Are you tired of missing out on hidden gems in the vast sea of Switch games? Welcome back, gaming enthusiasts, to the 11th installment of our 'Games We Missed' series! Every six months, we’ve been calling on our readers to spotlight those underrated Switch titles that often get lost in the eShop’s weekly deluge of releases. With the Switch 2 now in the mix, we’re bracing for even more discoveries when we return in six months. But for now, let’s dive into 32 games—both old and new—that our Nintendo Life community thinks deserve a moment in the spotlight. These aren’t just our picks; they’re your recommendations, each one a testament to the joy these games have brought to someone. So, scroll down, check out the trailers, and maybe find your next favorite game. And don’t forget to vote for your favorites at the end!
Against the Storm (Switch eShop)
Pak-Man kicks things off with a passionate recommendation: “Every city-builder fan needs to know about Against the Storm.” While they may have gone a bit overboard with their word count, others have kept their suggestions remarkably brief—so it all balances out. Against the Storm is a fantasy city-builder with a unique “rainpunk” aesthetic. Yes, it’s always raining, and managing rainwater is a key part of your strategy. You’ll need to keep various species happy in your city, ensuring they become productive workers so you can build even greater things. The graphics are stunning, the setting is immersive, and the music is enchanting. But here’s where it gets controversial: the game’s roguelike element. While the term “roguelike” might make some groan, its application here is nothing short of brilliant. As a long-time city-builder fan, Pak-Man points out that these games often lose steam once your city reaches self-sustainability. But in Against the Storm, you’re constantly challenged by the demands of a mysterious Queen. Fail to meet her expectations, and it’s game over. Succeed, and you’ll unlock bonuses for your next city. This keeps the game in a perpetual state of excitement, avoiding the boredom of maintenance. It’s a fresh take that keeps players engaged, and Pak-Man can’t recommend it enough. But is the roguelike twist a game-changer, or just a gimmick? Let us know in the comments!
Atomicrops (Switch eShop)
Havenn goes all-in on Atomicrops, a farming roguelike set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Here, you’ll grow mutant crops to feed a village while defending your farm from waves of garden-themed bosses at night. The game’s quirky pixel art, pseudo-folk soundtrack, and collectible “Atomicats” make it a standout. It’s tough, but Havenn admits they’ve been hooked for years. Is this the perfect blend of farming and chaos, or does it try to do too much?
Bad End Theater (Switch eShop)
Rptrzy calls Bad End Theater an “ingenious new way of great storytelling.” While not groundbreaking, it offers a unique twist on familiar methods, with art, characters, and music that elevate the experience. Is it a must-play for narrative enthusiasts, or does it fall short of its creative ambitions?
Barony (Switch eShop)
Joe Crane raves about Barony, a dungeon crawler with four-player split-screen co-op. He plays it regularly with his 8 and 6-year-olds, eagerly awaiting the day his 4-year-old can join in. The game’s charm lies in its surprises—like locking spells working on mimics or combining items for unique results. With over a dozen classes and races, there’s always something new to discover. Is Barony the family-friendly co-op game we’ve been waiting for, or does it get lost in the shuffle?
Battle Train (Switch eShop)
Tapdancingtommy recommends Battle Train, a deckbuilding dueling game set on a grid-like board. Your goal? Destroy your opponent’s stations before they destroy yours. With a game-show story, Cartoon Network-style art, and voice acting, it’s a board game brought to life. Is it a refreshing take on strategy games, or does it derail halfway through?
Be Brave, Barb (Switch eShop)
FishyS is a fan of Be Brave, Barb, an auto-walker gravity-bending puzzle-platformer. The optional collectibles double as bad jokes, and the game’s “questionable therapy” plot adds a layer of humor. It’s simple yet creative, perfect for short bursts of brain-teasing fun. Is it a hidden gem for puzzle lovers, or does it fall flat?
Call of the Sea (Switch eShop)
Munchlax praises Call of the Sea, a narrative puzzle game set in a Lovecraft-inspired Tahiti. You play as Nora, a terminally ill 1930s housewife searching for her missing husband. The game’s escape room-style puzzles are complex yet satisfying, and its 5-hour fully voiced story is well worth the £16 price tag. Is it a must-play for puzzle and story fans, or does it drown in its own ambition?
Cardfight!! Vanguard Dear Days 2 (Switch eShop)
Topsekret recommends Cardfight!! Vanguard Dear Days 2 to TCG and deck-building fans. This digital version of the real-life TCG offers a traditional RPG-style experience with no microtransactions. With a massive card pool and hundreds of hours of gameplay, it’s a sequel that stands on its own. Is it the ultimate TCG experience, or does it get lost in its complexity?
CATO: Buttered Cat (Switch eShop)
Sketchturner hails CATO: Buttered Cat as one of the best puzzle games ever. Despite its silly premise, the game brilliantly combines the abilities of a buttered toast (jumping) and a cat (walking) to create a challenging yet rewarding experience. Each level introduces new mechanics, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. Is it a puzzle masterpiece, or does it crumble under its own complexity?
COGEN: Sword of Rewind (Switch eShop)
FX29 highlights COGEN: Sword of Rewind, a side-scrolling action game that blends reflex-based combat with pattern memorization. With a rewind mechanic that lets you undo mistakes, it’s a challenging yet satisfying experience reminiscent of Mega Man Zero. Is it the perfect holdover until the next Mega Man game, or does it fail to recapture the magic?
But here’s the real question: Which of these games will you try first? And which do you think deserves more attention? Let us know in the comments!
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