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

1. Action-RPG
2. Survival Adventure

Action-RPG

Game	Genre	Grade
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim	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. It plays surprisingly smoothly on the Switch, although it lacks the graphical upgrades and mod support of other versions. On the other hand, this version of the game includes all of the expansions to the game, and adds in a few unique features of its own, such as gyroscopic aiming. On the whole, this is a surprisingly good release of one of the greatest videogames of all-time, and players who don’t yet own it should consider it a must-buy. Even if you do already own it, the ability to take it on the go might just be enough to convince you to buy it again.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild	Open-World Action-RPG	A++
tl;dr The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an Open-World Action-RPG that sheds much of the Zelda series’ formula and tries some really new and amazing things that make this an absolutely unforgettable experience unlike anything else out there, really pushing the thrill of exploration. It’s not without its flaws, but even so, there is so much to love here, so much new ground broken that it’s easy to look past those when everything else here is just pure joy. An absolute must-have.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom	Open-World Action-RPG	A++
tl;dr The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is not just an Open-World Action-RPG that returns to the world we were introduced to in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This is a game that finds new, impressive, and truly compelling ways to explore that world. This is a game that balances the familiar world and gameplay of that incredible game with brilliant new gameplay ideas, a compelling new story, and a massive scope that’s not only far greater than what was in this game’s predecessor, but is even greater than Nintendo led us to believe it would be. If you hated Breath of the Wild, this game won’t change your mind. If you have not yet played Breath of the Wild, you should probably go play that first. For pretty much everyone else, you should consider this an absolute must-have game, and a reason to own a Nintendo Switch.
Astral Chain	Spectacle Fighter / Action-RPG	A+
tl;dr Astral Chain is a Spectacle Fighter like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, but it plays wildly differently than those games, with a refreshingly unique chain combat system, some Action-RPG elements tied to Arkham-like investigation sections, and a fantastical world inspired by classic anime, all in a package with a truly excellent presentation. This is a must-have game on Switch, especially for fans of Action games and especially especially for those looking for something truly different. Do not miss out on this game.
Batman: Arkham Asylum	Action-RPG / Metroidvania	A+
tl;dr Simply put, Batman: Arkham Asylum set the groundwork for this series with an absolute massive success right from the first game, with a perfect blend of exploration, combat, fun gadgets, great story, and lots of variety. While some may prefer the Open-World approach of later games, I feel the more focused Metroidvania level design of this game is every bit as valid. In any case, this is an absolute must-play game for any Bat-fan.
Batman: Arkham City	Open-World Action-RPG	A+
tl;dr Everything that Arkham Asylum does well, Arkham City does just as well if not better, as well as bigger and more spectacular. The Open-World game design here is superb, Batman’s expanded moveset and traversal abilities are truly delightful, and the story and world of this game is a thrill to explore. Another must-play for anyone looking for a great Batman game.
Diablo III: Eternal Collection	Top-Down Action-RPG	A+
tl;dr Diablo III is the loot-hunting Action-RPG that is currently the standard for the genre, and this is an excellent port that sacrifices little in the transition to the Switch and even adds in a few things. This is one of the best co-op games on the Switch, whether you’re sitting on the same couch or playing online, and it has a huge wealth of content. If you do not already have this game on another platform, you should definitely consider getting the Switch version.
Diablo Prime Evil Collection	Top-Down Action-RPG	A+
tl;dr Diablo Prime Evil Collection is a Compilation that includes the absolute must-have Top-Down Action-RPG Diablo III: Eternal Collection, as well as the massively disappointing Diablo II: Resurrected, along with a few nice cosmetic items. While this is an uneven package, the price is so good that anyone buying Diablo III on the Nintendo Switch (and you really should) is better off getting this package instead, as it includes more content for the same price.
Crypt of the Necrodancer: Nintendo Switch Edition	Top-Down Roguelike / Music-Rhythm	A
tl;dr Crypt of the Necrodancer: Nintendo Switch Edition is a phenomenal mash-up of the Roguelike and Music-Rhythm genres with a great soundtrack and game design that makes it all too tempting to dance your way back into the dungeon for another punishing attempt at getting just a little farther.
Dragon Quest Builders 2	Action-RPG / Open-World Sandbox	A
tl;dr Dragon Quest Builders 2 is an Action-RPG with an open world and creation elements to it that are very comparable to Minecraft, and an anime style and story that are very much a Dragon Quest thing. That said, this game is much more linear and focused than Minecraft, which is both a good thing and a bad thing. Regardless, it is an absolutely superb Action-RPG, and an absolutely superb Open-World game, and fans of either type of game should consider this a must-have.
Minecraft	Open-World Action-RPG / Misc.	A
tl;dr Minecraft is a family-friendly Open-World sandbox game with Action-RPG elements that has you deconstructing and rebuilding the world at your whim, with endless possibilities for those looking to create or explore. The Nintendo Switch version is not the ideal version of the game, and this version also still bears the bugs that every version of the game seems to have, but it is still a must-play game that’s absolutely worth playing despite this.
Monster Hunter Rise	Action-RPG	A
tl;dr Monster Hunter Rise is the first game in this Action-RPG series designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch, and it incorporates improvements made to the series in Monster Hunter World while adding the game-changing new wirebug and palamute to open up a world of new possibilities in traversal and combat. It’s also absolutely gorgeous, one of the best-looking games on Nintendo Switch, and it is an extremely rewarding experience with excellent online co-op play. It’s still a game that’s going to be intimidating for more casual players, and it still bears some of the common flaws of the series, but players who can push through those flaws will find this game to be a must-have on the console.
Moonlighter	Top-Down Roguelike Action-RPG / Management Sim	A
tl;dr Moonlighter is an experience somewhere in between a game like Zelda and a game like Stardew Valley, where you balance dungeon raids and shop management. What that amounts to is an addictive experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts, and a game that should be played by fans of either genre.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe	Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG	A
tl;dr Pikmin 3 Deluxe is an outstanding and unique spin on the Real-Time Strategy genre that puts the focus on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than strategic combat, and this version of the game adds a slew of new features, including multiple good control options, and more extensive co-op play that I would argue is the absolute highlight of the game. Unless you played the original version of this game on Wii U and have zero interest in the new co-op play, consider this a game that you absolutely should not miss.
Pikmin 4	Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG	A
tl;dr Pikmin 4 is the long-awaited (10 years!) fourth mainline entry in Nintendo’s unique series of Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG hybrid games that have you controlling an insect-sized space explorer commanding an army of ant-plant creatures. This sequel massively improves on prior entries in the series in numerous areas that both open up the game and make it more accessible, and it is visually-gorgeous as well. It’s just a shame that a few of the changes here add in some unfortunate flaws as well, and the lack of a full campaign co-op mode is a disappointing step backwards in a game that is otherwise all massive steps forward for the series. While it falls just short of Pikmin perfection, this is nevertheless an outstanding game, and one I highly recommend to all Nintendo Switch owners.
Stardew Valley	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 even a wonderful online co-op mode. If you want a fun, mellow experience on the Switch, consider this game a must-have.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom	Top-Down Action-RPG	A
tl;dr The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a Top-Down Action-RPG that combines elements of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to make for something that’s truly unique and wonderful within the series, befitting Zelda’s first mainline adventure as the main protagonist. The new echo mechanic, while not quite as groundbreaking as Tears’ Ultrahand, is still inspired, and the puzzle design and boss design is phenomenal. This may not be quite at the same level as Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, but it is still an absolute must-play game.
Unsighted	Action-RPG	A
tl;dr Unsighted is an Action-RPG where players take the role of a humanoid automaton fighting a horde of the titular mindless robotic enemies to try to save her people. This game expertly combines elements of some of the best Action-RPG and Metroidvania games, with some really great exploration, puzzles, combat, crafting, and tons of secrets to find. And while some of the game’s default elements are brutally difficult, there are also numerous options so players can customize the experience to their own personal challenge level. The result is a phenomenal game that’s an absolute must-play regardless of whether you’re a challenge-seeker or simply want a wonderful, unique adventure.
A Short Hike	Open-World Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr A Short Hike is a family-friendly Open-World Action-RPG, albeit one without enemies, dungeons, hit points, or a significant level of challenge, and one that’s smaller than most open worlds. Still, despite this, and despite how short the game is, it is an absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. Superb writing, a beautiful soundtrack, a memorable visual art style, and wonderful exploration-focused gameplay all make this a hike that, while short, is one well worth taking.
Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection	Compilation / Stealth / Open-World Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection is a compilation of improved ports of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed Rogue, although not quite as improved as the versions of these games other platforms got. Still, these games are both solid ports that largely lack the flaws the Nintendo Switch port of Assassin’s Creed III had, and they’re better games too, with Assassin’s Creed IV in particular being an absolute joy of a swashbuckling tale that remains not only one of the highlights of the entire franchise, but also a great entry point for newcomers to the series. This is an absolute must-own collection of games, and the Nintendo Switch version is an excellent version of the game.
Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King	Top-Down Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Blossom Tales is a Top-Down Action-RPG that does a phenomenal job of copying the Zelda formula, looking and playing much like a long-lost Zelda game. It’s short and a bit lacking in originality, but what’s here is still top-notch.
Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the Necrodancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda	Top-Down Roguelike / Music-Rhythm	A-
tl;dr Cadence of Hyrule does an excellent job combining the gameplay of Crypt of the Necrodancer and The Legend of Zelda, and pairing it with an excellent soundtrack… although not without a few issues cropping up here and there. On the whole, it’s still a solid game fans of both series should enjoy.
Chicory: A Colorful Tale	Top-Down Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Chicory is a family-friendly Top-Down Action-RPG in the style of old-school Zelda games, albeit with more of a focus on puzzles, exploration, and characters than on combat. Chicory is absolutely charming and full of personality, with a delightful presentation, a lovely soundtrack, and some creative gameplay elements. The Nintendo Switch version even has some outstanding optional gyroscopic motion controls (though it’s a tradeoff that also comes with some nasty slowdown at times). There are some gameplay elements here that don’t quite mesh together well, but overall this is an outstanding game that should be considered a Must-Play for anyone who would enjoy a relaxed adventure.
Children of Morta	Top-Down Roguelike Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Children of Morta is a co-op Action-RPG with Roguelike elements that plays much like Diablo, but instead of loot, the game uses a Roguelike system that has players playing as different members of a family in a way that enhances both the game’s story and its mechanics. While there are areas that could do with improvement, on the whole this is a wonderful Action-RPG and a fantastic co-op experience that fans of the genre should absolutely give a try.
Cocoon	Isometric Action-RPG / Puzzle	A-
tl;dr Cocoon is an Isometric Action-RPG with a strong emphasis on the game’s mind-bending puzzle design, where players control an alien insect and figure out how to use strange technology, including spheres containing their own worlds. The puzzle design here is outstanding, the boss battles are wonderful, and while this game has a few minor annoyances, overall this is a wonderful experience well worth playing, especially for puzzle fans.
Collection of Mana	Compilation / Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Collection of Mana is a compilation of 3 classic Zelda-style Action-Adventure games, two of which are phenomenal titles with superb music and great co-op gameplay that have withstood the test of time and are arguably two of the best games the genre has ever seen (and Final Fantasy Adventure has its good qualities too). However, the lack of extras and absurd price tag makes it hard to give this collection the enthusiastic recommendation it would otherwise deserve.
Core Keeper	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.
CrossCode	Top-Down Action-RPG / 2-Stick Shooter	A-
tl;dr CrossCode is an Action-RPG that combines the melee combat and RPG elements of classics of the genre with fast-paced 2-Stick Shooter action, and pairs it with a wonderful world to explore. There are places where this game could be improved, but overall this is a phenomenal entry in the genre, and Action-RPG fans should definitely take notice.
Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition	Spectacle Fighter / Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition is a game that mixes Spectacle Fighter and Action-RPG elements, and it does so much better than the first game, with improvements in pretty much every area of the game, save for the quality of the port from other platforms. While decent, it’s not quite up to the high bar set by the port of the first game. Still, it’s not a bad port, and any disappointment there is outweighed by just how much better virtually every other part of this game is than its predecessor. If you’re looking for a great game that mixes elements of Zelda-style Action-RPGs, Diablo-style loot collecting, and Devil May Cry-style combat, you should definitely give Darksiders II a look.
