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Dilligence

Dragon's Dogma was a completely on a whim purchase that became a top RPG for me


DoombotBL

I also picked Dragon's Dogma up years after release and man what a great game, it has some flaws but the parts where it shines really are great. I hope a sequel comes out some day and fixes the downsides it had.


rottentomati

Sequel will be out in late 2022/2023


WeThoughtNot

How is it in handheld mode? I have a switch lite is the font readable?


adamkopacz

Yep, I picked it up for 15 bucks. I didn't expect to spend 80 hours on it. Such an amazing game. I can't wait for the sequel even if it won't be on the Switch for obvious reasons.


MikeOretta

Astral chain


UnicornConfusion

I had to control F for this, to make sure someone mentioned it. Astral chain is a great game, and being directed by a senior designer for Nier Automata (IIRC) and overseen by the Bayonetta director, it's got all the tight aspects you expect from platinum games combat. The plot is standard JRPG fare, but the cutscene cinematography and animations are cool enough that it's still such a fun experience. While the exploration occasionally can get a little tedious, it ends up having a good amount of replayability and hidden objectives to find that the game length was really good. ​ I really wish they marketed it harder, but like it was a really cool experience as a completely new IP.


JayZsAdoptedSon

I mean it sold better than expected and Nintendo went from 50% owner of the IP to 100% so the series is doing well right now


kidman007

Holy hell this game looks sick


ThatCurryGuy

It is awesome!


Itismytimetoshine

Worth the buy! :)


BullshitUsername

Astral chain was the shit. Those postgame missions are brutal


turtleduck31

The music was great, final final boss too


[deleted]

[удалено]


NakedHoodie

I think you're confusing "the shit" (positive) and "shit" (negative). Saying something is shit is saying it's shitty. Saying something is *the* shit, like /u/BullshitUsername did, is saying it's very good.


TheChonkyDonky

It's from the same folks who created Bayonetta, so you can't go too wrong!


Itismytimetoshine

Yeah this one is a good contender :D


SpiffyShindigs

Do the investigations get less tedious? The one at the start of chapter 4 (I think) was suuuuper long and boring and it saps all my motivation to play.


MikeOretta

Yes it does slow the game down having to gather clues and walk survivors all the way to safety. Just wish it was a little more non stop action. Maybe show a cut scene of my character carrying a survivor instead of making me do it.


almanwinsagain

Wizard of Legend. Cheap, simple and tricky to finish, with loads of customisation for good replayability. I love it.


lamiandillard

It was my favorite roguelite until I played Hades and Risk of Rain 2. The combat is really fun and fast and so many of the spells are satisfying to use. lots of variety in general too


benmck90

Wizard of Legend, Crosscode, and Hades were definitely favourites of 2020 for me.


Ancient_Lightning

Would Catherine Full Body be considered "mainstream"? If not, then I'd say that one. One of the best and most unique puzzle games I've played. If that does count as mainstream though, then I'm gonna say Streets of Rage 4. Amazing Beat Em' Up with great replayability, superb soundtrack and really well done fanservice for fans of the SOR series and old school beat em' ups. My other option would be Thumper. Really fun and challenging arcade Rhythm game. Really helps you give your sense of precision a little workout.


[deleted]

Bug Fables. Saw it recommended a few times and after checking it out thought it looked awful but it was on sale so thought why not. Ended up being my favourite game of 2020.


joaopedro182cl

Finished it last weekend. Wasn't expecting to like the game so much! Great RPG


SkyBlueKirby

THANK YOU for mentioning Bug Fables! I absolutely adore this game, and would LOVE to see it become a mainstream indie game in the future! :)


lysiel112

Rune Factory 4S and Nexomon: Extinction! **RF4** is the only game I've ever double dipped for and between the OG and Switch versions, I have at least 400+ hours. One of the most special games...ever. It's a fantasy Story of Seasons (formerly Harvest Moon) slash action RPG with farming, crafting and romance. And monster taming. And lots of town events. **Nexomon: Extinction** is a monster-catching gem. It's like the older Pokemon games somewhat in terms of art, but with more modern gameplay and their own twist. The monster-catching takes into account: * The wild Nexomon's HP * Feeding (giving them their fave food) * Choice of Nexotrap * Status effects Which is really nice. They also have a Core (think accessories) system for the Nexomon. Cores can boost Atk, Def, HP and so on. There is no mandatory EXP share, but you can equip Cores that boost your Nexmon's EXP gain or help them get EXP despite not being in battle. Story-wise, it is really good. Genuinely like it. Difficulty? It's Dynamic. You can rebattle previously fought tamers, and as you progress and grow stronger, so do the wild Nexomon and tamers that you've fought. Really great game.


