch of the full Kentucky Route Zero experience; the Nintendo Switch is finally becoming a force to be reckoned with in the indie scene.
1. KENTUCKY ROUTE ZERO: TV EDITION
Lauded by many to be one of the finest games of the decade, Kentucky Route Zero is finally receiving its long-awaited fi h act and console port as it arrives on Switch in early 2018. A must-own, Kentucky Route Zero is a stunning episodic adventure with fantastic writing and an unforgettable style.
2. DRAGON: MARKED FOR DEATH
This retro-inspired side-scrolling RPG looks like a wonderful compliment to Switch’s handheld functionality. Delivering 30 enormous quests worth of adventure to battle through, four unique classes to play with, and offering co-op play for a bigger challenge, Dragon is set to be a timed Switch exclusive launching this winter.
3. MULAKA
Coming in hot with a wonderful art and animation style, Mulaka is an upcoming action-adventure title from developer Lienzo. In it you’ll go up against an array of mythical creatures, solve puzzles and undergo an array of magical transformations – all inspired by northern Mexico, and its indigenous Tarahumara culture.
4. GOLF STORY
One of the most unique games to be announced for Nintendo's Switch so far, Golf Story is a wicked subversion of both golf games and 16-bit RPGs. It does, in fact, combine the two, switching out swords for golf clubs in this rather mad golf-RPG perhaps the first of its kind.
5. WULVERBLADE
Inspired by beat-‘em ups from the early Nineties, Wulverblade is a stunning hand-drawn 2D action game that has more going for it than looks alone. Played alone or with a friend, this upcoming release
from Darkwind Media is going to challenge and delight you in equal measure.
6. FLOOR KIDS
This unique rhythm-based action game from MERJ puts you in the shoes of a group of breakdancers who are looking to earn respect from their fellow street dwellers, pushing you to learn, combine and bust out a huge variety of fresh moves to original beats by Kid Koala.
7. SUPER MEAT BOY FOREVER
Team Meat is back! Truth told, our controllers had only just about recovered from the pain inflicted upon them by Super Meat Boy, but here we are, back in action with Super Meat Boy Forever. Featuring levels that get more challenging each time you beat them, new moves, and a new control scheme, just promise us you won’t throw your Switch in a rage when it whips your ass.
8. MORPHIES LAW
One of the most original takes on the online
shooter genre we’ve seen in a while; Morphies Law sees your avatar’s mass shitft as you inflict damage upon your enemies. Should you, for example, shoot somebody in the legs, you’ll find that your own become larger – simultaneously ensuring that not only can you can jumper higher, but your calves become a bigger target.
9. LOST SPHEAR
Coming from the studio behind critically acclaimed JRPG I Am Setsuna, Lost Sphear will see you adventuring across a gorgeous world in an attempt to stop the fabric of reality from unravelling. A reimagined turn-based battle system, an engrossing story, and rich character design are just a few of the things to expect from this January 2018 release.
10. MOM HID MY GAME
Mom Hid My Game is a deliriously bizarre game that brings back fond memories of Wario Ware. Here you are tasked with going scene to scene looking for your hidden game console, interacting with increasing difficult environmental puzzles whilst trying to avoid your mother – get caught and it’s game over.
11. NINE PARCHMENTS
Frozenbyte, the studio behind Trine and Has Been Heroes, is back with yet another interesting looking Switch game. Nine Parchments is a local and online co-op game, supporting up to four players, as you go off in search of monsters to blast in the face with ancient magics – it looks like fantastic fun.
12. SHOVEL KNIGHT: KING OF CARDS
As the final adventure in the Shovel Knight Treasure Trove saga, King Of Cards will see four new worlds and 30 new courses coming to Nintendo Switch in 2018. Shovel Knight is, of course, a faithful homage to classic Metroid and Castlevania franchises of old, imbuing the style with a intoxicatingly engaging modern flair.