Fae Farm	Action-RPG / Management Simulation	A-
tl;dr Fae Farm is a family-friendly “Farming RPG”-style Action-RPG and Management Sim that has players travelling to a magical island surrounded by whirlpools where they will find a pleasant community waiting for them… and of course a vacant farm too. Apart from the “magical” themes, this game doesn’t really do anything particularly new or transformative for the genre. Rather, it takes the standard gameplay of the genre and does that very well, with a wonderful polished presentation. It’s not anything truly groundbreaking, but it is still one of the best games I’ve played in this genre.
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition	Compilation / Open-World Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition may have released in a disastrous state, but thanks to post-launch patches it has since become a decent remaster of a trio of phenomenal games, to the point where I would say the worst issue with this bundle is how dated these games are next to more modern Open-World Action-RPGs like Grand Theft Auto V. Those complaints aside, I would definitely say that this Compilation of legendary games is well worth getting on Nintendo Switch.
Guardian Tales	Top-Down Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Guardian Tales is a free-to-play Zelda-style Top-Down Action-RPG with fun gameplay, lots of variety, an appealing presentation, and great writing with a superb sense of humor. The only thing that detracts from this otherwise outstanding game is the overbearing presence of the countless ways this game wants to catch you up in its microtransactions. However, if you can stomach all the gacha mechanics, it’s well worth a look – everything else about this game is outstanding.
Immortals Fenyx Rising	Open-World Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Immortals Fenyx Rising is an Open-World Action-RPG that is very clearly taking more than a few pages from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for its Greek myth-themed adventure. And while it never comes close to being a rival for Zelda, it is nevertheless a solid entry in the genre, and one that looks surprisingly good on the Nintendo Switch, despite the downgrade from other platforms. Players who fancy a new adventure into a large open world should definitely give this game a look.
Lil Gator Game	Open-World Action-RPG / 3D Platformer	A-
tl;dr Lil Gator Game is a family-friendly game that combines Open-World Action-Adventure and 3D Platformer elements, with gameplay that feels like a very kid-friendly take on the sort of gameplay we saw in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. While nowhere near as deep or rewarding as that game, Lil Gator Game is absolutely full to bursting with adorable, endearing, charming personality as players take on the role of a young anthropomorphic alligator trying to rally their friends to join them in their make-believe game that casts them as the epic hero. While not without its flaws (particularly, repetitive scenery and no map), this is still a wonderful entry in the genre well worth playing.
No Man’s Sky	Open-World Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr No Man’s Sky is a universe-sized Open-World Action-RPG that more or less delivers the ambitious game to Nintendo Switch intact… well, save for the terribly mangled graphics and performance in this version and the dropped multiplayer and settlements. Make no mistake, this is absolutely the worst version of No Man’s Sky, but even with all of the added flaws, this is still an incredibly satisfying and impressive game. You should absolutely play this game… but if possible, you may want to play it on another platform.
Persona 5 Strikers	Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Persona 5 Strikers is an Action-RPG that acts as a sequel of sorts to Persona 5, albeit with new action-focused gameplay that combines elements of RPGs, musou-style Action-Brawlers, Platformers, and even some Stealth elements, all while retaining Persona 5’s fantastic, stylistic presentation. This game juggles a lot of different elements, and manages to balance most of them quite well, making for a truly unique experience, albeit an experience that’s likely to be best appreciated by those who played Persona 5. If you haven’t, this game is still good enough to consider trying.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo	Top-Down Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is a Top-Down Action-RPG that follows the traditional 2D Zelda formula but with a yo-yo as its central mechanic, with some really creative uses for it that you gain as you progress. This game isn’t without its flaws, but overall this is a fun and unique take on the Action-RPG genre well worth playing.
Ring Fit Adventure	Sports (Exercise) / Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Ring Fit Adventure is an Exercise game with light Action-RPG elements that has you plugging a pair of Joy-Cons into the included Ring-Con and leg strap accessories to use the motion-sensing abilities of the controllers to workout in various ways to assist on your adventure. The motion control here works surprisingly well, and the presentation is very good (annoying character voices aside), plus there’s a good selection of minigames here that are extremely creative and fun. I feel the game’s designers could have gone even farther to add game elements into the exercise bits, but overall this is a one of the best exercise games ever made, and well worth getting if you can find it at a reasonable price.
Rune Factory 4 Special	Top-Down Action-RPG / Management Sim	A-
tl;dr Rune Factory 4 Special is an upgraded port of the 3DS “Farming RPG” that adds a greater focus on dungeon crawling, combat, and a more traditional JRPG-style story. However, what really sets it apart from other games in the genre is its charming characters and writing, as well as its very user-friendly gameplay. Fans of Stardew Valley and Japanese-style Action-RPGs in general would do well to give this game a look.
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected	Open-World Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Saint’s Row IV is a super-violent off-the-wall Open-World Action-RPG that starts out like Grand Theft Auto, but soon adds superpowers, becoming something more like Crackdown. It’s a solid port of a joyously good game, but the price difference here is outrageous, and while I think this is a game that should definitely be played, Switch owners who also have another modern gaming platform will save a lot of money getting it elsewhere.
Saints Row: The Big Purple Package	Compilation / Open-World Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Saints Row: The Big Purple Package is a Compilation of two Open-World Action-RPG games – Saints Row: The Third: The Full Package, Saints Row IV: Re-Elected. Both games are outstanding and highly-creative, even if the Nintendo Switch ports had to make unfortunate graphical cutbacks, and this package is a solid deal on the pair of them. If you missed out on these games and want some great Open-World Action on Nintendo Switch, do not miss this bundle.
Severed	First-Person Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Severed is a handheld-only First-Person Action-RPG about a girl with a severed arm fighting monsters in a nightmare realm to find her missing family. This game has a stylized, unique look and a wildly inventive combat system, and while the dungeon crawling elements here aren’t quite as inspired, the touchscreen combat is so well-crafted and fun that this should be a must-buy for players who play their Nintendo Switch primarily in handheld mode and don’t already have the game on another platform.
Soundfall	Top-Down Action-RPG / Music-Rhythm	A-
tl;dr Soundfall is a game that combines Action-RPG and Music-Rhythm elements, where players fight off hordes of enemies and hunt for loot while timing their attacks to the beat of a massive, varied, and overall excellent soundtrack. Some elements of the gameplay and presentation can get a tad repetitive, and there are a few tweaks I would have preferred, but overall this is a truly excellent game well worth playing.
Transistor	Top-Down Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Transistor is a Top-Down Action-RPG where combat involves bursts of action interspersed with the ability to stop time and set up a powerful series of automated attacks. It’s refreshingly original and has a superb presentation, although the combat can at times feel a bit uneven.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana	Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Ys VIII is an Action-RPG where you play an adventurer caught in a shipwreck and charting out the mysterious island he finds himself on while trying to uncover its secrets. It’s a really fun game with a lot of variety, but the graphics of the Switch version are clearly inferior to other versions of the game. You should definitely get this game if you’re a fan of the genre, but the Switch is not the best place to be playing it.
Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection	Compilation / Stealth / Open-World Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection is a Compilation of remastered versions of Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, and Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, three solid Open World Action-RPGs that look and play great on Nintendo Switch. They’re missing the multiplayer content from the original games, they’ll take up a massive amount of space on your MicroSD card, and none of the games is quite as satisfying as what we already got in Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection, but this is still an excellent Compilation well worth getting for any fan of the franchise wanting to play these games on the go.
Assassin’s Creed Anniversary Edition Mega Bundle	Compilation / Stealth / Open-World Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Assassin’s Creed Anniversary Edition Mega Bundle is a Compilation of Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection, Assassin’s Creed III Remastered, and Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection, which together between them contain 7-8 Assassin’s Creed games and a hefty amount of extra content. Its $100 price tag is daunting, but for everything included here, it’s actually a pretty good deal… and an even better deal if you get this bundle on sale. This may not be the best way to introduce yourself to the Assassin’s Creed series for the first time, but if you’re already a series fan looking to get everything available on Nintendo Switch so far, this is an excellent package.
Bastion	Top-Down Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Bastion is a Top-Down Action-RPG that has you exploring the remains of a destroyed world, hoping to piece things back together. The game looks really good and has fantastic narration that gives it a great sense of personality, but the gameplay can get a bit repetitive at times.
Beat Cop	Simulation / Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Beat Cop blends Simulation and Action-RPG elements in a game where players must manage their time and try to be mindful of the many demands their job requires of them, both on-the-book and off-the-book, as well as both in the short-term and long-term. There are a few problems with the game not being forthcoming about information you need and a slow walking speed, but overall this is a delightfully varied game with lots of personality and some truly impactful choices to make in every in-game day. If you think you might enjoy tackling the ethical and logistical dilemmas being a cop can present you with, this is a game well worth trying.
Cat Quest II	Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Cat Quest II, like the first game, is a family-friendly Action-RPG that simplifies numerous elements of the genre to produce something streamlined, user-friendly, and… well, full of puns. And this game builds on its predecessor by adding an exceptional and well thought-out co-op mode. It still may not have the weight of some of the more impactful games in the genre, but it is nevertheless a thoroughly enjoyable game, and one fans of the genre would do well to give a look.
Crawl	Top-Down Action-RPG / Party Game	B+
tl;dr Crawl blends a Top-Down Action-RPG and a Party Game into a brilliant, original asymmetrical party game that makes for a fun and unique competition that has a clever approach to game balance. The game could have used a traditional campaign mode, and some of the bosses don’t feel as nicely balanced as the rest of the game, but overall this is a fantastic game that should make for a great time at parties.
Discounty	Top-Down Action-RPG / Management Sim	B+
tl;dr Discounty is an Action-RPG and Management Simulation that has players managing their own grocery store while assisting townsfolk with various tasks. This is a good entry in this corner of the “cozy game” space, though it doesn’t do anything too out of the norm for the genre. Still, if you’re a fan of this style of game, I think Discounty is a no-brainer for you.
Dragon Quest Builders	Action-RPG / Open-World Sandbox	B+
tl;dr Dragon Quest Builders is an Action-RPG with an open world and creation elements to it that are very comparable to Minecraft, and an anime style and story that are very much a Dragon Quest thing. That said, this game is much more linear and focused than Minecraft, and although it doesn’t have many of the improvements made in Builders 2, it still has a lot to offer, and it’s a fantastic game well worth playing for fans of Action-RPGs and Open-World games alike.
Dreamscaper	Action-RPG / Roguelike	B+
tl;dr Dreamscaper is an Action-RPG and Roguelike where players fight monsters in the dreams of the protagonist, which are shaped by her memories. This game features solid gameplay and an excellent presentation, and while it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as Hades, it is still well-crafted enough that it’s worth checking out in its own right.
Dredge	Action-RPG / Simulation / Horror	B+
tl;dr Dredge is a game that combines a Fishing Simulation-style game with Action-RPG elements and Lovecraftian Horror, making for a really unique blend of “cozy game” and a tense and nerve-wracking experience whether you’re our fishing in the daytime or at night. These elements are balanced surprisingly well, and while the pacing and progression can be slow in places, overall I found this to be an excellent game.
Dying Light: Definitive Edition	First-Person Open-World Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Dying Light is First-Person Open-World Action-RPG that has players trying to climb and scavenge their way around a post-apocalyptic metropolis filled with zombies. This is a visual downgrade from other versions of the game, but still looks quite nice on Nintendo Switch, and while the scavenging elements aren’t quite what they’re cracked up to be, traversal is excellent and truly enjoyable. If you’re looking for a great open-world Zombie game on Nintendo Switch, this one is definitely worth a look.
Eastward	Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Eastward is an isometric Action-RPG with gameplay and puzzles similar to classic Zelda games, but without the same freedom of exploration. The game starts out dreadfully slow, but it more than makes up for that with its lovable characters, beautiful pixel art visuals, and abundance of personality and charm.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age	Action-RPG / JRPG	B+
tl;dr Final Fantasy XII takes the series gameplay into more Action-RPG territory with its real-time battles. The presentation here is fantastic, though the upgrades over the original release are more subtle this time around. The story is also still superb, with great voice acting, memorable characters, and a Game of Thrones-esque plot of political intrigue focusing on a group of resistance fighters looking to free their nation from a conquering enemy. That said, the gameplay here is still pretty divisive, with game systems that make for a fair amount of tedious gameplay. Overall this is still a very good game, but not without its flaws.
L.A. Noire	Graphic Adventure / Open-World Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr L.A. Noire combines Graphic Adventure and Open-World Action-RPG elements into an ambitious detective game that’s a bit uneven, with the detective stuff and hard-boiled story generally excellent but other parts of the game underbaked. Similarly, the Nintendo Switch version of the game does some elements of the game well, but other parts of the performance leave a lot to be desired. Still, this is a superb detective game, and this is a good way to play it on the go.
