Hand-Drawn Epic Adventures / $26.99
This is a bundle of “Brok the InvestiGator” and “Demetrios – The BIG Cynical Adventure” by French indie developer/publisher COWCAT
Brok the InvestiGator takes place in an anthropomorphic cyberpunk universe with a lighthearted cartoon vibe to it. Playing as detective/boxer Brok, you are on a noir style journey shedding light on a mysterious death. This self proclaimed “punch and click” features puzzles, fights, and choices that impact your game’s trajectory.
Demetrios – The BIG Cynical Adventure is another detective style game that includes mini games within the story, as well as hints to assist the player. As Bjorn Thonen, you discover you have been robbed of antique art, and you begin an investigation.
The Tale of Bistun / $17.99
Inspired by the 12th Century Persian legend of “Khosrow and Shirin”, The Tale of Bistun has the player battle their way to the top of Mount Bistun. With what appears to be fast paced arcade combat, discover a magical depiction of ancient Mesopotamia. This release by Black Cube Games is one of my most anticipated of the week.
ENDER MAGNOLIA-Bloom in the mist- / $24.99
A new release by developer Adglobe is ENDER MAGNOLIA-Bloom in the mist-. Publisher Binary Haze Interative describes the game as “a dark fantasy 2D side-scrolling action RPG” where it appears the player has up to 4 combat abilities. Set in a seemingly magic-focused steam punk world named “Land of the Fumes”, the game echoes themes of man VS nature, as well as man VS technology.
Be sure to get this one early, as it has a 10% off on preorder discount.
Popotinho’s Adventures / $4.99
Clearly inspired by various side-scrolling classics eastasiasoft‘s Popotinho’s Adventures is a cute, simplistic game, meant to fulfill one’s nostalgic cravings. Help Popotinho make it home safely to his parents by jumping on enemy heads, avoiding spikes, and jumping on springboards.
For you classic Mario fans, try out Popotinho’s Adventures on 1/22/25.
Aquarun / $4.99
Another retro-style 2D platformer, Afil Games‘ Aquarun, features a cute little aquatic blob aiming for the cloud at the end of each level. Precision is the name of the game, as you master the dash mechanic in increasingly difficult levels.
For fans of N and Celeste, consider Aquarun on 1/22/25
Shalnor: Silverwind Saga / $9.99
With graphics somewhat reminiscent of Gen 4 Pokemon, Johnny Ostad‘s new Shalnor is an Action Aventure RPG featuring largely gauntlet-style combat, as well as a variety of dungeons, weapons, and monsters. Find gems to increase stats, and make clever use of traps to advance through droves of monsters.
Star Wars™: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles™ / $19.99
Originally released for the Playstation, Dreamcast, and Gameboy Advance, Star Wars™: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles™ is being brought to life on the switch! IGN only gave the original an “okay” rating, but with so few new releases featuring couch co-op, there might be a reason to give this one a shot.
If this one by Aspyr sounds up-your-alley, be sure to get it early as there is a 10% preorder discount!
Guilty Gear -Strive- Nintendo Switch Edition / $59.99
Self described by publisher Arc System Works as a 2.5D fighting game, Guilty Gear -Strive- is the newest edition of the Guilty Gear series. With positive reviews on the game, it took its sweet time making it over to the switch. With a colorful palette and 28 characters, this one is worth checking out!
Set to release on 1/23/25 you can preorder here.
Ravenswatch / $29.99
With 9 unique characters to play as, this top-down roguelike from nacon is set to release on the 23rd. The game come with the option to play with up to 4 total players in the co-op mode, which I always count as a big win.
Ravenswatch has a lot of competition in the space right now with games like Hades, Blazing Beaks, and Ember Knight as well as countless others currently dominating the space. Not to mention Vampire Survivors coming in at a far smaller price tag.
Strania – The Stella Machina- EX / $14.99
As an authentic action-shooting arcade game brought to your Switch, G.rev‘s Strania EX is a remake of the original 2011 game. Released for arcades in 2020, Strania – The Stella Machina- EX edition includes a “HELL” difficulty level, as well as the “true ending” being available in the “NORMAL” difficulty. This Switch edition of Strania includes “SIDE VOWER” which was DLC for the Xbox 360’s edition.
Symphonia / $19.99
As Philemon a violinist, the player travels through the world of symphonia, inspired by the music and style of the symphonic orchestra. In this musically focused platforming adventure, play concerts and learn about the sections of an orchestra. Enjoy this one by developer Sunny Peak and publisher Headup Games on the 23rd.
Escape Game The Resort Facility / $9.99
Set to release on 1/23, this escape room style game by Regista seems to be exactly as straight forwards as it sounds. A point-and-click escape game, featuring a resort setting and no apparent plot,it is likely exactly what you expect.