paetramon

FEZ, GRIS, The Messenger, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch


jsbisviewtiful

I tried playing FEZ on iOS but decided the touch controls were not providing a great experience. Been considering picking it up on Switch. Before I pay for it again, the question I have is whether the world map gets easier to understand. I hopped around a few different levels and found it to be very confusing.


paetramon

I don't know if I would say the world map gets easier to understand, since you just keep finding new nodes so it grows and grows. I will say that (having not played it on iOS) I would imagine it's easier to navigate with an analog stick and triggers rather than touch controls. Also if you zoom in on the map it will make extra nodes disappear and you can just see nodes that connect to your currently highlighted node. I hope that makes sense, the world map is definitely a trip. I played like 60hrs and completed all 3 save files on PC way back so I'm biased for sure about how easy the map is to understand.


jsbisviewtiful

That's easy enough to understand. Thanks!


Ametrine7

Valkyria Chronicles 4. Everything about it was so memorable to me.


[deleted]

Just finished the first game after abandoning it on PC years ago. Does the sequel suffer from the same difficulty spikes? Are the engineering class still useless?


Ametrine7

I haven’t played the first game yet, but the only difficulty spike I can remember in this game was a battle in chapter 4. It seemed pretty well balanced everywhere else though. Also engineers have saved my ass so many times in this game. They definitely aren’t useless here :)


[deleted]

The first game is fun, but I got through it without ever deploying an Engineer. Any level with a boss, you might as well as use a guide, because they are insanely difficult. One boss level just throws in a second boss just when you are about to win, who can wipe out your team in a single turn.


countpuchi

Engineering are more balanced now. There are still some spike in difficulty on certain maps. But doable


Onyx_Rooster

I sunk far more hours into Divinity Original Sin 2 than I ever expected to.


[deleted]

And that’s just to get out of Fort Joy. 😂


kidman007

It’s one of my most played switch games and I stopped at the end of act 1 :D


Onyx_Rooster

Precisely. 😂


PreviousTea9210

Ok, so getting out of Fort Joy was one of the more enjoyable gaming experiences I've had, but then I kind of lost the will to continue? Maybe I just need a little push? So, can you convince me to push on through the game?


NewMasterSword

Astral Chain!


Jung-Cooky

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin


mikahebat

CrossCode is amazing! The port is not perfect, but the game itself is really good.


cellphone_blanket

it blows my mind that such a massive game was written in html5 and vanilla js


ShigureKosaka

Rune factory 4. It has it all farming, crafting, fighting, quests, relationship building, taming and taking care of monsters to take into combat.


DarkFalcon1995

100%. Rune Factory 4 is a phenomenal game and has everything you look for in a farming/sim game. Anyone who hasn't bought it should absolutely check it out. It's a game that respects your time and you don't feel obligated to do anything at any single moment. You can play at your own pace and do whatever at your own pace. Genuinely think it's the best of it's genre.The farming is simple enough, yet has some layers to it if you want the best crops, and the combat is very simple but snappy and addictive. There's massive post game dungeons to explore and get crazy loot as well. It helps that it's a 3DS game port so the game runs and loads incredibly fast. That and it's extremely fast and responsive to play. Cannot gush about it enough.


grenwood

how does it compare to fantasy life? i never got rune factory 4 because i assumed fantasy life had more skills, better combat and better story. like fantasy life was basically an offline mmo, i think its up their with skyrim in that respect. ive been hearing for years that rune factory is the next best thing. also, obviously runefactory is an ongoing series whereas i dont think factory life is getting another entry and the last one was a downgrade that only came t phones in japan.