Loddlenaut	Open-World Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Loddlenaut is a family-friendly Open-World Action-RPG that has players exploring and cleaning up underwater environments, then recycling the junk they collected to upgrade their gear. This is a short but relaxing and satisfying experience with compelling gameplay, and if its topic matter appeals to you, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Lost in Random	Action-RPG / Card RPG	B+
tl;dr Lost in Random is an Action-RPG with Card RPG elements set in a dark fantasy world where characters’ fates are decided with a rigged dice roll, and the game’s protagonist sets off to defy that fate and find her kidnapped sister. This game’s visual style, writing, and overall presentation is phenomenal, seemingly pulled straight out of a movie like The Nightmare Before Christmas. The characters and story are great too. Meanwhile, the game’s card-and-dice combat, while creative, is a bit overly-complicated, and the map design is too restrictive. However, while it isn’t without its flaws, this game is still so filled with imagination and eye-popping visual style that it’s well worth playing through despite these issues.
NieR:Automata The End of YoRHa Edition	Open-World Action-RPG / Action	B+
tl;dr NieR:Automata is an Open-World Action-RPG that mixes together numerous action-packed genres with consistent but varied gameplay. The Action gameplay here is phenomenal, and the Open-World stuff by comparison is merely “decent”. On top of this, the Nintendo Switch version of the game features a noticeable graphical downgrade from other versions – it’s still perfectly playable, but it definitely has its moments where it seems visually lacking. This results in a game with some really high points that only occasionally get sullied by the game’s flaws. Still, if you’re a fan of Action games, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Nova Lands	Management Simulation / Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Nova Lands is a Management Simulation with Action-RPG elements that puts players in the role of an astronaut crash-landing on an alien planet, gathering resources to survive and increasingly grow your production abilities, with a strong focus on automation as you create bots to do your work for you. However, even with this being the case, you’ll still be doing plenty of running around to ensure everything is operating properly, and the game sadly lacks multiplayer it could greatly benefit from. However, overall this is a superb entry in the Management Simulation genre well worth seeking out.
Oceanhorn – Monster of Uncharted Seas	Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Oceanhorn is an Action-RPG that copies much of the traditional Zelda formula, and does it with a phenomenal presentation. It has a fair number of frustrating elements as well, but those looking for a good alternative to Zelda may find this much to their liking.
Outer Wilds	First-Person Puzzle / Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Outer Wilds is a First-Person Puzzle game with Action-RPG elements that has players stuck in a time loop and searching their strange solar system for answers in the twenty minutes before your sun goes supernova. The puzzles in this game are mind-bendingly creative, with some astounding sights to see. This game also has its fair share of frustrations, and the Nintendo Switch version has some ugly performance issues. However, if the Nintendo Switch is your only gaming platform, I still highly recommend you get this game. It is a unique and incredible experience that should not be missed, despite its flaws.
Pikmin 2	Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Pikmin 2 is a port of the second game in the Pikmin series, games loosely within the Real-Time Strategy genre that put the focus on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than strategic combat. This port has some very minor improvements that make this the definitive version of the game, but overall this is a bare-bones port. However, the core game is still excellent even by today’s standards, and well worth playing if you can overlook the dated visuals and bloated price tag.
Portal Knights	Open-World Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Portal Knights is an Open-World Action-RPG that copies Minecraft’s formula, but does it well, improving on multiple areas in Minecraft. Portal Knights features a more technically-appealing presentation, more fleshed-out RPG elements, and streamlines some of Minecraft’s more frustrating elements. That said, it can’t quite match Minecraft’s unique style and sense of exploration and creation, nor Dragon Quest Builders’ story, RPG and town-building elements. However, this game is nevertheless an excellent addition to the genre that’s deserving of standing tall next to those greats.
Saints Row: The Third: The Full Package	Open-World Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Saint’s Row: The Third is a Grand Theft Auto-style Open-World Action-RPG with the absurdity level set to absolute maximum (including the sex and violence). The game still has some graphical issues even after being patched, but they don’t interfere too much with the gameplay, which is absolutely brilliant, and well worth playing for anyone looking for a game like GTA on the Switch. However, I don’t appreciate that this decade-old game looks and feels like a decade-old game but is still being sold for $40. Still worth it if you can get a good deal on it, though.
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin	Action-Platformer / Action-RPG / Simulation	B+
tl;dr Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin is a game that combines Action-Platformer, Action-RPG, and farming Simulation elements into a really unique game that does all of those things well. Of particular note is the game’s rice farming Simulation elements, which are lovingly crafted and do a great job of making this niche topic relevant, fun, and beautiful. This game certainly has its rough spots – the combat is mostly good but has moments of frustration, and the simulation can get a bit tedious. However, this is overall a unique exploration of its respective genres and well worth playing for fans of those genres.
Shakedown: Hawaii	Top-Down Open-World Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Shakedown: Hawaii, like its predecessor Retro City Rampage, is an Open-World Top-Down Action-RPG that looks like a retro-style take on something like Grand Theft Auto. This game ditches the pop culture references in favor of a satire of capitalism, and places a much greater focus on its Open-World elements, and I think it’s a much better game for it. There are still areas I think it could improve on, but overall this is an excellent Open-World Action-RPG well worth picking up.
Skylanders: Imaginators	Action-RPG / 3D Platformer	B+
tl;dr Skylanders Imaginators is the sixth and currently final game in this Toys-to-Life series, a family-friendly Action-RPG with Platformer elements. This game doesn’t do anything truly major to shake up the formula, but rather refines it, making for the best game in the franchise. What’s more, the Nintendo Switch version is arguably the best game in the series thanks largely to the game not needing a “portal” device, and saving your Skylanders figurines so you don’t have to keep scanning them. Unfortunately, by 2022 this is also by far the most expensive version of the game, meaning that as fantastic as it is, you’re probably better off spending less to play any other version of the game.
Sonic Frontiers	Open-World Action-RPG / 3D Platformer	B+
tl;dr Sonic Frontiers is one of the most ambitious games in the long-running Sonic franchise, bringing Sonic’s 3D Platforming adventures into the realm of Open World gameplay. Despite all sorts of graphical problems, gameplay issues, and an overall lack of polish, this game manages to be surprisingly enjoyable despite itself. Make no mistake, this is an extremely extremely flawed game, but it’s a fun and compelling game despite those flaws.
Sparklite	Top-Down Roguelike Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Sparklite is a Top-Down Action-RPG Roguelike where players explore a shifting landscape, discovering landmarks and gradually building up their abilities. It’s a solid entry in the genre, although the start of the game is a bit frustrating. Once you move past that though, this game is a delight.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R	Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a remake of a classic PlayStation One Action-RPG that not only gives the game a truly gorgeous makeover, but also fills the game with improvements and QoL enhancements. The result is a game that is excellent by today’s standards, though a few elements like the game’s story definitely still seem a tad dated. Overall, this is definitely a game that RPG fans will want to pick up.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening	Top-Down Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is a remake of the classic Game Boy games that gives the game a new, memorable art style, but mostly leaves the gameplay of the original intact. Unfortunately, this release has numerous flaws, including disappointing framerate issues, control issues, and missed opportunities in what little new content there is. Plus, the $60 price tag is ridiculous. It’s still a great game, but in many ways it’s also a disappointing one.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD	Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a massive improvement over the original Wii version of the game, with vastly improved visuals, hugely impactful quality-of-life changes, and new control options that… well, still have a lot of issues, but probably do about as good a job converting this game to Switch as one could hope for. This game’s fixation on the motion controls is still one of its most frustrating qualities, but it still features superb game design and an excellent presentation, and fans of the Zelda franchise won’t want to miss it, despite its flaws.
The Touryst	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.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition	Open-World Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr The Witcher III is an Open-World Action-RPG that has players exploring a massive fantasy world filled with deep, engrossing, extremely well-told story conveyed by fantastic characters, and it is absolutely amazing that the game works on the Switch at all. However, the cuts made to the graphics are severe to the point where I found them painful to look at, and while this is absolutely a must-play game, unless you don’t have another modern gaming platform or absolutely need to play this game on a handheld, you should be playing this on a system that is better-equipped to handle it.
Torchlight II	Top-Down Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Torchlight II is a loot-hunting Action-RPG in much the same vein as the Diablo series, and it does some interesting things with the genre like its pet system. However, some control issues, graphical issues, and the lack of couch co-op keep it from being quite on the level of Diablo III, although fans of the genre who are happy to go it solo or use online or local wireless co-op will find that Torchlight II is still an excellent budget-priced Diablo alternative.
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.
Trials of Mana	Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Trials of Mana is a remake of a 1995 Action-RPG with graphics and gameplay fully redone in 3D, and while some elements haven’t aged well, and this version lacks the original’s multiplayer, this is still an excellent remake of a beloved classic.
Undead Horde 2: Necropolis	Top-Down Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Undead Horde 2 is a Top-Down Action-RPG that mixes elements of Diablo and Pikmin, with players taking the role of an undead king re-animating the dead to form the ranks of his growing army. This game improves on its predecessor in multiple ways, and while there’s still multiple places where this game could be improved further, overall this is a solid entry in the genre and a marked improvement over the prior game.
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.
Ys X: Nordics	Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Ys X is an Action-RPG that finally manages to be a decent port of a mainline game in the series to Nintendo Switch, with this game’s plot involving fantasy Vikings and an undead menace. The combat here is truly exceptional, but the new seafaring gameplay elements fall flat and drag down the pacing. This is still a thoroughly enjoyable Action-RPG, but it’s inferior to what both its direct predecessors would have been if they had gotten decent Nintendo Switch ports too.
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure	Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is a family-friendly Action-RPG where players take the role of a young girl snapping photos of wildlife and helping to beautify a small island community to save a wildlife preserve. This game has a lovely presentation, with a good variety of things to do, though Alba herself isn’t a very capable protagonist, which causes a fair amount of frustration. Still, if you’re looking for a relaxed game about nature and photography, this is a great choice.
Anima: Gate of Memories – The Nameless Chronicles	Spectacle Fighter / Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Anima: Gate of Memories – The Nameless Chronicles is a Spectacle Fighter with Action-RPG elements and a sequel that follows a different path during the same story events as the first game. This game drops the character-swapping of that game, but in its place we get more fluid and enjoyable combat, making this an all-around better game. It’s still not on par with the greats of the genre, but Spectacle Fighter fans will still likely find this game worth playing.
Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land	Open-World Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Atelier Yumia makes some major changes to the Atelier franchise, and mostly these are all excellent, bringing the Atelier games fully into Open-World territory, with a gorgeous soundtrack, wonderful story and characters, and largely enjoyable gameplay, albeit with a few issues that still need tweaking. However, on Nintendo Switch the biggest problem by far is the lacking graphical performance that results in a game that, while still playable, definitely suffers due to the limitations of the hardware it is on. If you’re a fan of RPGs and especially this series, this is still absolutely worth playing, but there’s no question the Nintendo Switch release is a compromised version of the game.
Batman: Arkham Trilogy	Compilation / Open-World Action-RPG / Metroidvania	B
tl;dr Batman: Arkham Trilogy is a Compilation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City, and Batman: Arkham Knight. Arkham Asylum and Arkham City are incredible, must-play games, two of the greatest games ever made, and these are solid ports. Unfortunately, Arkham Knight is a disappointing sequel, and this port of it is broken and ugly on top of that. This bundle would still easily be worth getting for the first two incredible games, but the $60 price tag is three times what you’d pay to get these two games on any other platform, which makes it hard to recommend this bundle.
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon	Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Bayonetta Origins is an Action-RPG that is wildly different in look, tone, and gameplay compared to the mainline games in the Bayonetta series. However, while this may not be the sort of game that Bayonetta fans are used to, it’s still a delightful entry in the genre with a fun split-character gameplay mechanic. It does suffer from pacing issues, but if you have the patience to bear with it, I think you’ll find this to be a wonderful entry in its genre.
Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition	Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition is a remaster of a classic Action-RPG that updates the presentation and adds a lot of behind-the-scenes content, although on the Nintendo Switch this comes at the cost of framerate issues, and there are other problems like load times and some dated design. Still, despite these flaws, this is still a fantastic Action-RPG with a unique and beautiful world to explore. Dated though some parts of it may be, it’s still well worth a look.
Cat Quest	Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Cat Quest is a family-friendly Action-RPG that simplifies numerous elements of the genre to produce something streamlined, user-friendly, and… well, full of cat puns. It may not have the weight of some of the more impactful games in the genre, but it is nevertheless a thoroughly enjoyable game, and one fans of the genre would do well to give a look.
