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

Open-World Games

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.
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.
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.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga	Open-World 3D Action-Platformer / Third-Person Shooter	A
tl;dr LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is yet another game in Traveller’s Tales’ family-friendly franchise of LEGO Open-World 3D Action-Platformers, with this game revisiting all nine numbered Star Wars films with entirely new gameplay. This is the LEGO game that gets everything right – the new Third-Person Shooter gameplay helps to bring players closer to the action, the comedy is as great as it’s ever been, the presentation is gorgeous, and the world provides lots of interesting places to explore. This is not just a great LEGO game, it’s a great Star Wars game, and just a great game overall. If you only ever play one Traveller’s Tales LEGO game, this is the one to play.
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.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury	Compilation / 3D Platformer / Open-World	A
tl;dr Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a Compilation of two 3D Platformers – an upscaled and much-improved port of Super Mario 3D World, and the all-new Open-World game Bowser’s Fury. On their own, each wouldn’t hold a candle to Mario’s best adventures – 3D World isn’t nearly as ambitious as Odyssey or Galaxy, and Bowser’s Fury is too short. However, combined they come very close to that same level of quality, and the resulting package is a must-have for Mario fans.
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.
Burnout Paradise Remastered	Open-World Arcade Racing	A-
tl;dr Burnout Paradise Remastered is a solid port to the Nintendo Switch of an excellent Open-World Arcade-style Racing Game, though the game does show its age somewhat, and the open-world elements detract from some elements of the series like the crash mode and multiplayer. At its new price point of $30, it’s still more expensive than other versions of the game, but this price tag is far more palatable, and Burnout Paradise is such a fantastic racing game that Nintendo Switch racing fans should consider it a must-have.
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.
Fortnite	Compilation / Open-World Third-Person Shooter	A-
tl;dr Fortnite’s early days may have been as a Free-to-Play online multiplayer-focused “battle royale”-style Third-Person Shooter, but it has since blossomed into a massive game platform with a wide variety of different game types to enjoy, and just about all of them are fantastic. It’s intimidating, poorly-organized, confusing, and not very user-friendly to newer players, and the Nintendo Switch version has some ugly performance issues that make it one of the worst ways to play the game, but none of that changes that this is still a truly must-play game.
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.
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.
LEGO City Undercover	Open-World 3D Action-Platformer	A-
tl;dr LEGO City Undercover on Nintendo Switch is an excellent upgrade to what was previously a Wii U exclusive title, one of the best games in Traveller’s Tales’ family-friendly franchise of LEGO 3D Action-Platformers, and an excellent Open-World game. This police spoof is a joy to play, and while it definitely still has areas that need improvement, LEGO fans should consider this a must-play, and those looking for a good Open-World game on Nintendo Switch would do well to give this some consideration.
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.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond	Open-World First-Person Shooter / Metroidvania	A-
tl;dr Metroid Prime 4 is a First-Person Shooter and Metroidvania with Open-World sections, and it is an audiovisual tour de force on Nintendo Switch, with a gorgeous world, incredible puzzle design, and some clever gameplay elements. It also disappoints with its underwhelming Metroidvania elements, its half-baked Open World elements, and some truly baffling design choices. The result is a game that, while still outstanding, is a bit underwhelming given the 18 years it took for us to finally see this game release.
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.
Pokemon Scarlet	Open-World Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	A-
tl;dr Pokemon Scarlet (as well as its counterpart, Pokemon Violet) is the first true Open-World game in the Pokemon series, and in addition to this, it also introduces multiple new elements to streamline the gameplay, as well as the wealth of strategic opportunities added by the new “tera type” feature. Unfortunately, all of these great qualities are marred by some nasty graphical and performance issues, as well as some gameplay frustrations. This is still one of the best games in the Pokemon franchise, but it’s a great game that is damaged severely by its significant flaws.
