There are so many games out there now for the Nintendo Switch, from tiny indie titles to massive triple-A efforts, To say that Nintendo’s Switch has been a success would be a massive understatement, and that’s truly showcased by the sheer depth and diversity of its library.
As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say that the current crop of games available for the Nintendo Switch is truly a visual feast. Each title showcases unique art styles and captivating landscapes that have left me awestruck and eager to explore further.
At times, you may find yourself seeking games that challenge your mind, such as intriguing puzzle titles on your Nintendo Switch. On other occasions, you might crave high-intensity action games like shooters or racers to keep your heart racing. However, there are moments when you simply desire to lose yourself in a captivating world, enveloped by its stunning aesthetics and breathtaking visuals. It is for these instances that we have compiled our list of the stunning Switch games, showcasing their exceptional artwork.
Had to cut down a few gorgeous titles from the list of the most beautiful Switch games
Now, just because we’ve classified these games as having beautiful artwork doesn’t mean that they’re not in those other genres we alluded to. In fact, we’ve got a racer in here, and a few puzzlers too. It was actually hard whittling the list down to the ten that make up this article, there are so many stunning games out there (the puzzle game is particularly abundant in them) and recent years have really seen the level of visual quality getting better and better as free-use engines continue to improve. We’ve got everything in here from platformer to puzzler, and there are even a few titles in there that might surprise you.
Among the realistically stunning, enchantingly magical, and mind-blowingly surreal, here are Pocket Gamer’s top 13 games for Nintendo Switch boasting mesmerizing artwork that will captivate you.
1 What Remains of Edith Finch
Publisher:
Annapurna Interactive
Available on: iOS + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about What Remains of Edith Finch
When it comes to discussing the most beautiful-looking games on the Switch, we simply had to kick off this list with What Remains of Edith Finch. It’s an instantly memorable game in that it doesn’t just have one set defined style, instead, it moves between realistic artwork into a comic style.
This narrative unfolds the mysterious and poignant demises of the Finch family, recounted by Edith, the lone surviving Finch. Delve into the antiquated Finch residence to uncover tales of departed kin, revealing the events that led to their untimely ends. Some incidents provoke laughter such as Walter Finch’s emergence after 30 years underground, only to be struck by a train. Others evoke deep emotions, like Gregory Finch drowning as an infant in his bathtub or Lewis Finch accidentally decapitating himself with a fish de-scaler due to his immersion in mental fantasy worlds. The development team has infused their passion into this game not just creatively but also emotionally.
2 GRIS
Developer: Nomada Studio
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Available on: iOS + Android + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about GRIS
In this game, I find myself immersed in a fantastical, dream-like world, where a young girl navigates heartache and loss. As her ally, I accompany her on this bittersweet odyssey, guiding her as she uncovers newfound powers that help her traverse each stage. This game offers an escape from danger, annoyance, or demise. Instead, I’m captivated by the intricately detailed backdrops painted in vibrant hues and soothed by a melodious soundtrack that creates a serene atmosphere.
This game’s beauty is challenging to express in words, and it isn’t shy about portraying the intense grief the character, named Gris (which also means ‘grey’ in Spanish), experiences. Did you know that the title itself is significant? Not only does it refer to the girl’s name, but ‘Gris’ also means ‘grey.’ This seems fitting given her initial emotional and physical state. Previously, we highlighted this captivating game in our list of top-tier Android games for its visual appeal.
3 Sky: Children of the Light
Available on: iOS + Android + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about Sky: Children of the Light
Leaving out Sky: Children of the Light from a list of the most stunning Switch games seems unimaginable. This breathtaking game, developed by the creators of Journey, was released not too long ago and left players spellbound with its panoramic views, exhilarating flight sequences, and diverse landscapes.
Your adventure (no pun intended) commences as you embark on a global quest, aiming to liberate numerous spirits confined across different realms of the world. Similar to Journey, you won’t be traveling solo; other players are visible along your path, yet in Sky: Children of the Light, you can develop friendships and utilize emoticons to interact with them. This game shares many similarities in themes and aesthetics with Journey, making it a spiritual successor of sorts. Just like Journey, the artistic style, thoughtful narrative, and moving soundtrack combine to create an extraordinary experience that stands out from many others.
We will likely remember for quite some time our moments of flying above stunning, verdant fields and racing along treacherous, frozen glaciers.
4 Eastward
Developer: Chucklefish
Available on: Steam + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about Eastward
The world is teetering on the brink of destruction, yet it remains stunningly beautiful. Embark on an adventure with John and Sam as they journey through a fantastical society, battling a lethal entity that’s devouring the land. This game showcases exceptional pixel art, featuring breathtaking natural backdrops and vibrant, oddly-shaped towns teeming with eccentric characters from all walks of life. Utilize John’s reliable frying pan or Sam’s dynamic abilities to combat various perilous monsters. Will this newly formed family make it through the treacherous wonders of their ailing world?
