How appropriate it is, then, that Breath of the Wild will be remembered as a legend in its own right and, perhaps, the greatest game that Nintendo has ever created. Never has a world impressed me so much.
Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon deliver the most striking evolution that the series has ever seen. This is the most ambitious that Game Freak has ever been, and the Alola region's tropical paradise is all the better for it. Basked in sunshine, this is an adventure that celebrates everything that we have come to love about the series, while delivering a truly innovative Pokémon experience that successfully redefines it for a new generation.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe captures that rare magic, an unbeatable experience with friends and family that perfectly demonstrates how the concept that has driven Nintendo Switch is a complete game changer. Thundering over the finish line, that helps this to effortlessly rank as the best Mario Kart game ever made.
But, there is no other series that can capture pure joy so readily, and, coupled with the fact that Nintendo has regained their confidence with Nintendo Switch, sees Super Mario Odyssey never hit a bum note. Packed with energy, charm, and every trick in the book thrown in, choosing to hop aboard the Odyssey will undoubtedly result in you having the chance to experience one of the Mario’s greatest adventures. It’s a perfect reminder of the gaming magic that Nintendo is revered for, and something that they have miraculously been able to bottle twice within a single year.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate delivers the fight of a lifetime and an unfaltering experience that is ‘ultimate’ in every way imaginable. It really is something quite special, a celebration that’s rich in gaming history and, polished to perfection, the next must-have game on Nintendo Switch that you won’t want to miss.
What Monolith Soft has achieved with Xenoblade Chronicles 3 went far beyond my expectations. The developer’s masterful approach to character development and world-building results in an unforgettable adventure that is set in a world that is just as remarkable to explore. It is the emotional storytelling that makes it an unmissable journey that’s worth undertaking, elevating the experience to not only be considered as a Game of the Year contender but an all-time classic that will be remembered for decades to come.
Sadly absent on Nintendo's systems since Game Boy's Oddworld Adventures in 1998, Abe's heroics look slick as ever as he makes a welcome return in Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty. Porting niggles threaten to detract, but this sensational reboot deserves to be relived.
That all leads to a particularly positive impression for Ironcast, which easily becomes one of the strongest showings on the Nintendo eShop that I have played in the six months since Nintendo Switch launched. As engrossingly deep as it is engaging, I can only hope that you join us in our fight to defend Victorian England. We need you, commander.
The Banner Saga 2 continues to deliver a refreshingly personal experience, and, while some of the unpredictable events that transpire will undoubtedly astound, it is the rippling consequences of your own actions that keep you transfixed to the point that you will fret over every decision that you are forced to make.
It’s this constant and playful mirth that embodies Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime that makes the game such a riot to be a part of, and, now rallying Lovers on Nintendo Switch, there is no better time than to spread happiness across the galaxy. There’s an easy chance that you may just fall in love.
Armello has been created as a brutal and unforgiving game of chance, and, for those that want to plot and scheme to claim the throne, there’s nothing else quite like it on the Nintendo eShop. Underpinned with smart gameplay mechanics that will forever keep you on your toes, it lays an ample foundation for what I hope are many more games in its world to come.
The legend is reborn, with The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD delivering the definitive version of an undisputed masterpiece. 10 years may have passed but it remains as one of the greatest games ever created, and this Wii U exclusive becomes the very best way to relive the sweeping epic.
With your canine companion patiently sat wagging its tail as you drift downstream, this uncharted journey through a forgotten post-societal America is one that will long linger in your mind. A tale of hardship and perseverance, The Flame in the Flood: Complete Edition succeeds in pushing you to your limits – standing out as memorable addition to the Nintendo eShop. And, you’ll be surprised at what you will discover along the way.
Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright presents a deeply captivating tale, woven around a masterful strategy experience that longs for you to sink time into its tactical depths. This is a gentler path than the other versions, but that doesn't detract from its resounding success.
If Birthright delivers a classic Fire Emblem experience, Conquest steers it toward the future to outpace it in every way imaginable. Rewarding in its tactical brilliance, it dethrones Awakening to become the very best strategy RPG experience the Nintendo 3DS has to offer.
Where Bravely Default delivered revolution, Bravely Second: End Layer presents evolution. Whisking players back to Luxendarc's charm, it is everything that we could have ever wanted from a sequel. Silicon Studio strongly leads the charge in a bountiful year that promises numerous Nintendo 3DS exclusive RPGs, and in Bravely Second have made sure that the bar remains high.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE effortlessly delivers a performance of a lifetime, arriving as a near swansong for Wii U. It never misses a beat, packed with vibrancy not only in the kaleidoscopic palette but the soaring soundtrack that energises the entire experience.
Bursting with kaleidoscopic colour and packed with HAL Laboratory's creative touch, Kirby Planet Robobot results in being a sensational adventure for the pink hero.
Monster Hunter Generations remains an experience that excites most in the thrill of the chase, wrestling with once proud beasts as you bring them to their knees. It presents an adventure of a lifetime, and continued evolution of the core idea results in an experience that rewards at every turn.
Paper Mario: Color Splash isn't the Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door successor that many still resolutely hold out for, but that day may never come. But, the adventure that unfolds is a remarkable one, and joyously memorable for all the right reasons.