There are a ton of games that come out on the Nintendo Switch console every week, and since the Switch has been out for a few years now, there’s no shortage of games available to keep you entertained. But what if you’re looking for a game with unique visual art direction that’s still quite fun to play? Don’t worry, we have you covered with these fantastic and beautiful games.
Whimsical and cartoony
Cuphead
Staff Favorite
Cuphead is a tough-as-nails run-and-gun action game that focuses heavily on challenging boss battles. Play as Cuphead and Mugman (two-player co-op) and take on bosses with a huge arsenal of guns, bullet types, and special moves. The art style is inspired by cartoons from the 1930s, and it has a superb jazz soundtrack.
A unique mix of pixel art and 3D
Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler is one of the most beautiful JRPGs that you’ll find on the Switch. It has a completely distinctive take on visual style with a mix of pixel art and 3D graphics, along with some heavy vignetting around the edges. You’ll take on the roles of eight different characters, each with their own story to tell. Any fans of JRPGs must check out Octopath Traveler.
A thrilling ghost story
OXENFREE
OXENFREE is a beautifully haunting and eerie game that will appeal to anyone who loves a good ghost story. You’ll take the role of Alex, a bright and rebellious teenager who mistakenly discovers a ghostly gate on an island. There are multiple mysteries to unravel in OXENFREE, which uncover’s the dark past of the island, while also changing the course of your friends’ lives.
A legendary masterpiece
OKAMI HD
OKAMI HD is a port of one of the best action adventure games of all time. You take on the role of Amaterasu, a Japanese sun goddess who inhabits the form of a legendary white wolf Shiranui. You must use magical abilities, attacks, and Celestial Brush techniques in order to restore the land of Nippon. The game’s distinctive Sumi-e ink art style is stunning, and received an HD makeover with the Switch port, making it even more beautiful to behold, especially in TV mode.
When you want a serene and evocative experience
GRIS
Gris is a puzzle platformer game about a young girl who is lost in her own world as she deals with painful experiences in her life. Her dress changes appearance and grants her new abilities throughout the game, and as her story unfolds, you’ll see things in an entirely new way. GRIS doesn’t have danger or death to worry about, but the world is full of meticulous art, detailed animation, and an elegant score. It’s a true gem to behold.
It’s time to drift up
Hyper Light Drifter
Hyper Light Drifter takes you to a mysterious world that has fallen ill to a deadly sickness. It’s up to you to find the cure and save everyone, but of course, it won’t be easy. Take on the role of the Blade Caster, who must traverse the vast and ruined land that’s full of danger and lost technology. The game utilizes a gorgeous 16-bit pixel art style that runs incredibly smoothly at 60 fps. There is also exclusive Nintendo Switch content.
Sword fighter and dual stick shooter
FURI
FURI is an interesting action game because it combines a sword fighter with a dual-stick bullet hell shooter. You’ll engage in 1-on-1 duels with tough bosses, and then you’ll need to use your dodging skills to avoid a mass array of bullets. The graphics in FURI are beautiful with the cel-shaded visuals and animation, and the shooter sequences are bright, mesmerizing, and flashy. This is definitely an interesting mix that works wonderfully.
An epic Metroidvania game
Hollow Knight
If you’re a fan of Metroidvania-style games, then you absolutely need to have Hollow Knight in your collection. Take on the role of the Hollow Knight and explore the vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Everything in the game hand-drawn in 2D style, and there are twisting caverns to go through, and plenty of tainted bugs to slash your way through, as well as other bugs to befriend. Upgrade your weapons and abilities and forge your own path.
Life just goes on, with or without you
Night in the Woods
Night in the Woods is an adventure game that focuses on Mae Borowski as she drops out of college and returns home to the crumbling mining town of Possum Springs in an attempt to reconnect with former friends. But things aren’t the same, as her friends have grown and changed, leaves fall and the wind is colder, and there are strange things happening. Night in the Woods features a whimsical and lush world with interesting characters and story.
Keep the wilderness safe
Firewatch
Firewatch is an adventure game that is rich in storytelling. It’s 1989, and you’re Henry, a guy who is a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness. One particularly hot and dry summer has everyone on edge, but then you see something strange in the woods that draws you in. Explore the vast environment in this stunningly beautiful title, and make choices that will shape your narrative and relationships.
Can you impress the Gods?
Jotun: Valhalla Edition
This visually pleasing action-exploration game takes place in Norse mythology. You play Thora, a Viking warrior who died in an inglorious manner and must prove herself to the Gods in order to enter Valhalla. There are plenty of Norse elementals in Norse Purgatory, and you only have your massive two-handed axe to slay them with. Everything in the game is hand-drawn in 2D style, and the graphics even got remastered for the Switch, so it’s a visual feast for your eyes. Are you worthy?
Don’t be afraid of the dark
Darkest Dungeon
Craving a challenging roguelike adventure where every decision you make counts? Then Darkest Dungeon is a game that you must check out. Create your party, set out on your quest in randomly-generated dungeons, and see how far you can go before everyone in the party falls. The game’s graphics are distinctive due to the hand-drawn gothic crow quill style, and things can definitely get a bit bloody as you strategize a battle plan against hordes of demons.
If we may make some suggestions…
These are some of the best games on the Switch with a unique visual art style that sets them apart from your usual fare. There are plenty of great options here for every category.
If we may suggest some specific titles, Cuphead is one of our new favorites because of the charming cartoon style but insanely challenging stages and boss fights. Plus there are a ton of different weapons and abilities to try out and utilize for the best strategy.
Hollow Knight is another favorite, because Metroidvania games are fantastic and an easy way to lose a few hours of your day, and the graphics for Hollow Knight are superb.
Darkest Dungeon is also a good one, but it’s definitely not for the faint-of-heart. It’s challenging and makes you think about your moves before you execute them, because even a small mistake can cost you dearly. It’s great for those who like a challenge, and can appreciate the Gothic Crow Quill art.
Source of the article – iMore