Nintendo Switch 2 Reviews: Action-RPG and Survival Adventure

Here’s games in this category that I have reviewed so far on the Nintendo Switch 2, from best to worst. Note: If multiple games have the same score, they will be sorted alphabetically.

Action-RPG

Game	Genre	Grade
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	Open-World Action-RPG	A++
tl;dr The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an Open-World Action-RPG that remains one of the greatest games of all-time, and this release is absolutely the best version of this game ever made. It isn’t without its flaws, and many of its new features are superfluous and don’t add much, but even just the improvements to graphics and performance are enough to put this game well beyond the original release of the game. Unless you feel like you already got your fill of the original release, this is an absolute must-have.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	Open-World Action-RPG	A++
tl;dr The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an Open-World Action-RPG that remains one of the greatest games of all-time, and this release is absolutely the best version of this game ever made. It isn’t without its flaws, and many of its new features are superfluous and don’t add much, but even just the improvements to graphics and performance are enough to put this game well beyond the original release of the game. Unless you feel like you already got your fill of the original release, this is an absolute must-have.
No Man’s Sky – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	Open-World Action-RPG	A+
tl;dr No Man’s Sky is a universe-sized Open-World Action-RPG that is epic in scale and scope, and not only does the Nintendo Switch 2 present players with an uncompromised version of the game, but it does so with a free upgrade for anyone who bought the Nintendo Switch version of the game. Unless you’ve had your fill of this game on other platforms, this is an absolute must-buy.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition	Open-World First-Person Action-RPG	A+
tl;dr Skyrim is an Open-World Action-RPG that gives players a huge, detailed world with an epic storyline, and lets them decide what they want to do in that world. This version of the game includes all of the expansions to the game, adds in a few unique features of its own, such as gyroscopic aiming, and has a curated selection of enhancements from other platforms’ Anniversary Edition releases, but don’t expect anything close to parity with those versions. On Nintendo Switch 2, we have now gotten greatly-improved graphics and performance over the Nintendo Switch release, as well as Mouse Mode features. While I still have a few small complaints, overall this is a wonderful version of one of the greatest games ever made.
Stardew Valley: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	Top-Down Action-RPG / Management Sim	A
tl;dr Stardew Valley is a “Farming RPG” much like Harvest Moon, but there’s a huge wealth of stuff to do here, with a charming presentation, a constant stream of new things to change up the experience, and numerous wonderful co-op options on Nintendo Switch 2. If you want a fun, mellow experience, consider this game a must-have.
Core Keeper – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	Open-World Top-Down Action-RPG / Survival Adventure	A-
tl;dr Core Keeper is an Open-World Top-Down Action-RPG with Survival Adventure elements that has players digging through a vast underground world, exploring and discovering new treasures, mysteries, and dangers. For players who enjoy games like Minecraft and Terraria, this should be considered a must-have, and fans of Action-RPGs in general should give this a look too – its well-crafted and varied gameplay and its wonderful presentation make for something truly special.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade	Action-RPG / JRPG	A-
tl;dr Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a truly ambitious remake of one of the most impactful videogames ever made, reworking it to be a more action-focused JRPG. This is a stunningly-gorgeous game, one of the best-looking games to release on Nintendo Switch 2 so far, in a port that makes shrewd compromises that sacrifice little. And while I have my nitpicks about the story and gameplay, it’s hard to complain about a $40 showpiece title that’s a truly praiseworthy port of such a major game. If you’re a Final Fantasy fan on Nintendo Switch 2, consider this an absolute must-have.
Minishoot’ Adventures – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	2-Stick Shooter / Top-Down Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Minishoot’ Adventures is a game that combines 2-Stick Shooter gameplay with “2D Zelda”-style Top-Down Action-RPG game structure in a way that absolutely delivers, both on each of its two halves and also on the wonderful combination of those two different types of gameplay. There are perhaps a few areas where it could be improved, but overall this is an outstanding game that fans of either genre should consider a must-have.
Pokemon Pokopia	Action-RPG / Simulation	A-
tl;dr Pokemon Pokopia blends Action-RPG and Simulation genres in a game that combines elements from Dragon Quest Builders, Animal Crossing, Viva Pinata, and of course Pokemon, with players taking the role of a Ditto tasked with fixing and building up the environment to entice Pokemon to return. This is a wonderfully engaging and relaxing “Cozy Game” that gives players plenty of fun things to do, and is only let down by some frustrating design choices and woefully disappointing multiplayer. But despite these flaws, this is still a superb game that every Pokemon fan should consider picking up.
Wild Hearts S	Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Wild Hearts S is an Action-RPG that takes the formula established by the Monster Hunter franchise and adds in a building mechanic. It doesn’t truly transform or revolutionize the formula, but it’s an excellent game all the same, with absolutely stunning visuals. If you enjoy this sort of game and missed Wild Hearts when it released on other platforms, now is definitely the time to give it a look.
Red Dead Redemption – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	Open-World Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Red Dead Redemption is an Open-World Action-RPG set in the American Wild West, and this release is mostly a straight port of the legendary 15 year-old original game with a few very minor tweaks, and its Undead Nightmare expansion, but also missing the original game’s multiplayer, all at a bloated $50 price tag. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition doesn’t add any content, but improves the performance dramatically, with a free update for players who own the Nintendo Switch version of the game. It’s still feature-poor and overpriced, but otherwise this is an outstanding way to play this classic.
