2019 was an amazing year for games across all platforms. We here at SwitchWatch.co.uk pride ourselves in our coverage of the Nintendo Switch. That is why we decided that we are going to begin a Nintendo Switch Game of the Year post henceforth!
We as a team discussed for a while and boiled it down to six games. Five games will serve as the runner-ups, and one will be claimed as the inaugural SwitchWatch.co.uk Game of the Year 2019. The runner-ups will not be listed in any particular order, so do not pay attention to that. There were a lot of awesome games that we sadly could not include, so please do not judge us harshly. We are only human.
My name is Jason, and here are our five runner-ups and Game of the Year 2019!
Runner-up
Super Mario Maker 2
In what is easily my most-played game of the year, Super Mario Maker 2 is a game crammed with stuff to do. Whether it’s playing the immense Story Mode, creating your own stages, playing others’ stages online, or various other options, Super Mario Maker 2’s value is in its endless amount of potential and content.
Nintendo shocked the gaming world with its announcement of Super Mario Maker 2, and they did not disappoint. It is a massive improvement from the original, and its multiplayer is some of the most fun I have had all year. For platformer fans, this is a dream come true in just about every way.
Nintendo seems to be keeping this lovely title alive with updates as well. The December update brought us the ability to play as Link in the original Super Mario Bros theme, and this has downright changed the game. If they can keep this up, Super Mario Maker 2 will continue to be a gaming threat into 2020 as well.
Runner-up
Valfaris
Valfaris is the dark horse of our Game of the Year list. Among a list of Nintendo Switch exclusives, Valfaris is the one indie game we chose because of its spectacular action and amazing heavy metal soundtrack.
Many fans claim this game to be the Turrican or the Contra of this generation, which is a type of action game to be missed. The pixel-art is beautiful, and the game is deliciously animated and flows to perfection. It is a frenetic and violent homage to games of old, and it kicks ass in the process.
Valfaris may have eluded a lot of people’s radars, but it is absolutely worth checking out. If you are not a fan of the genre, then at least listen to the killer soundtrack. You will be head-banging to it for days.
Runner-up
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses was a much-needed return to form for the franchise, and its switch to the Nintendo Switch was done beautifully. It is a game about critical decisions and numerous paths. In other words, you can very easily lose key characters because of the game’s inclusion of permadeath.
This is one of the things that sets the Fire Emblem series apart from its colleagues. It gives real meaning to relationships because their existence or lack-thereof will be felt throughout.
And one major thing that makes Three Houses so ambitious is its three different story paths. There is over 100 hours of possible gameplay thanks to this, and it is tactical role-playing done to perfection. Because of this, it is an absolute contender for game of the year this year and a must-have game for fans of the genre.
Runner-up
Astral Chain
Astral Chain is yet another fun, action-packed title by Platinum Games. While not as wall-breaking as previous games from the company, Astral Chain is still a brilliant action game. It is a unique experience that excels at what it does which is making the player feel like an unstoppable machine.
The game has a fantastic combat system married calm investigative moments, some entertaining platforming, and clever puzzles. Platinum has also somehow made the game pop-out wonderfully using the Switch’s engine, giving it a lovely anime, cell-shaded look.
It is a brand new IP that deserves all of the accolades that have come its way. Astral Chain is just another reminder that Platinum Games knows what they are doing and that is knocking it out of the park each and every time.
Runner-up
Pokemon Sword/Shield
Although Pokemon Sword/Shield was initially under fire for limiting the Pokedex and not including the full list of Pokemon from Generation 1 onward, there is no need to worry. Since the release of Sword and Shield, we were reminded that The Pokemon Company really cares about this brand and making a great game for their lifelong fans.
The new Pokemon all look great, and the Galarian forms of previous Pokemon stand out as some of the best designs in recent memory. The story in Pokemon Sword/Shield is also really cute with loads of relatable and likeable characters throughout.
So many new Pokemon as well as the inclusion of Max Raids and open-world wild areas have made Pokemon Sword/Shield one of the most fun and entertaining Pokemon experiences I have had in years. A wonderful addition to the series and a grand view of what is to come.
Game of the Year 2019
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Everyone, we can rest in peace now, because the green and blue brother is finally getting his crown.
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is absolutely amazing. It is clearly the best in the series so far, and it has reminded us why we love this cowardly, soft-spoken character. The game takes everything that made the first two entries great, improved upon them, and then added so much original content to create a must-have game for the Switch.
It is only made better that both the single player and multiplayer in Luigi’s Mansion 3 are equally awesome. The game looks gorgeous, plays and controls perfectly, and provides an experience unlike any other. It even has some of the most innovative boss fights and puzzles I have ever experienced in a game.
It is truly a marvel and we are proud to announce here on SwitchWatch.co.uk that Luigi has finally received his comeuppance, as Luigi’s Mansion 3 is our Game of the Year 2019. The little brother can finally stand above Mario. Congratulations to Luigi!
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