Pokemon Violet	Open-World Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	A-
tl;dr Pokemon Violet (as well as its counterpart, Pokemon Scarlet) is the first true Open-World game in the Pokemon series, and in addition to this, it also introduces multiple new elements to streamline the gameplay, as well as the wealth of strategic opportunities added by the new “tera type” feature. Unfortunately, all of these great qualities are marred by some nasty graphical and performance issues, as well as some gameplay frustrations. This is still one of the best games in the Pokemon franchise, but it’s a great game that is damaged severely by its significant flaws.
Red Faction: Guerilla Re-Mars-tered Edition	Open-World Third-Person Shooter	A-
tl;dr Red Faction: Guerilla Re-Marstered Edition is the HD re-release of the decade-old Open-World Third-Person Shooter that has aged remarkably well and is still unparalleled in its fun and impressive-looking destruction. While not quite as good-looking as other versions of the game, it still looks and plays great, and while the game isn’t without its flaws, the basic gameplay is so compelling that it’s still a joy to play after all these years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LEGO DC Super-Villains	Open-World 3D Action-Platformer	B+
tl;dr LEGO DC Super-Villains is yet another game in Traveller’s Tales’ family-friendly franchise of LEGO Open-World 3D Action-Platformers, with this being the fourth major crossover into the DC Universe. The focus on the franchise’s villains really gives this game a unique story and tone, and the new character customization system is an absolute highlight of this game, making this one of the best LEGO games in the series thus far. This still isn’t likely to change your opinion if you previously lost interest in the Traveller’s Tales LEGO games, but if you still enjoy them you should consider this a must-have.
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.
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.
Nintendo LABO Toy-Con 03: Vehicle Kit	Accessory / Minigame Collection / Party Game / Racing / Open World / Misc.	B+
tl;dr Nintendo LABO Toy-Con 03: Vehicle Kit is a really unique hybrid of a Minigame Collection, an Open-World Exploration game, a Party game, a series of Accessories you create yourself using the included pieces of custom-made cardboard, and a misc. tool you can use to explore the features of the Nintendo Joy-Con controllers. Furthermore, this game is much better than the previous two in terms of the actual gameplay content it offers, thanks to its Open-World Adventure mode and its overall more cohesive theme. This is definitely one of the better Nintendo LABO kits.
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.
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.
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.
Starlink: Battle for Atlas	Space Combat Game/Open World	B+
tl;dr Starlink is an Open-World game masquerading as a Space Combat game, and while it can get a bit repetitive, it’s still enjoyable and well-crafted. The exclusive Star Fox content here makes the Switch version of the game the one to get. As for whether to get the physical or digital version, don’t expect the cool toys to do much to improve the gameplay, but they’re nice enough that you might want to get the physical version just to have them as, you know, cool toys.
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.
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.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition	Open-World RPG	B+
tl;dr Xenoblade Chronicles X is an Open-World RPG about the remnants of humanity trying to survive on a distant planet after fleeing an Earth destroyed by a massive battle between alien forces. This is a massive, ambitious game, one with a lot of complex systems at work, and thankfully the Nintendo Switch version of the game adds a wealth of improvements and additional content over the Wii U version. If you’re an RPG fan with a Nintendo Switch, this is definitely a game you should look into, although it is still far from flawless. Despite this, it remains a truly unique and enjoyable game, and one still very much 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.
Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands	Open-World / Top-Down Sports (Skiing / Snowboarding)	B
tl;dr Grand Mountain Adventure is a Top-Down Open-World Skiing / Snowboarding game that has players exploring large open-area mountains and completing goals. The game’s presentation is wonderful, making exploring these mountains an excellent experience, though the frustrating controls and camera can make things frustrating at times. Still, despite these flaws, this is a wonderful Skiing and Snowboarding game, and one well worth playing.
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.
LEGO The Incredibles	Open-World 3D Action-Platformer	B
tl;dr LEGO The Incredibles is yet another game in Traveller’s Tales’ family-friendly franchise of LEGO Open-World 3D Action-Platformers, this time with its focus on Pixar’s superhero franchise. This game doesn’t dramatically change the usual Traveller’s Tales formula, but it gets a lot of things right, such as its custom character creator, its early access to the game’s Open-World, and its useful new co-op abilities. I don’t think this game will win over anyone who’s sick of the LEGO franchise at this point, but I do think it’s one of the more underrated games in that franchise.