The Touryst Deluxe	Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr The Touryst is an Action-RPG similar to the classic Zelda games, minus the combat, where players play a tourist exploring a series of islands and solving puzzles. There’s a lot of variety and creativity here, but it frequently lacks depth, and occasionally has tedious backtracking. There’s also absolutely terrible platforming with a horrible, uncooperative camera. There’s a lot to love in this game, but a lot to be frustrated with as well. Overall it’s still worth playing, despite its glaring imperfections. Also, if you own the Nintendo Switch version of the game, you can get the Nintendo Switch 2 version for only $5, which is a nice bonus.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter	Action-RPG / Turn-Based JRPG	B+
tl;dr Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a full remake of a 21 year-old classic that reworks the game from the ground up with massive improvements to gameplay and presentation. Some elements of the story and character customization still feel a tad dated, but overall this is a superb blend of Turn-Based JRPG and Action-RPG, and a great entry point for anyone curious about the Trails franchise.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut	Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Yakuza 0 is an Action-RPG taking place prior to the first Yakuza game, exemplifying many of the qualities the series has come to be known for, such as a compelling story and characters, and a brilliant simulation of a busy Tokyo district. This release’s added features are a mixed bag, and some of the elements of the original game have aged worse than others, but overall this is a solid game and a good entry point for the Yakuza franchise.
Yakuza Kiwami	Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Yakuza Kiwami is an Action-RPG focusing on the criminal underworld of contemporary Tokyo, with an extremely detailed world that begs to be explored, and an excellent story with some excellent twists and turns. Unfortunately, the inconsistent combat and an extremely linear early game hinder this otherwise excellent experience. Still, if you can put up with its flaws, I still think this game is absolutely worth playing. It’s a mixed bag, but that mix is mostly very good.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion	Open-World Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is an Open-World Action-RPG that is far more ambitious than the original Daemon X Machina, to the point where I feel like they’re two very different games. This game offers good action and some excellent mech customization, but is lacking in its Open-World elements, has some rough spots in its presentation, and doesn’t quite feel like it earns its $70 price tag. However, if you enjoy solid Action-RPG titles and find this on sale at a good price, I definitely recommend it.
Dave the Diver – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	Action-RPG / Arcade / Management Simulation	B
tl;dr Dave the Diver combines Action-RPG sections where players dive into the sea to catch various fish, and Arcade-style Restaurant sections with some Management Simulation elements when you’re serving up those fish to clamoring customers. The gameplay in both sections is good, and both work well together, but each has some flaws that hamper the enjoyment, and the game overall has problems with frequent loading screens and pacing-stopping character conversations. This is still a fun and original game, but these small annoyances do gradually add up.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time Nintendo – Switch 2 Edition	Open-World Action-RPG / Management Simulation	B
tl;dr Fantasy Life i is an Action-RPG and follow-up to the Nintendo 3DS original game. This game is burdened with numerous issues, with the first 4-5 hours or so being pretty terrible. However, players who stick with it will find that this is a game that has massive depth, a ton of variety, and plenty of things to see and do. And thankfully, the Nintendo Switch 2 version fixes the performance issues of the Nintendo Switch version, and for only $3, making this a pretty good deal. As long as you have the patience to get through the lousy opening hours, this is worth a look.
Hogwarts Legacy	Open-World Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Hogwarts Legacy is an Open-World Action-RPG set in the world of Harry Potter but in the 1800s, and as a result the setting is the same but the characters and conflicts are largely unique. Everything about this game’s approach to telling a story within this franchise is a true delight, but the gameplay features some questionable design choices, and while the Nintendo Switch 2 version is overall superior to the Nintendo Switch version, it still has quite a few flaws. This is still a very playable game, and it’s well worth playing to explore this game’s magnificent setting and story. But there’s no question that this is a highly-compromised experience in numerous ways.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	Action-RPG / Management Simulation	B
tl;dr Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is an Action-RPG and “Farming RPG” Management Simulation that brings the long-running series in a new direction with a traditional Japanese-inspired aesthetic, and evolves both the combat and the farming gameplay in mostly-excellent new ways. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game improves the performance and adds mouse mode support to the town building parts of the game, making for a decent but not massive improvement to the game. Overall this is a solid new entry in this series and well worth a look for fans of its respective genres.
Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition	Open-World Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Star Wars Outlaws on Nintendo Switch 2 is an excellent port of a “good not great” Open-World Action-RPG. Players take the role of the Han Solo-like Kay Vess as she travels the galaxy to gather crew for a great heist, and while this is an all-around solid game, it doesn’t have the qualities that you look for in the best Open-World games. Still, if an Open-World game set in the Star Wars universe appeals to you, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this one.
Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army	Monster Collecting Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Raidou Remastered is a remake of a PlayStation 2 game that takes Shin Megami Tensei’s Monster-Collecting gameplay structure and pairs it with Action-RPG gameplay, with results that are decent but where nothing here seems to excel, with damage sponge enemies, chaotic battles that work against SMT’s usual strategic gameplay, and a presentation that definitely feels like an updated PlayStation 2 game. All in all, this isn’t bad, but I think players have better options when it comes to games like this.