This one is currently offering a 50% off discount on the Nintendo eShop.
Dragon Takers / $14.99
Does the idea of a JRPG with save the world stakes sound appealng to you? Then look no further than KEMCO‘s Dragon Takers. That is, if you don’t mind a heavy emphasis on dragons and skeletons, as they seem to dominate the array of enemies. With a classic pixel overworld, and 2D turn based combat, this one looks both familiar and somewhat enticing.
Take advantage of a 10% discount leading up to its 1/23 release.
Gravitators / $9.99
Gravitators by eastasiasoft is a 2D arcade-like starship game where shooting down enemies while maneuvering tight spaces and conserving fuel is the core of the gameplay. With 4 unique ships, there is versatility in the feel of the game.
Reminding me of games from the flash game era of the internet, I appreciate this one coming in at a relatively lower price tag.
Folk Hero / $11.99
A new entry by Smart Space Solutions to the world of Rogue-Lites, Folk Hero has some fun twists on the genre. The developers describe the combat as being souls-like with fast paced slashing and dodging being at the forefront. If you die? You die. Yes, you are send back to the beginning, and there is a form of meta progression, but the character you were stays on the island. The game also features friendly fire among enemies, so the player can use that to their advantage. With various biomes and endings, this one should likely have a handful of hours of play-ability.
Worlds of Aria / $14.99
Ishtar Games‘ Worlds of Aria is a DnD-like adventure story game, fully narrated. With the option to play solo, or with up to 4 total players (online, local, cross-platform), this looks to be a really fun way to play a structured campaign without doing the set up work. The game includes 12 playable characters, all including unique skillsets. Worlds of Aria claims to have replayability, with different rolls and choices impacting the games trajectory, but I do wonder how much true versatility the story has, especially considering that the alternative is potentially infinite with a true tabletop.
Superstore / $7.99
Superstore by developer Play2Chill has the player acting as the store manager, keeping track of inventory and staff.
I do wonder if this game has enough diversity in gameplay to keep me entertained long enough to feel like I got eight dollars of value from it. The store manager tycoon-esque genre has frequent new additions, and I am curious how this one is going to stick out from the rest.
Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection / $24.95
A 3D remake of the original Sword of the Necromancer game, which is currently available on Steam as well as the Switch itself. With the original only receiving a lukewarm reception on metacritic, the verdict is still out on whether or not this 3D re-imagining will get a more positive response.
The remake by Grimorio of Games claims to have “a completely redesigned combat system” according to it’s game description on the Nintendo eShop.
Dance of Cards / $9.99
Dance of Cards is a gambling rpg that looks to be like if a level Golf Story suddenly shifted focus to poker. Taking place over 7 days on an ocean liner, with no escape, the true stakes are life and death.
This one sounds like a lot of fun, and after the smashing success story of Balatro, another poker themed take one a classic game genre might just make sense. I do wonder how long the game is, but at the reasonable ten dollar price tag, something short and sweet might be just what the doctor ordered.
Achilles: Legends Untold / $24.99
From Dark Point Games comes Achilles: Legends Untold. Playing as the legendary Greek warrior Achilles, battle your way through a mythical ancient Greece. With a range of weapons and enemies, and featuring souls-like combat, discover the open world, and chase your honor.
EGGCONSOLE ZANAC MSX / $6.49
Thanks to D4 Enterprise, you now have the chance to experience Zanac on Switch! Originally released in Japan, this 1986 MSX shooting game is from the end of the era of fixed shooting domination. Zanac has all the qualities of a classic Compile shooter, and is a likely must try for die-hard fans of the genre.
Escape from Nightmare: Horror Tales / $4.99
In an abandoned labyrinth, filled with dark hallways and scares around the corner, discover notes in an attempt to exit.
The Megame game appears to be a somewhat cheap combination of Slender and Resident Evil. Although Slender itself was once a simple one man horror project and look how well that did.
Priced at a modest $4.99, I am not expecting much of Escape from Nightmare, but this might scratch that horror itch when it kicks in.
Cats Visiting Lunar New Year / $3.99
Look for cute little cats mixed into these intricate drawings themed around lunar new year! Basically a Where’s Waldo book, but with adorable little cats, and dozens of them per page.
In theory, there should be one hidden cats game, that gets frequently updated with DLCs. In reality, there are a dozen or so, made by different developers though seemingly identical. As of the time of writing, I have played a couple of these with my partner, though by developer Devcats, I am yet to try one by AGE Zero; though I hardly expect it to be much different.