For enthusiasts of 2D Zelda-style games, Eastward might seem somewhat reminiscent. You’ll traverse Eastward’s captivating pixel-art landscape, tackling puzzles and vanquishing adversaries, with narrative-rich scenes interjected to flesh out the storyline. When confronting bosses, you’ll employ clever puzzle aspects from their lairs to momentarily stun them and inflict damage. The cycle is quite rewarding, and the dungeons exude a sense of grandeur that’s tough to surpass.
5 Mutazione
Available on: iOS + Steam + Nintendo Switch + Apple Arcade
Find out more about Mutazione
This tale weaves together elements of drama and the mysterious, offering a captivating journey brimming with hidden truths. The term ‘mutazione’ is an Italian word that means ‘change’ or ‘transformation.’ After a meteor impacted a vacation spot, those who survived began experiencing alterations. A century later, humans and supernatural beings coexist in their unique realm.
In “Mutanza,” a term that suggests a mutated soap opera, you’ll assume the role of a 15-year-old girl named Kai, who is striving to care for her grandfather, Nonno. Immerse yourself in an intricately hand-drawn universe teeming with lush vegetation and exotic creatures as you seek solutions to aid your situation. Form friendships, cultivate melodious gardens, and eventually embark on a journey to rescue the community from encroaching darkness. A significant portion of your time will be spent interacting with characters, uncovering their histories, and understanding their aspirations. The narrative is exceptionally well-crafted, offering both humor and emotional depth at every turn. Accompanying this captivating storyline is a moving soundtrack that can sometimes be soft and haunting. If you’re searching for a comforting game set in an unusual, liminal realm, then Mutazione is tailor-made for you.
6 The Alto Collection
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Find out more about The Alto Collection
As a dedicated Nintendo Switch fan, if you haven’t yet encountered the Alto series, I must confess that you’ve been missing out on something truly special. These games have been making waves for quite a while now, and when it comes to platformers, they set an exceptionally high standard of quality.
In every level, you glide through undulating slopes, maneuvering around obstacles, performing jumps, and gathering power-ups. Most of the screen focuses on the expanse of the horizon before you, a characteristic of 2D platformers, which you navigate in front of. The captivating gradient backdrops, calming sounds, and uncomplicated items set against these beautiful landscapes create a game that, despite occasional crashes, remains serene.
Although it may appear straightforward, mastering it proves challenging. A missed jump or unsuccessful trick will result in a wipeout. However, this setback won’t deter you as you quickly get back into the game, eagerly pursuing “one more run” to achieve a higher score or work on overcoming a specific challenge – such as executing a certain number of jumps within a single run. Its captivating nature is intriguingly contrasted with its tranquil title, making it incredibly addictive.
The Alto Collection encompasses the initial two games, Alto’s Adventure and Alto’s Odyssey, offering a stunning, captivating playthrough.
7 Fae Farm
Fae Farm offers an immersive, everyday farming experience set within a vast open world. As you work on enhancing your farm, you’ll also make friends with the townsfolk who reside there. Some areas of the town are being overtaken by strange, ominous roots that seem to have a sinister purpose. Your mission is to uncover the secrets of this peculiar town and find out what these roots are all about.
In your daily life, feel free to do as you please, provided you have the energy. If you’re a lover of games such as Stardew Valley and yearn for something visually captivating and fresh, then Fae Farm might be right up your alley. This game offers not only farming activities but also an interactive pet center! What sets it apart from other farming simulators is the magical element it incorporates, adding a unique twist to the genre. Overall, it’s a delightful, laid-back experience.
8 GRID Autosport
Publisher: Feral Interactive
Available on: iOS + Android + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about GRID Autosport
Racing games have always been at the peak of visuals, and those that use sleek cars and clean tracks certainly have an easier job than those that muck about with dirt and city-scapes. GRID Autosport sits somewhere in the middle, with visually stunning vehicles and courses that are flanked by crowds, towns and more. It’s track racing, but the handling is tight and natural feeling and you have full control over the vehicle as it weaves through other racers. GRID Autosport features over 100 licenced vehicles, each handling differently, and you can even tweak your car’s tuning to change how it performs.
There’s a pretty cool campaign mode in there, and a decent variety of levels and modes… but let’s not let that distract from the topic at hand: it’s absolutely beautiful. You can change between three performance modes depending on whether you want to prioritise framerate or visuals, with quality mode maintaining a solid 30fps with gorgeous dynamic lighting, smoke, fog, and motion blur. Vehicle destruction is stunning, too, as pieces of the cars break off and obstruct your vision. That’s why it was also included GRID Autosport on our list of best-looking iOS games.