Cat Quest + Cat Quest II: Pawsome Pack	Compilation / Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Cat Quest + Cat Quest II: Pawsome Pack is a Compilation of two family-friendly Action-RPGs that simpliy numerous elements of the genre to produce something streamlined and user-friendly, albeit lacking the weight of some of the more impactful games in the genre. This physical compilation is slightly pricier than buying the games separately in digital form, but if you’re looking for a solid pair of Action-RPGs on a cartridge, this Compilation is worth looking into.
Conscript	Top-Down Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Conscript is a Top-Down Action-RPG set in the trenches of World War I, and to depict the tension and horrors of war this game borrows a lot of gameplay elements from classic Survival Horror games, which combines with the outstanding presentation to great effect here. At the same time, those same Survival Horror elements can be tedious and frustrating, so this won’t be a game for everyone.
Creature in the Well	Top-Down Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Creature in the Well is a top-down Action-RPG that has players controlling a robot on a mission to power up an ancient facility room by room using a pair of melee weapons to sling energy balls at machines. The gameplay here is fairly unique and the presentation is good, though the game can get a bit repetitive at times. It’s definitely worth a look, though.
Crypt Custodian	Top-Down Action-RPG / Metroidvania	B
tl;dr Crypt Custodian is an Action-RPG with Metroidvania elements about a cat who goes to an animal afterlife and becomes condemned to spend eternity as a custodian. This game marries a lovely presentation with solid gameplay, and while I don’t think it particularly excels at anything, it is still very enjoyable and has little in the way of flaws. Overall this is a solid entry in the genre that I think most players will enjoy.
Darksiders: Warmastered Edition	Spectacle Fighter / Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Darksiders: Warmastered Edition is a Spectacle Fighter with Action-RPG elements that puts you in the role of one of the four horsemen, War, looking to clear his name after the apocalypse gets kicked off early and the blame is placed on him. This is an excellent port of a solid game, and isn’t that far behind other current platforms in terms of performance. While the action here isn’t quite as compelling as other Spectacle Fighters on the Switch, and the Action-RPG elements don’t allow for anywhere near the same amount of exploration, overall this is still a solid title worth playing.
Darksiders Genesis	Top-Down Action-RPG / 2-Stick Shooter	B
tl;dr Darksiders Genesis is a Diablo-Style Top-Down Action-RPG that’s a prequel and spinoff of the main Darksiders game that focuses on the first game’s protagonist, War, along with new protagonist, Strife (the latter who plays like a Two-Stick Shooter). While it’s a decent game that brings a fair few original ideas to the genre, the lack of loot makes the whole thing feel a lot more repetitive and as a result it’s not quite as engaging as multiple other games in the genre on the Nintendo Switch.
Dave the Diver	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.
Death of a Wish	Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Death of a Wish is an Action-RPG and sequel to Lucah: Born of a Dream that similarly has a solid combat system and good RPG-style mechanics, but that is hampered by its odd presentation that makes it difficult to make out what you’re looking at and makes much of the game look samey. The way this game ditches the first game’s stamina meter is definitely an improvement, but it still has a lot of issues that drag down its otherwise good gameplay.
Death’s Door	Isometric Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Death’s Door is an Isometric Action-RPG where players take the role of a crow charged with reaping souls. This game’s gameplay is good, but has multiple frustrating issues. However, it’s worth putting up with those issues to enjoy the absolutely beautiful presentation, particularly this game’s outstanding soundtrack. As an action-packed game Death’s Door is good, but as a wonderful audiovisual experience it is something truly great.
Dinkum	Action-RPG / Management Sim	B
tl;dr Dinkum is an Action-RPG and Management Simulation that has players settling an Australian-inspired locale, with gameplay that feels like a combination of games like Minecraft and Animal Crossing. And while the pacing has issues and there are some tedious gameplay choices here, overall I think this is a solid take on the genre worth checking out.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen	Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Dragon’s Dogma is an Action-RPG with a large (but not open) world to explore, a good combat system, and an interesting story. It’s a solid port of the game from the Xbox 360 and PS3, although it very much still looks like a game from the previous generation, and the game’s high challenge level may push away some players. Still, if that doesn’t scare you off, you’ll find this to be an epic and enjoyable quest well worth undertaking.
Elliot Quest	Action-RPG / Platformer	B
tl;dr Elliot Quest is an Action-RPG Platformer that’s clearly inspired by Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and it does a good job presenting a new quest with a similar sort of gameplay, thanks to solid level design. It’s not very deep or original, but if you’re a fan of this sort of game, Elliot Quest is worth a look.
Freedom Wars Remastered	Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Freedom Wars Remastered is an updated port of the PlayStation Vita Action-RPG with solid action-focused gameplay, good progression, and a fascinating post-apocalyptic world steeped in social commentary that really draws you in and makes you want to see more. It seems limited by the platform it originated from in a few ways, but overall this is definitely worth a look for Action-RPG fans.
Hammerwatch	Top-Down Arcade / Action-RPG / 2-Stick Shooter	B
tl;dr Hammerwatch is a co-op Top-Down Arcade-style Action-RPG with Two-Stick Shooter mechanics that’s reminiscent of the classic game Gauntlet. It’s simple and can be a bit repetitive, but if you’re looking for something straightforward to play with friends, this is a pretty solid entry in its genre.
Harvestella	Action-RPG / Management Simulation	B
tl;dr Harvestella is an Action-RPG with Management Simulation elements in the vein of “Farming Sim” games like Stardew Valley… however, those farming elements are not nearly as pronounced as you might expect given the game’s title. Add to this a pretty tedious opening chapter, and many players may be disappointed by Harvestella… but if you stick with it, it does become better, and the phenomenal presentation is plenty enough reason to stick around until it does.
Heroes of Hammerwatch – Ultimate Edition	Top-Down Action-RPG / Roguelike / 2-Stick Shooter	B
tl;dr Heroes of Hammerwatch is a Top-Down Action-RPG with Two-Stick Shooter mechanics that ditches the lighter Arcadey feel of the first game in favor of a Roguelike, and the change adds some welcome depth. It’s a shame that this game dropped the local co-op, and the changes to the gameplay put this game in direct competition with other games that I’d argue are superior. However, if you’re looking for a solid Roguelike Action-RPG, this one is still well worth your time.
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 the port to Nintendo Switch has mangled this game’s visuals and performance. 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.
Hyper Light Drifter – Special Edition	Top-Down Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Hyper Light Drifter is a top-down Action-RPG that has players exploring a strange land as a mysterious swordsman. The presentation here is outstanding, and the Nintendo Switch version of the game is clearly the definitive version, but be warned that this isn’t a game for everyone – the high difficulty and the lack of explanation of many of the game’s basic elements will likely frustrate some players. Those with the patience to bear with it are likely to enjoy it, though.
Kamiko	Top-Down Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Kamiko is a Top-Down Action-RPG that puts players into the role of a shrine maiden transformed into a demon-fighting warrior. This game looks superficially a lot like Zelda, but provides a much more simple experience. While it’s a bit shallow, this is still a pretty fun experience, and well worth its tiny $5 price tag.
Master Key	Top-Down Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Master Key is a Top-Down Action-RPG that is clearly inspired by the Legend of Zelda franchise, but with the hand-holding removed and the difficulty level turned up to “at times unfair”. This, along with the game’s 2-color visuals, will be a turn-off for some players, but Zelda fans looking for a challenge will definitely want to give this a look.
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection	Compilation / Action-RPG / Card RPG	B
tl;dr Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a Compilation that contains Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Vol. 1 and Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Vol. 2, which together include Mega Man Battle Network 1-6 (as well as the Pokemon-style nearly-identical pairings of games 3-6). These are all games that mesh together elements of Card RPGs and Action-RPGs, and they are all excellent, though the latter games seem to copy most of their content from the first game and drag their feet when it comes to fixing that game’s problems. This Compilation also comes with an excellent array of bonus content. Unfortunately, at $60 for what amounts to six 15-20 year-old games, this Compilation feels overpriced, especially considering that this isn’t even a comprehensive collection of the franchise. There are still some solid games worth playing here, but I recommend waiting for a decent sale before buying.
Megaton Musashi W: Wired	Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Megaton Musashi W: Wired is an Action-RPG set in a world where humanity has been nearly wiped out by an alien invasion, and now fights back with mechs. This game has really enjoyable action, decent mech customization, and an engrossing story, though the pacing early into the game is too slow and the challenge level is too easy. However, despite these flaws, this is still a superb mech game, and a solid overall Action-RPG.
Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid	Open-World Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Natsu-Mon is a family-friendly Open-World Action-RPG where players take the role of a young kid running free in a rural Japanese community and filling his summer days with whatever activities players choose to partake in. This game has a wonderful relaxed atmosphere and pulls elements from Animal Crossing and Zelda games while still retaining its own sense of identity. While this game doesn’t reach the same heights of those franchises, it’s still an enjoyable game well worth a look for anyone wanting something low-key and chill.
Neo: The World Ends With You	Action-RPG / Spectacle Fighter	B
tl;dr Neo: The World Ends With You is a sequel to the Nintendo DS classic Action-RPG following new characters playing through a deadly game in a strange version of Tokyo’s Shibuya district. This sequel does a fantastic job of bringing the stylish anime-style presentation from the original game into the realm of 3D, and the new Spectacle Fighter-style combat system feels great while still maintaining elements of the original. The story is odd and confusing, and the RPG elements leave something to be desired, but overall this is a solid sequel that should be sure to please fans of the original.
Nobody Saves the World	Top-Down Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Nobody Saves the World is a Top-Down Action-RPG where players take the role of an amnesiac mute protagonist who must save the kingdom using a wizard’s wand that allows him to transform into various forms. This game has a great sense of humor, and an excellent variety of transformations and upgrade options. I do think the emphasis on transformations makes exploration less interesting, and I’m not thrilled with the randomized dungeons, but overall this is an excellent game worth considering for anyone looking for a game that does something a bit different with the old-school 2D Zelda formula.
Okami HD	Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Okami HD is an Action-RPG where you play as a wolf exploring a world designed to look like a Japanese watercolor painting. This is a solid port of the old PS2 game, and it still plays well, although it’s not without its flaws.
Pikmin 1	Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Pikmin 1 is a port of the first game in the Pikmin series, games loosely within the Real-Time Strategy genre that put the focus on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than strategic combat. This port has some very minor improvements that make this the definitive version of the game, but overall this is a bare-bones port of the worst game in the mainline series. It’s still well worth playing, but you’re probably better off playing this game’s sequels instead.
Pikmin 1 + 2 Bundle	Compilation / Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Pikmin 1 + 2 Bundle is a compilation of ports of the first and second games in the Pikmin series, games loosely within the Real-Time Strategy genre that put the focus on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than strategic combat. These ports have some very minor improvements that make this the definitive version of these games, but overall they’re both bare-bones ports. And while this package’s $50 price tag does save you $10 over the price of buying both games separately, it still feels overpriced considering how little effort was made to modernize these games. Make no mistake, the first two Pikmin games are still wonderful, but they deserved a better modern release than this, or at least a cheaper one.
Promise Mascot Agency	Open-World Action-RPG / Simulation	B
tl;dr Promise Mascot Agency is an Open-World game with Action-RPG and Simulation elements that has you exploring a town while managing a mascot agency in a bonkers world with an insane story. The Open World is filled with places to explore and things to do, and the creativity is outstanding here, but it’s hard to fully appreciate it with the lacking moment-to-moment gameplay and the absolutely ugly visuals and terrible performance on Nintendo Switch. If you have a high tolerance for those things, this is a unique experience well worth trying out, but this definitely isn’t going to be a game for everyone.
Red Dead Redemption	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 13 year-old original game with improved resolution, a few very minor tweaks, and its Undead Nightmare expansion, but also missing the original game’s multiplayer. This would be a must-have game on Nintendo Switch if the $50 price tag wasn’t an absolute insult given the game’s age and lack of new content or features. You should still absolutely get this game, but only when it gets a really good sale.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma	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. There are some minor gameplay frustrations, and the Nintendo Switch version has performance issues, but overall this is a solid new entry in this series and well worth a look for fans of its respective genres.
Shining Resonance Refrain	Action-RPG / JRPG	B
tl;dr Shining Resonance Refrain is an Action-RPG with JRPG elements. It features a beautiful presentation and gameplay similar to the Tales series. Its more interesting game systems aren’t well-explained, and the gameplay can get a bit basic and repetitive, but overall this is an enjoyable experience and a strong entry in the genre
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley	Top-Down Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Snufkin is a family-friendly Top-Down Action-RPG featuring the characters and world of the Moomins franchise, giving players a brief little adventure filled with lovable characters. This game isn’t very long or deep, but it is charming and filled with variety. If that sounds appealing to you, this game may be worth a look.