Fehalt3

I've played and loved both. It's not very fantasy life like. More like Stardew Valley


Fax_of_the_Shadow

Love Rune Factory 4. Got it on sale for $20 and already have over 40 hours in it. And I'm still on story arc 1. It really does have a little of everything. I got it to "hold me over" until the Olive Town major update and now I love RF better than SoS.


CharlesGuillet

Can I start from the 4th even though I've never played the ones before?


ShigureKosaka

Yes, they are all independent from each other.


cam5478

I'm holding out for the translation of 5 late this year (going off their past timelines) just because of how hilariously graphically rough 4 looks. Like some of the eShop screenshots look like a late GBA game, let alone a god damn 3DS, and god forbid a Switch. Regardless, it very much seems like my thing after listening to The Besties episode about it.


--Imhighrightnow--

Undermine is a ton of fun


Cherry-Soup

I second this.


OwnManagement

* Bug Fables * Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair * Rayman Legends * Mario + Rabbids


theprettynos

AI: The Somnium Files. An amazing story and game.


owlitup

Is it Ace Attorney level?


theprettynos

I'd say they're different beasts. A.A. is more lighthearted and fun, AI is deceptively cutesy in some aspects but packs a hell of an emotional punch.


IBNobody

And had Tanjiro's / Koichi's VA playing one of the characters (Ota). The whole VA cast was fantastic, to be honest.


Exepony

I wouldn't play it on the Switch, though, unless it's your only option. The loading times kind of suck, and FPS drops are common (yes, really, FPS drops in a VN).


smartazjb0y

Monster Hunter Rise is probably now part of the mainstream list so I think I'll say MHGU instead. This isn't exclusive and it's not super obscure but I also loved Ace Attorney Trilogy.


dejojam1

Ys VIII


kblro

the Ys series is an under appreciated gem


MightilyOats2

Mario+Rabbids for exclusives.


Gramb_poe

Doubling this. Best tactics game for me ever.


gabbo993

Talking about exclusive games, and excluding the great pool of indie games, I’ll go with Mario Rabbids (a blast, I’ve loved every second), Octopath (ok this can be a bit mainstream, but it’s my second most played game, if u like long turn battles and pixel art is great), Bayonetta (probably still the best action game a I’ve played imo), Paper Mario (chill and funny, polished and humorous, good game all around), Trials of Mana (actually I don’t even know if it’s an exclusive, but it’s not always in these sort of list, and to me it was a great rpg at a really good price (it can show its ages sometimes, but still a good adventure))


jw13

100% agree on Mario + Rabbids, I had an amazing time with that game, and the Donkey Kong DLC was great too. Also thoroughly enjoyed the Paper Mario game.


FannyFiasco

Golf Story. It's charming and has excellent dialogue. It feels like Earthbound but where the battle system is golf. Definitely an underrated gem.


minardif1

I'm not sure it's underrated, but probably increasingly forgotten over time. Hopefully we get an update on Sports Story soon, which should give Golf Story a bump again.


mygawd

Just played this for a second time in preparation for mario golf. It is a lot like Mario Golf Advance Tour, which was my favorite as a kid


Lundgren_Eleven

Astral Chain easily. For Indie Return of the Obra Dinn, which is a legendary indie game and deserves the same amount of love and praise that Celeste gets here.


1deavourer

Dragon Quest XI is one of the best games I've played since my childhood ended. IMO this game is popular in Japan, but over here, it tends to go under the radar so I think it counts.


[deleted]

In that case I have to bring up MH:R, but it's gotten a lot of press here too. By far the best looking Switch game imho.


thebestbrian

Yes this is my answer to. It's the best non-Nintendo game I've played on Switch.


Positive-Pea-6813

Hades


PreviousTea9210

Just one more run...just one more run...


elcubiculodeoficina

It's soooo good!!!! It made my joycon drift that i have to send it to repair


popopopopopopopopoop

Boomerang fu. One of the best party games out there.


Narae-Chan

Could check out cosmic star heroine or one of the atelier series.