9 Night in the Woods
Publisher: Finji
Available on: iOS + Steam + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about Night in the Woods
In the end, cling to whatever you can, for this game has an ominous undertone, featuring anthropomorphic animals. Its graphics are reminiscent of a children’s storybook, yet it tackles mature themes. Take on the role of Mae, a recent college dropout, as she reconnects with her old friends and navigates life in a small town once more.
In Possum Springs, things aren’t quite right, and it becomes apparent when Mae and her associates stumble upon a severed arm in the middle of the sidewalk. Matters grow even more peculiar when residents vanish and Mae experiences bizarre, psychedelic dreams. The game’s atmosphere combines autumnal charm with a sense of melancholic mystery, inviting multiple playthroughs to uncover all its secrets. This game boasts an extraordinary, visually appealing design that seamlessly blends simplicity and beauty. The hum of cars passes as you engage in conversations with townspeople; a squirrel darts through falling autumn leaves. Everything maintains a consistent sense of vitality and liveliness.
10 Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
Developer: Capy Games
Publisher: Capy Games
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
A game featuring pixel art blends mythology, psychology, and progressive rock. Assuming the role of a solitary female warrior known as the Scythian, you embark on a journey aimed at locating and annihilating a powerful tome called the Megatome. The atmosphere is tense, with dramatic lighting and intricate yet minimalist backdrops creating an exhilarating musical escapade. By controlling the terrain, water, and sky, you can navigate around obstacles and reach your objective. To truly grasp its depth, it’s essential to play.
As a gamer, I’ve got to say, it speaks volumes that Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP manages to deliver such an immersive experience with minimal graphics. At first glance, the pixel art might appear too basic, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the artists have masterfully crammed in a wealth of detail and emotion. This game transports you to a majestic realm filled with towering ruins and dense jungles teeming with wildlife – all achieved with just a sprinkle of pixels. A scene from the trailer showcasing a reflection in a forest pool is absolutely breathtaking.
11 Gorogoa
Developer: Jason Roberts
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about Gorogoa
In Gorogoa, not only does the game boast stunning visuals in its backdrops, characters, and locations, but what sets it apart is that these very images form the core of its gameplay mechanism. To advance in Gorogoa, you manipulate these captivating scenes and frames by rearranging them to uncover hidden puzzle pieces. The experience is mesmerizing and offers a unique, thought-provoking puzzle experience reminiscent of The Witness, but with a twist on the perspective.
In Gorogoa, your screen is broken down into four distinct sections, each holding an illustration. By dragging along the border of an image, you frequently uncover a layer hiding another world, completely transforming the context of the panel. Each scene is profoundly moving, stunning, or cryptic, and it’s challenging not to remember the captivating artwork that pulses with life at the core of this intriguing puzzle game.
12 Hollow Knight
Available on: Steam + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about Hollow Knight
The following game on the list is undeniably a masterpiece, showcasing exceptional visuals and gameplay. In Hollow Knight, you embark on an adventure through a stunning world filled with quests, challenges, and formidable foes. This indie title has garnered acclaim for its thrilling gameplay, but its visual style is particularly noteworthy. Each character, boss, and location boasts a distinct, intricate design that combines simplicity and uniqueness in a dark, detailed manner.
Another noteworthy aspect to highlight is the captivating soundtrack. It’s undeniably superb, lively, and resonant. Consequently, the harmonious blend of distinctive visual aesthetics and fitting music generates a mesmerizing gloomy ambiance that leaves you enchanted by this enchanting universe.
13 Metroid Prime Remastered
It’s not an understatement to say that naming an entire video game genre after your groundbreaking masterpiece might be the ultimate accomplishment in game development. And guess who managed to do just that? None other than Metroid, giving birth to the genre now known as “Metroidvania.
In this stunning game, you’ll assume the character of Samus, a space-faring bounty hunter, on a quest to capture Ridley, a clear antagonist. Your journey begins on Tallon IV, where you’ll navigate through the game. Tallon IV is meticulously designed, offering a variety of terrains from snow-capped mountains to fiery lava fields. The intricate details of your environment, including the landscapes and foes you encounter, will leave you amazed, taking your breath away.
Not only does Samus possess this ability, but she can also utilize various visors to uncover hidden elements, adversaries, or activate machinery. Furthermore, she has the unique capability of transforming into a rolling ball, which allows her to reach areas within levels that were previously inaccessible. Wouldn’t you agree that this game is an excellent contender for the most aesthetically pleasing Switch games currently available?
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2024-11-20 15:19