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.
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.
Retro City Rampage DX	Top-Down Open-World Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Retro City Rampage is an Open-World Top-Down Action-RPG that looks like a retro-style take on something like Grand Theft Auto, but filled with a multitude of silly pop culture references. This game’s Open World feels a bit shallow and lacking, but the game’s story missions and side-missions are wonderfully varied, and so long as you focus on these, this game can be a lot of fun.
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.
Tenderfoot Tactics	Open-World Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B
tl;dr Tenderfoot Tactics is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG set in an Open World, with a presentation that can be bizarre and confusing in a way that forces you to figure things out rather than explaining it all to you. Having said that, there are some clever mechanics here, and the game’s mysterious nature is one of its selling points. I don’t think this game will be for everyone, but fans of Strategy-RPGs looking for something different should definitely give this game a look.
The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game	Open-World 3D Action-Platformer	B
tl;dr The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game is yet another game in Traveller’s Tales’ family-friendly franchise of LEGO Open-World 3D Action-Platformers. This entry in the franchise makes some strong additions to the combat that really bring this game into its own, making it one of the better games in the LEGO franchise, though not so different from prior games that it’s likely to attract those who grew sick of the series prior to this.
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.
Cassette Beasts	Open-World Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG	B-
tl;dr Cassette Beasts is a Open-World Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG where players use cassette tapes to collect and transform into monsters. This game has some fun and unique combat mechanics, an interesting world to explore, a good story, and an absolutely phenomenal soundtrack. Unfortunately, it’s really hurt by multiple gameplay elements that slow the game’s pacing to a crawl and a difficulty level that makes it hard to enjoy all the other great elements this game has. It’s still worth checking out for fans of the genre, but it could have been so much better.
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.
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.
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.
LEGO Jurassic World	Open-World 3D Action-Platformer	B-
tl;dr LEGO Jurassic World is a solid port of yet another game in Traveller’s Tales’ family-friendly franchise of LEGO mash-up games with good (though at times simple and repetitive) 3D Action-Platformer gameplay and some minimal Open World elements. This game follows the plot of the first four Jurassic Park films, and while it does a good enough job with that, it feels like a somewhat cynical game that reuses a lot of what all the other LEGO games have done. Not bad, but it’s going to feel very familiar to anyone who’s played any other LEGO game.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes	Open-World 3D Action-Platformer	B-
tl;dr LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is a solid port of one of the better games in Traveller’s Tales’ family-friendly franchise of LEGO mash-up games with good (though at times simple and repetitive) 3D Action-Platformer gameplay and Open World elements (once you get to them). The Nintendo Switch version is inexplicably more expensive despite this game being a decade old now, but if you enjoy LEGO and/or Marvel and want a strong co-op experience that combines both, this is an excellent choice.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2	Open-World 3D Action-Platformer	B-
tl;dr LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 is yet another game in Traveller’s Tales’ family-friendly franchise of LEGO Open-World 3D Action-Platformers. This game offers more superhero antics in an Open-World, but without any major enhancements that I can think of. The core gameplay is still good, though some players may have tired of it by this point. Basically, if you like Marvel Comics and haven’t yet grown tired of LEGO games, you’ll probably enjoy this.
Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet Double Pack	Compilation / Open-World Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	B-
tl;dr Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet Double Pack pairs up both versions of the first true Open-World game in the Pokemon series, which it also introduces multiple new elements to streamline the gameplay, as well as the wealth of strategic opportunities added by the new “tera type” feature. Unfortunately, all of these great qualities are marred by some nasty graphical and performance issues, as well as some gameplay frustrations. This is still one of the best games in the Pokemon franchise, but it’s a great game that is damaged severely by its significant flaws. As for this package, this is a bundle with two copies of the same game, there’s little reason to get it, and it actually costs a tiny bit more than buying the games separately.