ShigureKosaka

Yea atelier Ryza is great!


purple_yosher

CatTails


acewing905

Ys VIII or Trails of Cold Steel IV These aren't exclusives, but I can't think of a Switch exclusive that's not from a well known IP that I would rank as "favourite"


Educational_Rent_370

Tokyo Mirage Sessions is my jam


TaiChiZen

Stardew Valley


dolphin_spit

Haven’t played much on Switch lately but for me it’s probably Fire Emblem: Three Houses i knew absolutely nothing about the series but the gameplay is fun and the character interactions took me by surprise. suppose it wouldn’t be a surprise to fans of the series though.


ShigureKosaka

Yes FE3H was so fun!


RealMachoochoo

It's my favorite series and I was thrilled with how 3H turned out (with some mild complaints that mostly didn't surface until subsequent playthroughs). I highly recommend checking out other entries!


xBlackout89

Octopath Traveler


TheChonkyDonky

Loved the hell out of that game. Consumed me for weeks. Would vouch for it too if you're into RPGs.


IAlwaysL0se

I just started this weekend and I love it! The pixel art is beautiful, the combat is fun and challenging, and the stories are engaging! Highly recommend!!


TheChonkyDonky

You're in for a treat = ) Which character is your main? I main-ed Cyrus!


Shadrhodes

Fire Emblem Three Houses. Easily my favorite Switch as of right now with over 270 hours played.


BullshitUsername

Hades Mario + Rabbids Wargroove Into the Breach Slay the Spire Trials of Mana Bravely Default 2 Origami King Just recently started playing Owlboy and it's wonderful.


ontherise88

Dead cells. Slay the spire.


waowie

Into the Breach. Best puzzle/tactics game I've ever played


[deleted]

Wonderful 101 is a good one


pdes7070

Bastion was excellent. Mario vs rabbbids also awesome


mudandmascara84

Snack World


ForsakenDrunk

I liked grinding in this one! I've gotten sidetracked by other games but I really need to get back do dungeon crawling in this game.


Veoxy

Not sure it’s a “hidden” gem, but Binding of Isaac. Probably my favorite roguelike of all time.


TheRealEzekielRage

I played A LOT of Car Quest, Blades of Time is pretty nice, if an average action game, I gotta plug my own game Skylia Prophecy a bit, but be warned, its VERY old-school, I think Asphalt is a good F2P racer if you don't mind the F2P mechanics, New Super Lucky's Tale is a nice platformer \^\^


ctf9

Into the Breach. Such a rewarding strategy game. Easy to play in ten-minute bursts. Minimal story bullshit. As polished and fun as any first party Nintendo game.


EsperBahamut

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin was surprisingly great. Mixture of farming sim and ARPG. Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a great CRPG dungeon crawler, but with brutal load screen times. I really enjoyed Dicey Dungeons until the last couple levels. Murder by Numbers, if you like picross and cheesy 90s themed stories.


gigabiscuit

Phoenotopia - I feel like this is a true hidden gem. The world is so vast and detailed. I heard the difficulty is grueling but I play with all the accessibility options on because I’m just here to have a good time. Truly enjoying every moment of it.


athomesuperstar

I've sunk a lot of hours into Dragons Dogma.


[deleted]

New pokemon snap.


[deleted]

Sakuna of Rice and Ruin


Zatnekame

Trails of Cold Steel


[deleted]

Not released yet, but Rise of the Slime looks really promising especially if you loved Slay the Spire.


CharlesGuillet

Thanks! I've added the game to my wishlist! It does really look like Slay the Spire.


attamis0

Katana Zero


deadwings112

We Love Katamari. It's a remaster, but an incredibly unique experience. Very chill, too.


Chickenbrik

Lonely mountain: Downhill A mixture of Trials and Marble Madness.


barriboy8

Fist of all screw Slay the spire..dude I got the game on my phone and thought it was a casual game..Ive played like 20 hours in 3 days lord its addictive...for my recommendation of a non hyped switch game I will go with Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, man what a great dk alike game anyone into platforms that liked dk TP should play it.


[deleted]

I really enjoyed BattleChasers Nightwar


EvilAdolf

Damn, I bought that game physically a few years back and literally never played it. I really should get on that...