Survival Adventure

Game	Genre	Grade
Core Keeper – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	Open-World Top-Down Action-RPG / Survival Adventure	A-
tl;dr Core Keeper is an Open-World Top-Down Action-RPG with Survival Adventure elements that has players digging through a vast underground world, exploring and discovering new treasures, mysteries, and dangers. For players who enjoy games like Minecraft and Terraria, this should be considered a must-have, and fans of Action-RPGs in general should give this a look too – its well-crafted and varied gameplay and its wonderful presentation make for something truly special.
Subnautica – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	Open World First-Person Survival Adventure	B+
tl;dr Subnautica is a downgraded but competent port of the Open-World First-Person Survival Adventure game that has you exploring a hostile aquatic alien world after your spaceship crashes. The world here is beautiful and enticing (significantly more so on Nintendo Switch 2), but the gameplay is frustrating in numerous ways due to its almost complete refusal to hand-hold the player in any way. Fans of the Survival Adventure genre should definitely give this game a look, but others may find its flaws make it too hard to appreciate.
Subnautica: Below Zero – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	Open World First-Person Survival Adventure	B+
tl;dr Subnautica: Below Zero is an Open-World First-Person Survival Adventure game that improves on its predecessor with some stunning visuals that make the gameplay somewhat smoother, especially in the earliest parts of the game which is designed to allow for somewhat easier progression. Having said that, this game’s lack of direction given to the player will undoubtedly be daunting to some, and as a result this won’t be a game for everyone. However, if you’re a fan of Survival Adventure games, this is an absolute must-have.
Subnautica + Subnautica: Below Zero	Compilation / Open World First-Person Survival Adventure	B+
tl;dr Subnautica + Subnautica: Below Zero is a Compilation of two Open-World First-Person Survival Adventure games that made the transition to Nintendo Switch fairly well, but look significantly better on Nintendo Switch 2. Both games feature massive, beautiful aquatic worlds to explore, but also don’t give players much guidance for where to go to progress. On balance, these are excellent games well worth looking into, but they won’t be for everyone.

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