Streets of Rogue	Top-Down Action-RPG / Roguelike	B
tl;dr Streets of Rogue is a Top-Down Action-RPG Roguelike that gives players a few goals in each level and lets the player decide how to best go about completing those goals. When it works well, it’s fantastic to have so much freedom, though it feels like the game occasionally pushes players towards simple brute force violence, undermining that sense of freedom. Still, this is overall a fun game with a lot of variety.
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition	Action-RPG / JRPG	B
tl;dr Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is an Action-RPG that takes a standard JRPG and adds in battles that take place in real-time. It’s nothing game-changing, but it’s a good game that fans of the genre should enjoy.
The Outer Worlds	Open-World Action-RPG / First-Person Shooter	B
tl;dr The Outer Worlds is an Open-World Action-RPG and First-Person Shooter that’s much in the same vein as the Fallout games, and it features some incredibly good writing and voice acting, as well as some comparable gameplay, albeit with a bit more focus on its First-Person Shooter elements. Having said that, the segmented map design the of the game’s world-hopping make the Open-World elements far less appealing, and the Nintendo Switch version is still graphically far inferior compared to other versions, even after the patch. It’s still perfectly playable and fans wanting a solid Open-World game on the go may want to look into it, but those who can get it on another platform are better off doing so.
The Swords of Ditto: Mormo’s Curse	Top-Down Roguelike Action-RPG	B
tl;dr The Swords of Ditto is a fun riff on the Zelda formula that has you playing the reincarnated hero fighting the evil wizard in a more modernized world where the whole “reincarnated hero” thing has become old hat for everyone. It’s a clever idea that gets a great presentation here, but the actual gameplay itself can get a bit tedious at times. Still, the game is well worth playing for its constant originality.
The Tenth Line Special Edition	Action-RPG / Platformer	B
tl;dr The Tenth Line is an RPG with action-based elements that are somewhat comparable to the Mario & Luigi series, but builds on that with layers upon layers of complex game systems. This may be a bit too much for many players, but those willing to bear with it will find a deep and rewarding game with an excellent, well-written story.
TOEM	Action-RPG	B
tl;dr TOEM is a family-friendly Action-RPG where players take the role of a youth trading favors to locals for stamps on a card to earn transit, with these favors often coming in the form of taking photographs. This game offers a good variety of mostly photography-centric puzzles, and has a great soundtrack, but some puzzles seem arbitrary and not everyone will appreciate the visual presentation. Still, this is overall a delightful game worth checking out.
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion	Top-Down Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is an Action-RPG about an anthropomorphic turnip whose compulsion to rip up papers gets him in trouble when he rips up his taxes and has to make it up by running odd jobs for his town. This is an amusing, lighthearted romp that plays a bit like “Zelda Lite”, with less of a focus on combat and more on fetch quests. It doesn’t do anything particularly revolutionary, and it’s very short, but it’s charming and enjoyable while it lasts.
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank	Top-Down Action-RPG / 2-Stick Shooter	B
tl;dr Turnip Boy Robs a Bank is an Action-RPG and 2-Stick Shooter and sequel to Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion that features some very different gameplay compared to the original game, but it’s still overall a fun, enjoyable, and unique experience with a great sense of humor. A few gameplay elements don’t work here and can sometimes lead to frustration, but overall this is a delightfully wacky game well worth playing.
Undead Horde	Top-Down Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Undead Horde is a Top-Down Action-RPG that mixes elements of Diablo and Pikmin, with players taking the role of a necromancer re-animating the dead to form the ranks of his growing army. There are areas where this game could be improved, but overall it is a fun and original take on the genre and well worth playing.
UnderMine	Top-Down Action-RPG / Roguelike	B
tl;dr UnderMine is an Action-RPG with Roguelike elements where players fight through hordes of enemies in a randomized mine, hunting for treasure and gradually building up their expendable succession of adventurers. It’s a solid Roguelike, but it can’t hold a candle to the likes of games like The Binding of Isaac, which it stands in the shadow of. Still, if you’re a fan of the genre, it should be worth a look.
Vaporum	First-Person Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Vaporum is a First-Person tile-based RPG with a great steampunk theme and a surprisingly good presentation. It’s a bit repetitive, with simplistic combat, but fans of steampunk and this style of RPG will find a lot to like here.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox	Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Ys IX is an Action-RPG that follows series protagonist Adol as he becomes cursed with supernatural abilities and must investigate mysterious goings-on in the prison city of Balduq. This game has some excellent combat, fun grinding opportunities, and a killer soundtrack. Unfortunately, the first few hours of the game are slow, the location is dull and repetitive, and the Nintendo Switch version suffers from severe performance issues, including some of the worst framerate drops I’ve seen in a major release on the platform. If you enjoyed the prior game, you’ll probably like this one, but if at all possible you should get it on a different platform.
Anima: Gate of Memories – Arcane Edition	Compilation / Spectacle Fighter / Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Anima: Gate of Memories – Arcane Edition is a Compilation of Anima: Gate of Memories and Anima: Gate of Memories – The Nameless Chronicles, both Spectacle Fighters with Action-RPG elements. The second game in this package is definitely the better out of the pair, but the bundle is a decent enough deal that it’s probably worth it to get both so you can see both halves of the story told in these games.
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk	Sports (Xtreme) / Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is a mix of Xtreme Sports gameplay with Action-RPG elements that is clearly inspired by the Jet Set Radio series. Fans of that franchise will find a lot to like here, but players in general will likely be frustrated that the mostly-great Extreme Sports gameplay is unpolished and somewhat lacking, while the underbaked Action-RPG elements detract rather than add to the game. Overall, this is still a fairly unique game worth playing, but make no mistake, for everything done well here, it feels like you’ll find something else that’s flawed.
Cat Clean Ocean	Open-World Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Cat Clean Ocean is a family-friendly Open-World Action-RPG that has players exploring and cleaning up underwater environments, then recycling the junk they collected to upgrade their gear. This game is clearly copying Loddlenaut, and while it is worse than that game in multiple ways, it’s still an enjoyable and relaxing experience, and its lower $8 price tag may make this a sufficient low-cost alternative.
Cat Quest III	Open-World Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Cat Quest III takes the great Action-RPG gameplay of the earlier titles and adds Open-World seafaring elements. While liberating, these elements also cause wild difficulty spikes and make it difficult to gauge when you’ve wandered into an area where you’re out of your depth. As a result, this game loses the wonderful accessibility of its predecessors. There’s still a lot to love here, but this time that comes with its fair share of flaws.
Cat Quest: The Fur-tastic Trilogy	Compilation / Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Cat Quest: The Fur-tastic Trilogy is a Compilation containing the first three games in the Cat Quest series, all very good Action-RPG games with anthropomorphic animals and tons of puns. Unfortunately, in most cases this bundle is going to be overpriced, and unless you’re willing to spend considerably more for the physical release, you’re much better off getting the individual releases of these games on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
Cattails	Top-Down Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Cattails is a Top-Down Action-RPG that combines various different elements to create a somewhat unique game about a cat hunting, gathering, and fighting for their chosen faction to compete with other groups of cats. The combat isn’t good and the game can get a bit grindy, but the core gameplay is enjoyable and the presentation is endearing, so it’s easy to overlook these flaws. If you’re looking for a unique game that touches on some of the same notes as Stardew Valley while still being very different, definitely give this game a look.
Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion	Top-Down Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion is a remake of a PlayStation Portable Action-RPG that tells a story that is a prequel to the events of Final Fantasy VII. This game’s gameplay straddles the line between its RPG elements and Spectacle Fighter-esque combat, but it does neither of those things especially well, and while it’s not a bad game, its presence acts as a reminder that Nintendo Switch owners are apparently getting this game instead of Final Fantasy VII Remake, rather than as a supplement to it. On it’s own, it’s a good but not great Action-RPG, but in that context it’s hard not to see it as a disappointment.
Cube Creator X	Open-World Action-RPG / Misc.	B-
tl;dr Cube Creator X is a family-friendly Open-World sandbox game with Action-RPG elements that is very clearly a knockoff of Minecraft. It’s not a bad knockoff, by any means, but there’s nothing it does that isn’t done better by either Minecraft or the Dragon Quest Builders games. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, get one of those. However, if you’re short on cash and don’t mind getting a lesser product, Cube Creator X is decent, at least.
Cult of the Lamb	Action-RPG / Roguelike / Management Simulation	B-
tl;dr Cult of the Lamb is an Action-RPG with strong Roguelike and Management Simulation elements, in which players take the role of a lamb charged with managing a cult to worship an ancient deity, while heading out to gather resources and slaughter enemies. The presentation and Management Sim parts of this game are original and quite enjoyable, but the Action-RPG sections of the game are less successful thanks to issues with unclear hit detection and this game’s performance on Nintendo Switch. While there’s still plenty to enjoy here, I feel like there are other games that manage to do the individual elements of this game better, even if there’s nothing else that offers quite the same overall package.
Don’t Give Up: A Cynical Tale	Graphic Adventure / Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Don’t Give Up is a game that combines Graphic Adventure and Action-RPG elements to tell a story about an antisocial game designer suffering from depression, and a plucky hero looking to save the day. The story and presentation here is excellent, but the gameplay is really hit or miss. Still, while not everyone will enjoy that gameplay, I feel like this game’s better qualities outweigh the bad.
Forager	Top-Down Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Forager is a game that plays sorta’ like a Top-Down 2D Minecraft, and players looking for a decent crafting and resource-gathering game will find it to have some solid gameplay. However, none of Minecraft’s exploration or creativity is here, the resource-gathering can get pretty tedious at times, and the hit detection is problematic. Still worth a try, but it’s not without its problems.
Hand of Fate 2	Action-RPG / Interactive Story-Driven Adventure	B-
tl;dr Hand of Fate is an Action-RPG with “Choose Your Own Adventure” elements, represented as a card game between you and a mystical “Dealer”. There’s a decent combat system here, and the conceit is intriguing, but the game’s disjointed nature and underwhelming story make the entire experience feel shallow. There’s fun to be had here, but don’t expect this game to pull you in.
Hob: The Definitive Edition	Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Hob is an Action-RPG that has players exploring a world filled with machines they need to manipulate to progress, and while the world and its machines are fantastic, the game’s poor signposting and a few other problems make for an unnecessary amount of frustration. This is still worth checking out, but it definitely feels like it could have benefitted from more playtesting.
Indivisible	Metroidvania / Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Indivisible is a game that combines Metroidvania and Action-RPG elements, along with a wonderful presentation and great characters. Unfortunately, the story feels odd, with characters acting unrealistically. The Metroidvania elements have limited exploration. And the Action-RPG stuff is poorly-explained and chaotic. This is still overall a good game, but not without some very rough spots.
Knights and Bikes	Top-Down Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Knights and Bikes is a family-friendly Top-Down Action-RPG with strong co-op that has players hunting for treasure as two imaginative young girls. The gameplay here is a bit lacking, but that’s more than made up for by the delightful characters and story that have you seeing the world through kid’s eyes. If that sort of story sounds appealing to you, you should give this game a try.
Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered	Compilation / Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is a Compilation of remastered versions of the two named games, both Action-RPGs that have aged a bit poorly, but still have a truly excellent world, characters, and story to explore. And it’s hard to think of a better way to explore them than one of the most loving remasters I have ever encountered, full of bonus content. The games themselves may not be for everyone, but this is absolutely the best way to play them.
Lucah: Born of a Dream	Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Lucah is an Action-RPG with a solid combat system and good RPG-style mechanics, but that is hampered by its odd presentation that makes it difficult to make out what you’re looking at and makes much of the game look samey. There’s some good gameplay here, but I can’t help but feel like this game would have been more enjoyable with a different presentation.
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Vol. 1	Compilation / Action-RPG / Card RPG	B-
tl;dr Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Vol. 1 is a Compilation of the Game Boy Advance games Mega Man Battle Network, Mega Man Battle Network 2, Mega Man Battle Network 3: Blue, and Mega Man Battle Network 3: White, all games that mesh together elements of Card RPGs and Action-RPGs. The games here are excellent, though the latter games seem to copy most of their content from the first game and do little to fix that game’s problems. This Compilation also comes with an excellent array of bonus content. Unfortunately, at $40 for what amounts to three 20 year-old games, this Compilation feels absurdly overpriced.