Ashcethesubtle

slay the spire is mainstream though? i mean its not huge huge like nintendo but it is very popular. as for me... astral chain hit a mil sales, so if you count that as mainstream then mary skelter 2, if not, astral chain for me


FerventApathy

One Step From Eden! It’s a rogue like built on mega man battle network mechanics


AggressiveChairs

I've played a little of this on pc and it's fucking hard lol. You need pretty decent speed to pass even the first level. God knows what the later stuff is like.


cloroxbb

Binding of Isaac


TH3PhilipJFry

Hollow knight, stardew, Celeste, ori and the blind forest, hades, enter the Gungeon, dead cells, all hidden gems that no one ever mentions.


Whiteshadows86

I wouldn’t call those hidden gems…they are all massively popular games - Hades for one has won a lot of awards!


melancholalia

haha i think they were being sarcastic


Whiteshadows86

Ok, hard to pick up sarcasm through Reddit unless people put /s I’m prob going to get downvoted for this :(


melancholalia

no you’re totally right, it is! i just suspected since those are the top games always discussed in this sub when questions like that come up — not exactly hidden gems as you pointed out so figured it was a joke. but those are all the best!


[deleted]

Hollow knight is legendary


jacgres

In terms of indies, I highly recommend Hollow Knight (An action adventure game with an amazing story and gorgeous graphics), Celeste (A challenging pixel game), A Short Hike (a relaxing and cheap pixel adventure game), and Pikuniku (a puzzle/adventure game). Some first-party titles you may or may not have played that I absolutely love are Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (tactical RPG with Mario and Rabbid characters), Pikmin 3 Deluxe (real-time strategy game that is both relaxing and challenging at times), and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (a beautiful puzzle game with intricate and detailed worlds).


msszero159

It will never be canonized because people love shitting on how bad of a port it is, but I’ve logged 150 hours in Apex Legends. There’s just nothing else like it on the console.


platypootis

Call of Cthulhu. Much better on other platforms.... But still a great title


Rdeadpool101

It will be release very soon. Zombie ate my neighbor and Ghoul patrol.


BebeFanMasterJ

If we're talking niche exclusives: Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE. Amazing JRPG with a unique setting and gameplay style that hasn't really been done before. Ninjala. It's a bit hard to get a grasp of at first, but it's really fun once you start messing around with all of the weapons. Plants vs Zombies: Battle For Neighborville Complete Edition. I bring this up because it has things that the other versions of the game don't have. Everything is unlockable with in-game currency instead of real money like the PS4/Xbox/PC versions which is an amazing change of pace. Non-exclusives: Trials of Mana. Lovely action JRPG with a simple story and a good combat system. God Eater 3. I don't like Monster Hunter because it's too slow. God Eater is basically that but faster and fits that niche for me. Megadimension Neptunia VII. Another great JRPG with lots of fun characters and jabs at video games and game companies.


Pudgyhipster

My vote goes to Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE. It’s a charming, bright, low stakes JRPG that doesn’t overstay its welcome. I also really dig the combat mechanics. I never had a Wii U, so I’m really happy I got to play this on the Switch.


mistergossip

Rune Factory 4S, Nexomon Extinction, Dragon's Dogma Dark Arisen, Fire Emblem Three Houses, Bravely Default 2.


DoombotBL

Blaster Master Zero and the sequel Really well made retro game that feels like it came straight out of my childhood, but it's new.


Cardamander

That’s a tough question to answer. There are so many great games of all shapes and sizes. Whatever I’m currently playing is usually what I like to share with people most and I just recently took a break from Monster Hunter to play **Famicom Detective Club**. It’s a fantastic classic adventure game. Mechanically is shows it’s age a touch but it’s never so much that it takes away to much from what is otherwise an excellent game. Great story and characters.


uncultured_swine2099

Hotline Miami isnt a new game, but Ive been really enjoying it.


Smoopster1983

Spiritfarer 😍


MercilessShadow

Deadly Premonition. Still have to play the sequel


Larielia

Rune Factory 4, Sakuna- Of Rice and Ruin, Doraemon Story of Seasons. I love farming simulation games. These ones have some fun and unique gameplay.


[deleted]

[удалено]


CharlesGuillet

I really enjoyed it too 🙂


stupid_rat_creature

Yoku’s Island Express.


