Top Nintendo Switch Games Of 2017: A Retro Review
Hey guys! Let's take a trip down memory lane to 2017, the year the Nintendo Switch burst onto the scene and totally changed the game. We are going to dive into the best Switch games of 2017. It was a year of incredible innovation, groundbreaking titles, and a whole lot of fun. If you were lucky enough to snag a Switch back then (remember how hard they were to find?!), you probably spent countless hours exploring these amazing worlds. So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let’s get started!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
When discussing the best Switch games of 2017, we absolutely have to start with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Seriously, this game was a system seller. It wasn't just a good Zelda game; it was a complete reinvention of the franchise. The open-world concept was mind-blowing, allowing players to explore Hyrule in a way never before imagined. From the moment you stepped out of the Shrine of Resurrection, the entire world was your playground.
Breath of the Wild gave you the freedom to tackle challenges in any order you chose. Want to head straight to Hyrule Castle and face Calamity Ganon right away? Go for it! Feel like spending hours climbing towers, solving shrines, and cooking up delicious meals? That was totally an option too. This level of player agency was revolutionary and set a new standard for open-world games. The sense of discovery was constant, with hidden secrets and breathtaking vistas around every corner. The physics engine was also a game-changer, allowing for emergent gameplay moments that were both hilarious and ingenious. Remember using metal weapons to attract lightning during a thunderstorm, or using a Korok leaf to sail across a lake? Pure genius! The art style was gorgeous, blending a vibrant color palette with a sense of melancholy and ruin. The music, composed by Manaka Kataoka, was hauntingly beautiful and perfectly complemented the game's atmosphere. Breath of the Wild wasn't just one of the best Switch games of 2017; it was one of the best games of all time, period. Its impact on the gaming industry is still felt today, and it remains a must-play for any Switch owner.
Super Mario Odyssey
Next up, we have another absolute masterpiece: Super Mario Odyssey. If Breath of the Wild reinvented Zelda, Odyssey did the same for Mario. This game was a pure joy from start to finish, filled with creativity, charm, and a whole lot of mustaches. In terms of the best Switch games of 2017, this one is a strong contender for the top spot.
Super Mario Odyssey introduced us to Cappy, Mario's new companion who could possess enemies and objects. This mechanic opened up a world of possibilities, allowing Mario to transform into everything from a Goomba to a T-Rex. Each kingdom was a unique and vibrant world, filled with Moons to collect and secrets to uncover. The game encouraged exploration and rewarded curiosity, with Moons hidden in every nook and cranny. The controls were tight and responsive, making Mario feel more agile and acrobatic than ever before. The soundtrack was infectious, with catchy tunes that would get stuck in your head for days. The New Donk City Festival was a particular highlight, with its jazzy rendition of the Super Mario Bros. theme. Super Mario Odyssey was a celebration of everything that makes Mario great, and it was a reminder of why we all fell in love with the character in the first place. It was a joyous, uplifting experience that left you with a smile on your face. For those seeking sheer, unadulterated fun, Super Mario Odyssey was the best Switch game of 2017.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Speaking of Mario, let's talk about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While it wasn't a completely new game (it was an enhanced version of the Wii U title), it was the definitive Mario Kart experience. And that is why it has to be mentioned when listing the best Switch games of 2017. With all the DLC included from the start, plus new characters, karts, and battle modes, it was the ultimate party game for the Switch. The core Mario Kart gameplay was as addictive as ever, with tight controls, crazy power-ups, and thrilling races. The addition of anti-gravity sections added a new dimension to the tracks, allowing for some truly inventive designs. The battle mode was also significantly improved, with new arenas and game types that made for some chaotic fun. But perhaps the biggest draw of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was its accessibility. It was easy for anyone to pick up and play, regardless of their gaming experience. Whether you were a seasoned Mario Kart veteran or a complete newbie, you could jump in and have a blast. This made it the perfect game for parties, family gatherings, and just hanging out with friends. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was a crowd-pleaser, and it remains one of the most popular games on the Switch to this day.
Splatoon 2
Next on our list is Splatoon 2, the sequel to the surprise hit from the Wii U. This game took the ink-splattering action to the next level, with new weapons, stages, and modes. For those who loved the original, Splatoon 2 was a must-have. For newcomers, it was a fresh and exciting take on the shooter genre. The core gameplay of Splatoon 2 revolved around Turf War, a 4v4 mode where teams competed to cover the most territory in ink. This simple concept was surprisingly addictive, with strategic depth and fast-paced action. The new weapons, such as the Splat Dualies, added new tactical options, while the new stages were filled with creative designs and hidden pathways. The single-player campaign was also a welcome addition, offering a fun and challenging adventure that expanded on the Splatoon universe. But perhaps the biggest draw of Splatoon 2 was its online multiplayer. The game was constantly updated with new content, including weapons, stages, and Splatfests (themed events that pitted players against each other). This kept the game fresh and engaging, and it fostered a strong sense of community among players. Splatoon 2 was a unique and innovative shooter that stood out from the crowd. It was a testament to Nintendo's willingness to take risks and try new things, and it solidified Splatoon as a major franchise.
ARMS
Finally, let's not forget ARMS, a unique fighting game that utilized the Switch's motion controls in a clever and intuitive way. This game was unlike anything else on the market, and it offered a fresh and exciting take on the genre. In ARMS, players controlled fighters with extendable arms, using motion controls to punch, block, and dodge. The motion controls were surprisingly precise, allowing for a wide range of movement and strategic options. Each fighter had their own unique set of ARMS, each with different abilities and attributes. This added a layer of depth to the gameplay, as players had to experiment with different combinations to find their perfect fighting style. The game also featured a colorful cast of characters, each with their own personality and backstory. The single-player Grand Prix mode offered a challenging and rewarding experience, while the online multiplayer allowed players to test their skills against others from around the world. ARMS was a bold and innovative game that showcased the Switch's unique capabilities. It may not have been a mainstream hit, but it was a cult classic that deserves recognition.
So there you have it, guys! My picks for the best Switch games of 2017. It was an incredible year for Nintendo, and these games helped to launch the Switch into the stratosphere. Which games were your favorites? Let me know in the comments below! I’m always down to chat games!