When it comes to game titles, some developers choose simplicity while others lean towards excessive wordiness. However, there is one game that stood out from the rest with its unnecessarily unwieldy title: Mon-Yu: Defeat Monsters And Gain Strong Weapons And Armor. You May Be Defeated, But Don’t Give Up. Become Stronger. I Believe There Will Be A Day When The Heroes Defeat The Devil King. While its title may double as a motivational quote for aspiring warriors, it surprisingly avoids becoming offensively unwieldy like some SEO-chasing scam games found in the murky corners of the Switch eShop. It’s commendable that this game manages to strike a balance between creativity and readability. Honorable mentions in this category include Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story, Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist Of Salburg, Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai, and Dodonpachi DaiOuJou Blissful Death Re:Incarnation.
Sometimes, a game comes along that defies categorization, blurring the boundaries between various genres. Dredge is a prime example of such a game that seamlessly combines fishing, horror, and RPG elements. It’s nearly impossible to pigeonhole Dredge into a single genre, but this is precisely what makes it so captivating and well-received by players. Developer Black Salt’s debut effort receives praise for its uniqueness, as it offers a refreshing and unconventional gameplay experience. Even though it may be challenging to define, Dredge is undoubtedly worth exploring. Another game worth mentioning in this category is Dave The Diver and Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate.
The iconic images that adorn the Nintendo Switch dashboard play a significant role in providing aesthetic satisfaction for players. Among the many superb choices this year, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater emerges as the winner. While Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 may have its flaws, the satisfaction of seeing all three main MGS games lined up neatly on the screen makes Snake Eater the ultimate choice. The captivating artwork by Kojima Production’s long-time concept artist Yoji Shinkawa, particularly the skillful use of color, elevates this icon to the top spot. Other notable contenders in this category are Venba and Quake II.
Every year, there are games that, unfortunately, arrive too late to be considered for the prestigious Game of the Year (GOTY) list. Outer Wilds falls into this category for 2023. Although it was highly anticipated and received a stellar 9/10 score in our review, most of us haven’t had the opportunity to dive into it just yet. However, this captivating exploration game promises an unforgettable experience, making it a must-play title during the holiday season. It’s important to note that Dodonpachi DaiOuJou Blissful Death Re:Incarnation also deserves recognition in this category.
Digital Eclipse continues to demonstrate its importance in the gaming industry by meticulously preserving and honoring iconic titles from the past. The Making of Karateka, part of their ‘Gold Master Series’, allows both long-time fans and newcomers to revisit the journey of creating this influential game while gaining a deeper understanding of its development process. This immaculate recreation provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the artistry and effort invested in bringing Karateka to life. Quake II and Super Mario RPG are also worth mentioning in this category.
Some games demand our respect, albeit begrudgingly, for their addictive nature. Vampire Survivors, the winner in this category, falls into this notorious group. Although it has garnered a dedicated fanbase within the Nintendo Life team and it showcases high-quality gameplay, this title is also known for its tendency to consume hours upon hours of a player’s time. Its addictive qualities often lead to sleepless nights and a significant dent in one’s sleep pattern. Proceed with caution, as Vampire Survivors is not for the faint of heart.
Leave a Reply