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Vol. 2	Compilation / Action-RPG / Card RPG	B-
tl;dr Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Vol. 2 is a Compilation of the Game Boy Advance games Mega Man Battle Network 4, 5, and 6 (as well as their Pokemon-style nearly-identical pairings). These are all games that mesh together elements of Card RPGs and Action-RPGs. The games here are excellent, though none of them feel like they’ve grown all that much from the very first Battle Network game. This Compilation also comes with an excellent array of bonus content. Unfortunately, at $40 for what amounts to three 15+ year-old games, this Compilation feels absurdly overpriced.
My Time at Portia	Action-RPG / Management Sim	B-
tl;dr My Time at Portia is and Action-RPG / Management Sim much like Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley, with more of a focus on gathering resources and crafting than farming (though you can farm as well). There’s plenty of variety and some really great gameplay at the core of this game, but unfortunately the game is plagued with terrible interface problems, loading screens, and numerous other frustrations that sap much of the fun out of the experience. It’s still good, but it should have been so much better.
Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom Prince’s Edition	Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Ni No Kuni II is an Action-RPG that takes place hundreds of years after the first game and features very different gameplay. There’s a lot of depth here, including some light RTS and Management Sim elements, but these elements aren’t accessible until well into the game. What’s more, the Nintendo Switch version of the game suffers from some pretty atrocious performance issues. As a result, this is a game that I still recommend, but only if you have the patience to get to the game’s better features, and if at all possible I recommend you get the game on another platform.
Palia	Action-RPG / Management Simulation / MMO	B-
tl;dr Palia is a free-to-play game that combines Stardew Valley-style “Farming Sim” gameplay with an MMO-style world and multiplayer. Overall, this works quite well, and although the pacing is a bit slow, there’s plenty to do and a big world to explore. Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch version of the game has some pretty bad graphical issues and buggy gameplay problems that drag down what is otherwise a pretty pleasant experience. Since it’s free, Nintendo Switch owners may still find this game worth playing, though I do think the PC version is likely to be a better alternative.
Regions of Ruin	Action-RPG / Action-Platformer	B-
tl;dr Regions of Ruin is a unique blend of side-scrolling Action-RPG, Action-Platformer, and Management Sim elements. None of these parts is all that great or noteworthy, but together they form something that’s just novel enough to overcome these shortcomings and become something worth a try.
Republique: Anniversary Edition	Stealth / Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr Republique is a Stealth game where players control both a young woman trying to escape a dystopian surveillance state, as well as a hacker using that government’s technology to assist her. This game has a fascinating world and a unique gameplay premise, and while the gameplay here is highly flawed due to the game’s frustrating camera issues, at the absurdly generous price of $1 it’s still an easy game to recommend to Stealth fans.
Rune Factory 5	Action-RPG / Management Sim	B-
tl;dr Like its predecessors, Rune Factory 5 combines the “Farming RPG” genre with more traditional Action-RPG elements, with this game bringing the series into 3D. The trip to 3D has resulted in some unfortunate performance issues, and worse, much of the charm and personality of the series has been wiped clean, leaving this game feeling somewhat generic. However, the core gameplay is still excellent, giving players tons of stuff to do. If you’re a fan of Farming RPGs, this game is well worth a look.
The Escapists 2	Top-Down Action-RPG	B-
tl;dr The Escapists 2, like the first game, is a Top-Down Action-RPG that puts you in the role of a prison inmate seeking to bust out of jail. The game has a wealth of options and complex systems at work to give players plenty of possibilities for enacting their escape, and this time it does a much better job of explaining to the player how it all works. There are still some issues with tedious gameplay elements, and the excellent multiplayer mode has been cut back somewhat for the Switch version, but on the whole this is a solid entry in the Switch’s library.
The Lara Croft Collection	Compilation / Action-RPG / 2-Stick Shooter / 3D Platformer	B-
tl;dr The Lara Croft Collection is a Compilation containing Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, two spin-off games that play very differently from the mainline Tomb Raider series. While the platforming and exploration elements are sorely lacking, the action, puzzles, and co-op multiplayer are all good, making this a fun action-focused game, albeit one that’s less ambitious than the mainline Tomb Raider games.
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft	Compilation / Action-RPG / 3D Platformer	B-
tl;dr Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is a lovingly faithful remaster of the original trilogy of highly-influential Action-RPG 3D Platformers. The way this collection lets players choose classic or modern control schemes, and instantly swap between original visuals and some nice remade visuals is excellent, and the superb level design of the first game in particular still shines through. That said, even the modern controls are still pretty clunky, and there are other design issues here that I wish this release ironed out better. This is still a solid port of three classics (well, one classic and its two sequels), but even with all the additions and polish, the age of these games still shows.
UnMetal	Top-Down Action-RPG / Graphic Adventure	B-
tl;dr UnMetal is a Metal Gear-style Action-RPG with Graphic Adventure elements that plays like a parody of Metal Gear, and a pretty funny one at that, with excellent voice acting. It’s a good thing too, because the different gameplay elements here don’t really mix well together, and the lack of focus keeps either half of the gameplay from being fully-realized. In other words, while the gameplay isn’t bad, the main reason to consider UnMetal is its humor.
Ampersat	Top-Down Action-RPG / 2-Stick Shooter	C+
tl;dr Ampersat is a Top-Down Action-RPG with 2-Stick Shooter elements set in a world populated by ASCII characters, with players controlling an @ character wielding a magic wand and a sword. There are some clever ideas here, but overall this game is brought down by the poor quality of the individual components – both the 2-Stick Shooter and melee combat elements aren’t fun, and the RPG mechanics progress too slowly. There’s still some fun to be had here, but it definitely feels like this game had more potential than this.
Assassin’s Creed III Remastered	Compilation / Stealth / Open-World Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Assassin’s Creed III Remastered is a Compilation of Assassin’s Creed III and Assassin’s Creed Liberation that’s more of a high-resolution port of the originals than a remaster. These games have a lot to offer, but they also come with a lot of frustrations as well, with everything from poor pacing, frustrating game design, control issues, game crashes, and graphical issues, to name a few. However, for those who are patient enough to deal with all that, there are definitely some incredible moments here, such as Assassin’s Creed III’s excellent world-building and sailing.
Batman: Arkham Knight	Open-World Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr In Arkham Knight’s attempt to transform the series’ gameplay by adding the Batmobile, they unfortunately dilute it instead, and multiple other new elements added here simply do not work. Not only is this game already a big disappointment for the series, but the Nintendo Switch port is really rough, with massive graphical problems that affect the gameplay. While there’s still some enjoyable gameplay here, most of what works well here was what already worked, and much better, in Arkham City. Series fans may still want to play this, but be prepared for possibly the worst game in the series, and if at all possible play it on another platform instead.
Dark Souls Remastered	Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Dark Souls Remastered is the graphically-updated port of the beloved challenging Action-RPG, and while series fans may be glad to play it on the Switch, I found the game to have numerous problems baked-in that made it hard for me to give it a recommendation. I do not feel that this is a game that has aged well, with clunky controls and awkward gameplay. It’s a game that definitely has its positive qualities, such as superb level design and inventive passive multiplayer features. However, while I know there are some very vocal fans of this game out there, I feel that most players are better off avoiding this game.
Dauntless	Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Dauntless is a free-to-play Action-RPG that plays like a simplified Monster Hunter. Unfortunately, it currently suffers from a multitude of issues on the Nintendo Switch, including terrible framerates, input lag, and bugs that really hinder the experience. It’s unfortunate, because I can tell the core gameplay here is good, but getting to it requires wading through too many problems.
Death Road to Canada	Action-RPG / Roguelike	C+
tl;dr Death Road to Canada is an Action-RPG with Roguelike elements that plays like the Oregon Trail set in a zombie apocalypse. However, while the game does a great job giving players all kinds of unique twists and turns in their journey, the actual action itself is tedious and repetitive, which lets down a game that otherwise had lots of potential.
Family Man	First-Person Action-RPG / Simulation	C+
tl;dr Family Man is a First-Person Action-Adventure with Simulation elements where players take the role of an ordinary family man being strongarmed by the mob, who must find a way to pay them back while also taking care of his family. This results in gameplay that’s a lot like a resource management Simulation, and while there are clever moments here, this game never provides players with the freedom needed to live up to the level of importance this game places on choice.
Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition HD	Action-RPG / JRPG	C+
tl;dr Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition is an Action-RPG that is a shrunk-down chibi-ified reworking of the original Final Fantasy XV. This version loses much of the exploration and depth of that game, and scales down the graphics so much that even those who saw the word “chibi” and went “oh no” will be disappointed. However, the story, music, and voice acting are all still very good, and those who don’t have access to the original game may still find this version worthwhile.
Guild of Ascension	Action-RPG / Strategy-RPG / Roguelike	C+
tl;dr Guild of Ascension is a game that combines Action-RPG, Strategy-RPG, and Roguelike elements in a game where you’re controlling two warriors fighting their way up a fantastical tower. The blending of different gameplay elements here is absolutely inspired, but unfortunately the game does little to build on that excellent potential, leaving this feeling repetitive and tiresome. It’s a shame this game wastes so much potential, and unless you’re curious to see something clever and different that can’t live up to that potential, you’re better off skipping this one.
Heroine Anthem Zero: Episode 1	Action-Platformer / Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Heroine Anthem Zero is an Action-Platformer with RPG elements that has players in the role of a forest ranger-type character in a medieval fantasy world who happens across a mysterious unrest and must investigate its cause. The hand-drawn visuals and orchestral and voiced music is absolutely gorgeous, and the world and characters are intriguing, but players wanting to see more of these will have their patience constantly tested as the game’s pacing is atrociously bad, thanks in part to incessant loading screen after loading screen. If you can bear with it, there’s some wonderful content here to enjoy, but don’t attempt to do so unless you are extremely patient.
King of Seas	Top-Down Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr King of Seas is a Top-Down ship-based Action-RPG that has players navigating a ship to cart around supplies and engage other ships in combat. It does this sort of gameplay well enough, though it can be a bit slow-paced and repetitive. Still, if you want to immerse yourself in a piratey adventure, this may be the sort of game you’re looking for.
Legend of Mana	Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Legend of Mana is a remaster of the classic PlayStation One Action-RPG that updates the beautiful visuals and the absolutely gorgeous soundtrack, adds some welcome new menu content and options, and retains the flawed gameplay, story, and localization of the original release. However, those who can look past this game’s flaws will still find this to be a beautiful experience with some solid co-op gameplay.
Minit	Top-Down Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Minit takes a Zelda-style Top-Down Action-RPG and adds a twist that the player dies every sixty seconds, forcing them to make as much progress as possible between those deaths. It’s a clever concept, but it runs counter to the genre’s core element of exploration, a problem made worse through multiple frustrating design choices. It’s still worth a look if you want to try something unique within the genre, but for most it’ll be too frustrating to want to stick with.
Monster Outbreak	Tower Defense / Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Monster Outbreak is a game that combines Tower Defense and Action-RPG elements with players defending against waves of enemies by gathering resources and building defensive installations. There are some really clever and unique ideas here, but this game ultimately fails to reach its potential due to multiple issues with its combat and presentation.
Scribblenauts Mega Pack	Compilation / Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Scribblenauts Mega Pack is a Compilation of Scribblenauts Unlimited and Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure, two family-friendly Action-RPGs that have players jotting down words to create solutions to puzzles. These games are still as good as they ever were, but the novelty wore off a long time ago, and now I think the only ones likely to be impressed by these games are those who haven’t played this series before. If that’s you, definitely give these games a try. Otherwise, well, you know the drill.
Silent Hope	Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Silent Hope is an Action-RPG where players swap between seven heroes heading into a cavern to try and retrieve the kingdom’s stolen voices. The core gameplay here is enjoyable, and the presentation is nice, but progression is stymied by over-complicated elements that drag down the pacing, and the lack of multiplayer is disappointing for a Diablo-style game. This game is still decent, but you have multiple better options on Nintendo Switch.
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life	Top-Down Action-RPG / Management Sim	C+
tl;dr Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a remake of a GameCube Action-RPG and “Farming RPG”-style Management Sim. It’s a bit slow-paced and generic, even for this genre, and all of its more subtle nuances will take time to uncover. More patient fans of the genre may find these unique features may make this game worth checking out, but most players are better starting out with other games in the genre.
Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town	Top-Down Action-RPG / Management Sim	C+
tl;dr Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is a “Farming RPG” much like Stardew Valley, and a remake of a beloved Game Boy Advance classic. Unfortunately, while this is a solid entry in the genre, just about everything this game does, Stardew Valley does just as well or better, and at a fraction of the price. Unless you prefer this game’s art style, there’s no reason to bother with this game when you could get Stardew Valley instead.