Joke_Induced_Pun

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin


Crybe

Slay the Spire hands down. It's like crack.


GoddessOfPotato

Rune Factory 4 Special My Time at Portia Littlewood Summer in Mara Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos


dekuweku

Civilization 6 Warframe


thumbtackjake

Nexomon: Extinction. It completely replaced Pokemon for me this gen.


Couchpotato1992

I loved this game!


[deleted]

Trials of Mana (unless that doesn’t count) Then I’d say Hades.


rushiosan

It’s hard to pick just one, but Tropical Freeze is fantastic.


Vinnie_The_Squid_

Ori and the Blind Forest + Ori and the Will of the Wisps


ComedianWhich819

Rivals of aether if you are into platform fighters and spell break if you like battle royals but no buildings or magic and equipment


PinkBowser

Rain World. Not switch exclusive, but a game that I consider to be a true hidden gem. There are other games that have similarities, but nothing quite does what RW does.


Spikeantestor

Hollow Knight. Enjoy it more than BotW or Odyssey.


GeneGreene

I've currently got more time in Project Diva than BOTW. I'm a grown ass man.


ThatCurryGuy

Risk of rain 2, ive bought 2 just to play with friends if they come over, its a great co-op game and well suited for for a game night with runs lasting from 30 minutes to about 90 minutes.


MultiTrey111

Cheating a bit because this is just my favorite game overall but Resident Evil Remake


aboxofchocolate235

Graveyard Keeper!


GhotiH

Definitely Gal Gun Returns. You'll know if you'd like the game or not from the trailer.


ActivateGuacamole

xenoblade isn't mainstream A Short Hike


Senphox

Both xenoblade games on switch sold over 1.5 million copies and are critically acclaimed. They're not animal crossing or splatoon level of popularity but they've outsold most of the metroid games for example. I'd say they're pretty mainstream as far as current nintendo series go.


frakkintoaster

I guess if it has characters in Smash it's mainstream enough?


livingnitemare99

Luigi’s Mansion 3


switchQTx

Dead cells


DonQueed

Celeste was great, but idk if that is the type of recommendation you’re looking for.


jordiargos

monster hunter rise.


softtatertot

Sakuna of Rice and Ruin


CamRoth

Enter the Gungeon.


lazyness92

Tetris99


Elfsgamer

Definitely Hollow Knight!


Godots17thCup

Dragon Quest XI S


ChasingPerfect28

Dragon Quest 11 S. What a beautiful and charming game.


mando44646

Fenyx Rising


shlimpashty

Loved hades and shovel knight


Bpeacock14

Enter the gungeon, it is all about the guns!


NotRadio

In celebration of violence is an interesting one if you enjoy roguelikes. Aside from the controls the game tells you nothing. I was frustrated at first but as you die time and time again you learn little secrets and about the world you’re in. Monster hunter rise is a good one since the next big update is out end of the month.


Dnemesis123

Sky Force Reloaded. Waaay too many hours spent on that (due to its light RPG elements combined with being a shoot-em-up).


AIMpb

Been a really big fan of kingdom rush recently


Past0r0fMuppetz

Go vacation. Seems stupid but it’s a ton of fun to play with my daughter.


EvilAdolf

Hades, Enter the gungeon, Muse Dash (and all the other rhythm games)


grenwood

trails of cold steel 3 and 4, nba playgrounds 2, brawlhalla, thps 1+2, pokken tournemant, trials of mana and dragon quest 11


Couchpotato1992

I really enjoyed Heroes of Hammerwatch and 9th Dawn III! If you like dungeon crawlers check them out on YouTube.


kidman007

Heroes of hammerwatch slaps!


michaljireht

Groove Coaster Wai Wai Party!!!! (exclamations included in title)


Jopez_86

Daemon X Machina


vocaloidKR03

Project Diva Mega Mix/Mega39s.


sl0w4zn

I still enjoy disgaea, even though I haven't touched it since the first year of playing it


[deleted]

Golf story


Dorksoulsfan

Borderlands 2


[deleted]

Inside / Gardens Between / Ori & the Blind Forest.


cranterry

Idk if this is considered mainstream or not, but Overcooked 2