Infernitos / $4.99
This adorable little pixel art kitchen management game by Afil Games has the player serving up devilish treats in what can only be presumed as the underworld. This one does seem to be a single player clone of overcooked, and I worry that there might not be much more to it than that.
Ocean Driving: Boat Parking Simulator / $4.99
Parking a car can be difficult for a new driver. Now imagine parking boats on the water. NOW imagine parking a barge while surrounded by obstacles. This is the premise of Ocean Driving: Boat Parking Simulator. This is not developer Megame‘s first simulator of this sort, having released Boat Driver: Ship Parking Simulator in June of 2024.
I don’t see this game varying a significant amount from its predecessor, but with the former receiving little-to-no reviews, this game is a toss up.
The Exit Project: Backstreets / $9.99
An escape the Groundhog Day infinite time loop game, Nostra Games‘ The Exit Project: Backstreets is set in, well… the backstreets. Look around at every detail as you try to find a way out of this seemingly infinite loop of walking in circles.
Save The Doge / $4.99
Another new Nostra Games release in the Draw the Line genre, Save The Doge is a game where you draw a line to –you’ll never guess this– save the doge. I feel like I have seen ads for this exact game or one of the likely thousand versions of it for the past decade on mobile. My guess is you have too.
Osman Gazi / $9.99
Play as Osman Gazi, founder of the Ottoman Empire, in this game by UMURO inspired by real historical events. Drip out your Osman in shields, armor, and weapons of your choosing. Collect gold and fulfill your dreams of conquest.
Casual Sports Series: Tennis / $5.99
In this new game by Revulo, play on all 3 pro tennis court types: grass, clay, and hard. Allowing for up to 4 players, enjoy playing competitive games on colorful courts.
Be sure to jump on this one early as it is currently offering a 60% off preorder discount.
The Bakery Tales / $4.99
Manage your very own bakery in Loneminded‘s The Bakery Tales. In classic tycoon fashion, balance customer happiness with business strategy to make the most of this game.
Vermitron / $7.99
From FobTi Interactive, Vermitron is a combo of a tower defense game, and a retro twin stick shooter. In classic arcade fashion, the goal is the highest score! Defend your flower from the nasty insects, then do it again.
Cycle Chaser H-5 / $5.99
In this horizontal shoot-em-up from Ratalaika Games, use your starship to rescue earth from the villainous aliens. With hand drawn 2D graphics, and 4 difficulty modes, rack up your score and save earth!
Hunter Simulator: Wild Hunting / $9.99
Dear reader, in the spirit of full transparency, I must confess: Big Buck Hunter is just about the only hunting simulation I have ever played. So I couldn’t say if this looks like a high or low quality hunting sim from the looks of it. So I will simply list some of the features as described by the publisher.
-Dynamic weather patterns
-Responsive environments
-Customizable gear
-Variety of animals
I would honestly expect all of the above from a hunting sim being released in the year 2025, but with the price tag at ten bucks, maybe I am mistaken!
Master Of Bow / $4.99
Another new release in the sport simulation genre, we have Master Of Bow. 25 levels of archery madness to test your archery abilities. Set in peaceful natural landscapes, this one is sure to be a nice blend of serenity and precision.
Portal Balls / $4.99
Zakym with another release this week, gives us the game of Portal Balls. The goal of the game is to get the ball into the corresponding colored portal. The game includes 30 timed levels, which quite frankly is not a lot, but I assume getting your best time is a large purpose of the game.
Sliding Cubes 2048 Mania / $3.99
As a third release on the same day, Zakym drops Sliding Cubes 2048 Mania. For those unfamiliar with 2048: it was an app in which the only possible moves were up, down, left, or right; and the goal was to score as many possible points while merging blocks together causing their respective number to double. You can play for free here, if you would like a better understanding. Sliding Cubes appears to be combining that games doubling concept with a mechanic akin to curling.
This isn’t the type of game I would typically pay for, but it does look like a good casual bit of fun.
Car Heist Simulator – Thief Mechanic / $7.99
As someone who has had their car stolen, I would say this game is in poor taste, but I enjoy GTA so who am I to judge. This game published by VRKiwi includes various locations for the car thefts, upgrade-able equipment, as well as quest goals to assist you with your stealth. Set to release 1/25.
Tavern Talk – Tavern Tantrum Bundle / $24.99
This is a bundle for the base game of Tavern Talk released by Gentle Troll Entertainment on June 20th 2024, with the new DLC Tempest Tantrum. In a fantasy world inspired by D&D, play as manager of a tavern. In this visual novel style game, your choices have more impact with the DLC included, which adds an additional 3ish hours of gameplay!
That concludes this week’s list of every new switch game being released. If this is a weekly series that interests you, let me know!