Super Daryl Deluxe	Action-RPG / Action-Platformer	C+
tl;dr Super Daryl Deluxe is a side-scrolling Action-RPG/Platformer with a really unique style and some cool customization options for combat. Unfortunately, the combat is clunky and frustrating and the game is bogged down by fetch quests.
The World Ends With You: Final Remix	Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr The World Ends With You is a unique Action-RPG originally released for the Nintendo DS in 2007, with this version getting an updated presentation and updated controls to work on the Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, it’s clear that this is a game that was designed with the Nintendo DS in mind, as the controls don’t work nearly as well on the Nintendo Switch. It’s still decent in portable mode using the touchscreen, but playing the game docked using motion controls is frustrating. Players willing to put up with that frustration may still want to give the game a try for its unique gameplay and original story about a mysterious life-or-death contest in Tokyo’s Shibuya district… though I could’ve done without the protagonist being such a jerk.
Ys Origin	Top-Down Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Ys Origin is a Top-Down Action-RPG that’s much smaller in scope than Ys VIII, instead being focused largely on combat in dungeons. It’s not bad, but it’s also probably not what fans of Ys VIII are hoping for, and those looking for a top-down combat-focused game will find a much better one in the recently-released Hades. As a result, Ys Origin is a decent game that seems like it’s outdone in every area by other, better games.
9th Dawn III	Top-Down Action-RPG	C
tl;dr 9th Dawn III is a Top-Down Action-RPG with a retro aesthetic and a large world to explore, but sadly there’s not much here to get excited about, with an uninteresting plot and characters, tedious boring combat, and a lack of meaningful RPG elements. This is still an okay Action-RPG, but with so many great games to choose from on Nintendo Switch, just “okay” doesn’t seem good enough.
Anima: Gate of Memories	Spectacle Fighter / Action-RPG	C
tl;dr Anima: Gate of Memories is a Spectacle Fighter with Action-RPG elements where players swap back and forth between two characters as they explore a cursed tower to find a stolen relic. There are multiple elements this game introduces to the Spectacle Fighter genre that are promising, but all of that promise is undone by clunky combat that just isn’t very fun to engage in.
BQM -BlockQuest Maker-	Content Creation Application / Puzzle / Action-RPG	C
tl;dr BlockQuest Maker is a Content Creation Application that lets players create and share their own character-based Puzzles with light Action-RPG elements. The presentation here is primitive with a terrible camera, and the Puzzle gameplay isn’t anything revolutionary, but the creation and sharing tools are decent, and players looking to create puzzles to share with others should find this to be worth a look.
DC Universe Online	MMO / Action-RPG	C
tl;dr DC Universe Online is a Free-To-Play MMO that was a solid entry into the genre back in the day, but it’s 8 years later and the game really shows its age. Plus, the Switch isn’t really the ideal place to play the game – if you really want to play this old clunker, you’re probably better off just doing so on the PC.
Diablo II: Resurrected	Action-RPG	C
tl;dr Diablo II: Resurrected is a remastered version of the classic Action-RPG from 2000. Unfortunately, time has not been kind to this game, nor has the port to consoles, and neither has the fact that the sequel, Diablo III, has been available on the Nintendo Switch for years now and is a much better game. While there is still some fun to be had in Diablo II, only those with nostalgia for this game’s original release would find this game worth playing when they can just play more Diablo III instead.
Draw a Stickman: Epic 2	Action-RPG	C
tl;dr Draw a Stickman: Epic 2 is a family-friendly Action-RPG where players solve puzzles by drawing onto the screen with colors they collect. It’s a cute game and I can certainly see the customization elements appealing to youngsters, but it’s not especially deep or challenging.
Fairune Collection	Compilation / Puzzle / Action-RPG / Shmup	C
tl;dr Fairune Collection is a compilation of 4 games… although if we’re being honest it’s more like 2 games with some extras. Fairune 1 & 2 are Action-RPG Puzzle games, Fairune Origins is a 15-minute distraction in the same vein, and Fairune Blast is an unlockable Shmup that takes 3 minutes to complete. So clearly Fairune 1 & 2 are the meat of this collection, with gameplay that’s a little like 2D Zelda games with a focus on exploration and puzzle-solving. When it works, it’s really fun, but these games all have a slew of problems that lead to a lot of frustration. In the end, I’d still recommend it to fans of the classic Zelda series, but only if you’re prepared for this game’s numerous issues.
Good Night, Knight	Top-Down Action-RPG / Roguelike	C
tl;dr Good Night, Knight is a Top-Down Action-RPG with Roguelike elements. It has a fantastic sense of humor and some interesting equipment leveling elements, but for the most part this game’s presentation and gameplay just falls flat. While not terrible, I can’t give it a high recommendation.
Gundam Breaker 4	Action-RPG	C
tl;dr Gundam Breaker 4 is an Action-RPG where players have a ton of great customization options for their Gundam mechs, but the shallow gameplay, small battle areas, and other gameplay issues make this a game only for diehard fans of the franchise.
Headland	Action-RPG	C
tl;dr Headland is an Action-RPG about a guy who heads off to another world at the behest of his robot friends. This isn’t a bad entry in the genre, but it’s an extremely simple and somewhat generic one. You may find some enjoyment here, but there are plenty of better options available to you on the Nintendo Switch.
Implosion	Action-RPG / 2-Stick Shooter	C
tl;dr Implosion is an Action-RPG with some 2-Stick Shooter mechanics that has players fighting mutants using a human-size mech. The game has some enjoyable combat and a promising loot system, but the combat gets repetitive quickly and the loot system isn’t varied or deep enough to be engaging. Oh, and the 2-Stick Shooter elements are poorly-implemented. This isn’t a terrible game, but players interested in this sort of thing have multiple better options on the Switch.
Paradiso Series Bundle	Compilation / Action-RPG	C
tl;dr Paradiso Series Bundle is a Compilation containing Lucah: Born of a Dream and Death of a Wish, both Action-RPG titles set in the same world. While the games themselves are both decent, with good combat, this bundle is absurdly overpriced and you’re better off just getting its two contained games separately.
Pine Hearts	Action-RPG	C
tl;dr Pine Hearts is an Action-RPG… well, without the action… or any deep RPG elements. In this game, players take the role of a mountaineer helping tourists on a mountainside as he tries to get to the mountain’s top. This game has a nice relaxed tone, but all you do is busywork going around collecting things until you’re let into the next area. It’s not terrible, but it is still ultimately a shallow and tedious experience.
RoboPhobik	Action-RPG	C
tl;dr RoboPhobik is an Action-RPG with elements of Dungeon Crawlers about a woman fighting a robot takeover of a city. While there are individual elements here that have potential, overall these elements don’t work well together and the result is a game that fails to come together as a cohesive whole.
Rune Factory 3 Special	Top-Down Action-RPG / Management Sim	C
tl;dr Rune Factory 3 Special is a remaster of a Nintendo DS Top-Down Action-RPG and “Farming RPG”-style Management Sim with added post-game content. While this game still has some appeal, it has aged poorly in multiple ways, especially when compared to Rune Factory 4 Special on the same platform. A less-interesting story and characters, clunky gameplay, and a lack of anything truly unique and interesting to offer makes this a game that’s only worth seeking out if you’ve played the other Rune Factory games on Nintendo Switch and are absolutely desperate for more. Otherwise, stick with Rune Factory 4 Special.
SD Gundam Battle Alliance	Action-RPG	C
tl;dr SD Gundam Battle Alliance is an Action-RPG with a plot that acts as a bare-bones excuse to bring together content from throughout the Gundam franchise into one game. The combat and RPG elements here are fine, but nothing particularly noteworthy. If you’re looking for a truly great Gundam game, this ain’t it. But if you just want some enjoyable mech action, this will probably suffice.
Trove	Open-World Action-RPG	C
tl;dr Trove is a free-to-play Open-World Action-RPG with elements of Minecraft and Diablo. Unfortunately, these different elements don’t mesh well together, and aren’t strong enough on their own. On top of that, the Nintendo Switch version of the game is extremely buggy. There’s fun to be had here, but there are major flaws that keep this game from stepping out from under the shadow of its inspirations.
Wizard of Legend	Top-Down Action-RPG / Roguelike	C
tl;dr Wizard of Legend is a Top-Down Action-RPG Roguelike that has you creating a loadout of spells to challenge randomized levels in a series of “trials”. The fighting here is fast-paced, but your cooldowns unfortunately are not, and while this game certainly isn’t bad, there are others in the genre that are far more deserving of your time.
.hack//G.U. Last Recode	Compilation / Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr .hack//G.U. Last Recode is a Compilation of remastered versions of the second mainline trilogy of videogames in the .hack franchise (plus a new fourth installment!), something that should be a delight to series fans, but everyone else will find that these games have aged extremely poorly, with tedious gameplay, a poorly-told story, and extremely outdated presentation. Unless you are one of those aforementioned series fans, skip this.
Anodyne	Top-Down Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr Anodyne is a Top-Down Action-RPG in the vein of old-school Zelda games, and it has some delightful writing and some decent gameplay, but that gameplay is trapped under a mountain of ugly graphics, terrible music and sound, and extremely tedious and frustrating world design. Only the biggest fans of the genre should even bother with this one.
Barbearian	Isometric Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr Barbearian is an Isometric Action-RPG with some light Strategy elements that has you playing as a warrior in a bearskin fighting off hordes of enemies using your axe and recruiting other fighters to your cause. This game tries to juggle multiple elements, but doesn’t do any of them very well, and in any case the similar game Undead Horde does this sort of thing much better. I suggest you play that instead.
Book of Demons	Top-Down Action-RPG / Roguelike	C-
tl;dr Book of Demons is a Diablo-style Action-RPG with Roguelike elements, but simplified. Unfortunately, this simplification, while novel, is done pretty poorly here, and all of the interesting things the game tries only cause frustration. Not a terrible game, but you have better options on the eShop.
Castle of No Escape 2	Top-Down Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr Castle of No Escape 2 is a Top-Down Action-RPG with an 8-bit retro-style aesthetic that abandons the gameplay style of the first game while still drawing inspiration from it. The result is a far better game that’s still dragged down by a multitude of problems that make this game needlessly confusing and exasperating. There’s potential here, but this game needed a lot more polish to truly shine.
Jotun: Valhalla Edition	Top-Down Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr Jotun: Valhalla Edition has you on a quest through the Norse purgatory, fighting massive beasts to prove your worth. The game is absolutely gorgeous to look at and listen to, but the gameplay is a slog that makes it a chore to see the game’s wonders.
Minecraft Dungeons	Top-Down Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr Minecraft Dungeons is a Top-Down Action-RPG that combines the look and world of Minecraft with the sort of gameplay seen in games like Diablo. Unfortunately, this game is a sub-standard Diablo-style game that doesn’t do much mechanically to make use of its Minecraft license, and it suffers from serious performance issues on Nintendo Switch. No matter which angle you view it from, this game is a big disappointment.
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate	Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is an Action-RPG where you hunt down monsters to build better monster hunting equipment. Unfortunately, the interface is awkward, there are numerous frustrating elements built into the game’s design, and the game’s tutorial is a master-class in how not to design a tutorial. If at all possible, play this game’s big brother Monster Hunter World and stay away from this one.
Pokemon Quest	Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr Pokemon Quest is an Action-RPG that’s an extremely simple yet compelling experience… until the wait mechanics kick in and the game pushes you to fork over money for microtransactions or not be able to play the game for an arbitrary length of time. You’re probably better off with another Pokemon game on the Switch.
Poopdie – Chapter One	Top-Down Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr Poopdie is a Top-Down Action-RPG that combines PewDiePie’s style of humor with Binding of Isaac’s fixation on bathroom humor, tossing in a Pikmin-esque minion-controlling mechanic. Unfortunately, while this game is trying a lot of interesting things, pretty much every one of them is flawed, with repetitive environments and humor, slow pacing, and a targeting mechanic that’s outright broken. Fans of PewDiePie may still get a kick out of this game, but most are better off skipping it.
QUByte Classics – The Immortal by PIKO	Compilation / Isometric Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr The Immortal is an Isometric Action-RPG that released in different versions on the Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Genesis, with both versions of the game included here. There’s some good animation and a fair amount of variety here, but it’s hard to enjoy that when the controls are absolutely terrible and the game keeps making you die from countless hidden traps and other unearned deaths. Unless you have the patience to keep playing through after dying over and over, skip this one.