SnowRunner	Open-World Driving Simulation	B-
tl;dr SnowRunner is an Open-World Simulation-style Driving Game that is a sequel to MudRunner, and improves on it quite a bit with its Open-World elements making the game’s punishing, slow-paced gameplay more rewarding. And while this game definitely received a visual downgrade on Nintendo Switch, it remains gorgeous despite the graphical issues this version has. Overall, SnowRunner is still an extremely niche game that not everyone will enjoy, but it is much-improved over its predecessor, and those who this game speaks to will surely be delighted.
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.
Fishing: Barents Sea Complete Edition	Open-World Simulation	C+
tl;dr Fishing: Barents Sea is an Open-World Simulation-style game where players operate and manage a commercial fishing boat. This is an extremely niche game that’s not going to appeal to many players, and it’s not helped by some terrible graphics and unintuitive controls. Yet, despite these flaws, this game does a good job of making the process of running a commercial fishing boat surprisingly accessible, and while the game is extremely slow-paced, those eager to try their hand at operating a deep sea fishing boat may find this game worth taking out of dry dock.
LEGO Worlds	Open-World 3D Action-Platformer	C+
tl;dr LEGO Worlds is an Open-World 3D Action-Platformer that many have compared to Minecraft, with its procedurally-generated environments and the player’s ability to deform and recreate the environment as they like. There’s a lot of promise here, and a surprisingly good presentation, but unfortunately it comes with a lot of problems. Interacting with the environment is fiddly, the game’s goal structure is unclear and frustrating, and the game feels overall unpolished. If you’re looking for something that breaks the mold of the usual Traveller’s Tales LEGO game formula, this may be worth a look, but be prepared for the headaches that come with it.
The Falconeer: Warrior Edition	Open-World Combat Flight Simulator	C+
tl;dr The Falconeer is an Open-World Combat Flight Sim that has players piloting a bird in a fantasy world covered in ocean. The concept and core gameplay here is good, but the game’s large world is too empty and spread thin, and the RPG elements don’t seem well-implemented. This is still a decent game, but it needed more work to be a truly great one.
AER Memories of Old	Open-World 3D Platformer	C
tl;dr AER is a family-friendly Open-World 3D Platformer where players can transform into a bird to explore floating islands in the sky. Flying in this game is fun, but the short run time, as well as the lack of any sort of challenge, a compelling story, or even a captivating aesthetic make it hard to recommend this game.
Deadly Premonition Origins	Open-World Horror Game	C
tl;dr Deadly Premonition Origins is an Open-World Horror game that is notoriously strange in a “so bad it’s good” way that has earned it a cult following. This is not a game for everyone, and even those who enjoy it may be better off getting another version. However, while this game’s terribly outdated visuals, unusual sound design, and kooky cast of characters find their way onto the Switch in a port that’s not very good, it still retains the game’s infamous personality and charm, which may still be worth a look for Switch owners with a taste for the offbeat and bizarre.
Paradise Killer	First-Person Open-World Graphic Adventure	C
tl;dr Paradise Killer is an Open-World Graphic Adventure that has you exploring a bizarre island to solve an apparent series of murders. The world, characters, and story of this game are so bizarre that they’re difficult to wrap your head around, with the entire thing seemingly a computer simulation or a bad acid trip. Add to that a visually interesting presentation and some frustrating controls and world design and you have a truly mixed bag that is truly a love it or hate it experience.
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.
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.
The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame	Open-World 3D Action-Platformer	D+
tl;dr The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame is yet another game in Traveler’s Tales’ family-friendly franchise of LEGO Open-World 3D Action-Platformers, but something went very wrong this time. Frustrating and sluggish movement and a joyless presentation make this one of the hardest games in the franchise to enjoy, even if you’re a fan of the film. This game does have its redeeming qualities, but there are more than a dozen better games that play exactly like this one does, but better. With that being the case, I suggest you play one of those games instead.

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