Star Ocean: First Departure R	Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr Star Ocean First Departure R is a remaster of a remake of the first game in the Action-RPG series, and with that comes graphics that straddle the line between quaint and archaic, and a story that just can’t live up to modern-day standards. However, what’s really holding it back is the confusing ways it chooses to do things differently than other games in the genre, without explaining how it all works, including combat where the game feels like it’s fighting you for control over your own character. There’s stuff to like here, but most will find a hard time getting into this game.
Sunseed Island	Top-Down Action-RPG / Management Sim	C-
tl;dr Sunseed Island is a family friendly Top-Down Action-RPG and Management Simulation in the “Farming RPG” style, set in a world of anthropomorphic creatures who have a symbol representing their job literally growing out of their heads. This game does a few interesting things with the genre, but progression is so slow and plodding, and player options are so constrained, that it’s hard to recommend over the better options available in this genre.
Tales of Autumn	Top-Down Action-RPG / Management Sim	C-
tl;dr Tales of Autumn is a Top-Down Action-RPG and Management Simulation in the “Farming RPG” style, and while its stronger focus on story and attracting and raising animals gives it a unique hook, it’s a terrible mess, with issues of conflicting tone and absolutely terrible gamepad controls… and all at a price only $2 less than the current king of the genre, Stardew Valley. Trust me, you’re better off spending the extra $2 on that game and skipping Tales of Autumn entirely.
The Elder Scrolls: Blades	First-Person Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr The Elder Scrolls: Blades is a First-Person Action-RPG originally released on mobile devices in 2019. It doesn’t have the open world of Skyrim. Or the character customization. Or the variety. Or the graphics. Or the intricate, detailed world. Rather, this is an extremely simplified take on the franchise that does at least have some interesting town-building elements. Unfortunately, even what little joy this game has to offer is bogged down by extremely aggressive monetization that sours the whole experience. If you can manage to scrape together the money, just get Skyrim instead.
The Escapists: Complete Edition	Top-Down Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr The Escapists: Complete Edition is the definitive version of the Top-Down Action-RPG that puts you in the role of a prison inmate seeking to bust out of jail. The game has a wealth of options and complex systems at work to give players plenty of possibilities for enacting their escape, but unfortunately at every turn the game does a terrible job conveying to players what those options are and what those systems mean. The result is a game that’s just frustrating.
Teravit	Open-World Action-RPG / Content Creation Tool / Misc.	C-
tl;dr Teravit is a free-to-play game that seeks to combine Minecraft’s look and gameplay with a user-created marketplace a la Roblox. Unfortunately, not only are all of these elements extremely old and tired at this point, but nothing this game does is done especially well. And for a game that’s maybe the millionth Minecraft clone to hit the market, it really needed to do more than be yet another sub-par copycat game to add to the pile.
2021: Moon Escape	Top-Down Action-RPG	D+
tl;dr 2021: Moon Escape is a Top-Down Action-RPG where players take the role of a soldier in space who gets stranded on a moon and must try to escape. While this game does a delightful job creating a presentation to mimic classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, everything else here is terrible, from poor hit detection to sluggish gameplay to tons of slow, unskippable text. The result is a game that just isn’t worth playing, despite the endearing visuals.
Diabolic	Action-RPG	D+
tl;dr Diabolic is an Action-RPG that seems to want to be a low-cost alternative to games like Diablo and Gauntlet, but the slow, repetitive gameplay and complete lack of a challenge make it a game that isn’t even worth its $5 price tag.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising	Action-Platformer / Action-RPG	D+
tl;dr Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is an Action-Platformer with RPG elements with a great presentation, but this game’s pacing is absolutely abysmal, forcing you to sit through countless loading screens, slow-moving conversations, and other speed bumps to the point where the actual gameplay seems scarce, and even when you do finally get to it, it doesn’t seem anywhere near special enough to be worth all the tedium. Skip this one.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition	Action-RPG	D+
tl;dr Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered takes the classic GameCube Action-RPG, upgrades the graphics and presentation… and breaks everything else. Broken multiplayer, tedious and boring combat, terrible load times, and a slew of poor design choices that actively make the game worse… I could go on and on about all of the things that make this a terrible game. Even if you have nostalgia for the original game, you’re probably better off leaving your fond memories in the past than trying to relive them here.
Skyforge	Action-RPG	D+
tl;dr Skyforge is a free-to-play online-only Action-RPG where players play as resurrected immortals fighting hordes of invading creatures. Unfortunately, the action is mediocre, and it’s made worse by a terrible port to Nintendo Switch with eye-wateringly bad graphics and horrendously broken sound. Even free is too much to pay for this game.
Warlocks 2: God Slayers	Action-RPG / Action-Platformer	D+
tl;dr Warlocks 2 is a game that combines Action-Platformer and Action-RPG elements, with players taking on the role of a would-be warlock doing favors for an assortment of odd characters. Unfortunately, this game does a poor job of just about everything it tries to do. Terrible controls, poor progression, limited choice, repetitive levels, frustrating combat, a story that’s not at all compelling… I suppose some players may find something to like here, but there’s so little here that’s truly enjoyable for me to recommend this game over the countless better options you have.
Dreamland Farm	Top-Down Action-RPG / Management Sim	D
tl;dr Dreamland Farm is a Top-Down Action-RPG and Management Simulation in the “Farming RPG” style, that plays like a very poor-man’s take on Stardew Valley, lacking a lot of that game’s features, and adding nothing of note other than some terrible design choices and odd bugs. It’s overpriced at its standard price and doesn’t feel like a good deal even when it goes on sale for $2. Just stick to Stardew Valley and leave this game to rot out in the fields.
Skull Rogue	Top-Down Action-RPG	D
tl;dr Skull Rogue is a Top-Down Action-RPG where players take the role of a skeleton using a sword and bombs to fight off other skeletons in a dungeon. Unfortunately this game is dull and repetitive, and features a bland presentation. There’s just nothing here to hold players’ interest.
Valthirian Arc: Hero School Story	Action-RPG / Management Simulation	D
tl;dr Hero School Story combines Action-RPG gameplay and Management Simulation elements in a story about building up a thriving medieval fantasy hero school. Unfortunately, both the Action-RPG elements and the Management Simulation elements are terrible, and the presentation s ugly to boot. You have countless better options than this on Nintendo Switch.
VasterClaws3: Dragon Slayer of the God World	Top-Down Action-RPG	D
tl;dr VasterClaws3 is a Diablo-style Top-Down Action-RPG. Unfortunately, it fails in pretty much every way – ugly presentation, dull and simple gameplay, boring party management, and a bad localization that makes everything harder to understand than it needs to be. You have much better options on Nintendo Switch.
Bakeborough	Top-Down Action-RPG	D-
tl;dr Bakeborough is a Top-Down Action-RPG where players take the role of an anthropomorphic bran muffin on a quest to rescue his boyfriend. This game has some interesting ideas about inventory management, but overall this is a horrible, incomplete, unpolished mess of a game with far too many problems to be worth playing. In other words, it’s half-baked.
Cirrus Business	Management Simulation / Action-RPG	D-
tl;dr Cirrus Business is a “Farming Sim”-style Management Simulation and Action-RPG. Unfortunately, its juvenile presentation will likely drive away older players, its unnecessarily-complex controls will drive away younger players, and its maddeningly slow pacing will drive away everyone. You have numerous great alternatives for Farming Sim-style games on Nintendo Switch, play one of those instead.
Timothy and the Mysterious Forest	Top-Down Stealth / Action-RPG	D-
tl;dr Timothy and the Mysterious Forest looks like an homage to The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening on the original Game Boy, but don’t be fooled. Not only is this a Stealth game that plays nothing like Zelda, but it’s one of the worst Stealth games I’ve ever had the misfortune to play, with players suffering deaths often and suddenly, and without anything resembling fun. Don’t fall for this nasty trick of a game.
What the Duck	Action-RPG	D-
tl;dr What the Duck is nominally an Action-RPG about a silly man who fights with the help of his spirit animal, a duckling. But what it really is, unfortunately, is a giant mess. Nothing in this game works right – not the controls, the camera, the graphics, the music, the characters, the humor. Everything is lacking polish and at times seems designed to actively make the game worse. If this game’s goose is cooked, it’s because the duck is absurdly undercooked.
Onigiri	MMO / Action-RPG	F
tl;dr Onigiri is a MMO Action-RPG that is Free-To-Play. However, the game is broken in multiple ways, with horrendous lag, terrible interface problem, and an overall look and feel that screams that this is an unfinished product that probably needed years more time in development. Even for a free game, you can get better on the Switch.

Survival Adventure

Game	Genre	Grade
Core Keeper	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: Below Zero	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.
Distrust	Survival Adventure	B
tl;dr Distrust is a Survival Adventure with a setting and story that’s reminiscent of John Carpenter’s The Thing, working horror and sci-fi elements into the survival formula in a way that does a good job of enhancing it. There are some interface and control issues that can pop up here and there, but fans of the genre would do well to give this game a try.
Stacklands	Card Game / Survival Adventure	B
tl;dr Stacklands is a Survival Adventure game played with the mechanics of a real-time Card Game, and this combination is refreshing and enjoyable, even if there are some irritating mechanical issues and poor design choices keeping this from being even better. Despite this, the compelling gameplay and unique core idea make this well worth seeking out for Survival Adventure fans.
Subnautica	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, 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 + Subnautica: Below Zero	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, particularly Below Zero. 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.
Sunless Sea: Zubmariner Edition	Survival Adventure	B
tl;dr Sunless Sea is a refreshingly unique game that probably best fits into the Survival Adventure genre, putting players in the role of a sea captain piloting a ship through the murky, Lovecraftian underground sea of a condemned Victorian London. It’s a brilliantly-realized world with a strong presentation, fantastic writing, and some unique gameplay, but this game is also an acquired taste due to its odd controls, unhelpful tutorial, and slow movement. If you’re patient and have a taste for something different and difficult, this game may very well be worth a try, just be aware what you’re getting into.
Grounded	Open-World Survival Adventure	B-
tl;dr Grounded is an Open-World Survival Adventure that has players taking the role of kids shrunk down to the size of bugs trying to survive in a garden while searching for a way to return to normal size. Despite its Xbox One origins, this game works on Nintendo Switch, though not very well, with numerous nasty graphical compromises. What’s more, the menu system is unnecessarily clunky, confusing, and awkward to use. Despite these issues, Grounded is still a wonderful game with some great cross-play co-op, and if Nintendo Switch is your only gaming platform, this is a decent way to play this game.
The Flame in the Flood	Survival Adventure	B-
tl;dr The Flame in the Flood is a Survival Adventure where you raft down a flooded area scrounging through wreckage for supplies to stay alive. It’s punishingly difficult, but it’s a rewarding experience if you stick with it.
This War of Mine: Complete Edition	Survival Adventure	C+
tl;dr This War of Mine is a Survival Adventure that has you guiding a group of civilians trying to survive in the rubble of a war zone. It does a good job balancing ethical dilemmas with the survival elements, but unfortunately the game has too many moments of tedium and frustration to make it truly deliver on the potential of its great premise.
Don’t Starve Together	Survival Adventure	C+
tl;dr Don’t Starve Together is a Survival Adventure that expands on the original Don’t Starve with additional multiplayer content, with a more attractive $15 price point. It’s still got many of the same positive and negative qualities as its predecessor, but if you’re looking for a portable version of Don’t Starve, this is a marked improvement over the original game.
Remains	First-Person Survival Adventure	C+
tl;dr Remains is a First-Person Survival Adventure where players take the role of an astronaut adrift in space amidst a field of debris they must collect to rebuild a working spacecraft and keep themselves alive. Despite the severe theme, Remains is a surprisingly relaxing experience thanks to the abundant resources. While I love a lot about this game, it definitely has its problems – The pacing here is pretty slow, the limited inventory is frustrating, the menus are too confusing, and the controls have serious issues. However, if you can tolerate these flaws, I think you’ll find this game to be a delight, well worth checking out for fans of the genre, and even those like me who normally find this genre too stressful.
Don’t Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition	Survival Adventure	C-
tl;dr Don’t Starve is a Survival Adventure that puts the player in the role of a scientist transported to a hostile wilderness, scrounging for resources to survive. This is a difficult, unforgiving game to the point that most will find it too frustrating. Some may appreciate its lack of hand-holding, but the majority of players will do well to skip this one.
Soul Searching	Survival Adventure	D
tl;dr Soul Searching is a Survival Adventure game with a heavily-pixelated look where you paddle an oar across an empty ocean. The game gives players little instruction how to play the game, what to do, or how to survive. Even for Survival Adventure games, this is a painful, pointless slog of a game, and I highly recommend you avoid it.

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