The Most Anticipated Change Games of 2024: Insights from Metacritic

As the Switch approaches the end of its lifecycle, it’s the right moment to reflect on the games that garnered critical praise and noteworthy achievements on the Nintendo hybrid console in 2024. Similar to previous years, the Switch experienced a wealth of first- and third-party titles, with indie games often eclipsing Nintendo’s most significant launches.

This doesn’t suggest there weren’t several high-profile releases from Nintendo—such as a remaster of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and The Legend of Zelda spin-off Echoes of Wisdom—however 2024 was predominantly ruled by indie games.

We have compiled and analyzed the data on the highest critically acclaimed games of the year from our associated feature Metacritic (as of December 5). Before the unveiling of the Switch successor, here’s a detailed look at the puzzle-platformers, retro compilations, and metroidvanias that stood out in this year’s gaming calendar. Be sure to also check out our selections for the most captivating Switch exclusives of 2024.

More Noteworthy Titles of 2024:

• Our Favorite Games That Did Not Make The Top 10
• Best PS5-Exclusive Games Of 2024
• Best PC-Exclusive Games Of 2024
• Best Xbox Games Of 2024
• Best Reviewed Games Of 2024
• Best Of 2024 hub

Castlevania’s golden era can be traced back to a trilogy of titles launched on the Nintendo DS, and at last, these remarkable journeys have received a second chance at life. The Dominus Collection—Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia—does an impressive job not only replicating the original DS experience but also offers players additional options to tailor their gameplay to meet their preferences. Featuring a treasure trove of refined action and intricate level design, this is Castlevania at its finest.

Metascore: 92

In an era filled with intelligent metroidvanias, Animal Well distinguishes itself from the rest. This ambitious solo-crafted endeavor is not only an accomplishment in level design but also an unfolding puzzle box brimming with enigmas. With intriguing secrets and mechanics around every corner, this game will keep you delving deeper into the well.

Metascore: 91 | Read our Animal Well review

It’s a new era for Xbox titles as they transition to non-Xbox platforms, and while Pentiment might seem like an unconventional way to kick things off on the Nintendo Switch, it remains a compelling murder-mystery with a unique aesthetic. This passionate project exudes medieval flair and is rich in clever writing, making its shift from Xbox consoles and PC to Switch feel like a natural transition, bolstered by stable technical performance.

Metascore: 90 | Read our Pentiment review

Balatro is an innovative reimagining of what a roguelike could be. While many have emulated the style of games like Dead Cells or Hades, or FTL-like strategic gameplay, Balatro merges roguelikes with the mechanics of poker, while also introducing an array of unconventional twists to the experience. This creates an exceptionally engaging cycle where you must adapt on the fly to the Jokers (and the bonus effects they offer) that you encounter throughout a run, and just how wildly you can manipulate the numbers in your favor.

Metascore: 90 | Read our
“`Balatro review

Neva is a creation of gaming that leaves a lasting first impression due to its stunning visuals. The game’s aesthetic is truly remarkable when it’s in motion—this is no surprise considering that Nomada Studio, the developer, previously produced Gris—but under its elegant surface lies a wealth of substance. It’s a game that focuses on adversity and the essential way it’ll push you, as players must gather the resolve to keep moving forward. The end result is a brief yet hauntingly animated blend of exploration, platforming, and puzzles.

Metascore: 86

Developer Vanillaware has consistently ventured into various gaming genres over its nearly two decades in the industry, all while utilizing a distinctive and recognizable art style. This legacy continues with Unicorn Overlord, an RPG rich in political intrigue and strategic combat, drawing inspiration from Square Enix’s HD-2D titles. It doesn’t neatly fit into a single genre—and neither did the studio’s prior title, 13 Sentinels—but this captivating blend is exactly what makes Vanillaware so exceptional.

Metascore: 89 | Check out our Unicorn Overlord review

Visual novels have garnered a significant audience on the Switch console over the past couple of years, and with ample interactive reading content available, it takes a compelling story to stand out. Fortunately, Tsukihime: A Piece of Blue Glass Moon does not fall short in this regard, as this remake of Type-Moon’s original visual novel features a captivating presentation, surprising plot developments, and an exceptionally well-crafted localization that will keep your eyes glued to the screen.

Metascore: 89

A mind-bending puzzle game influenced by classic Italian cinema and imbued with a Twin Peaks vibe, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes presents a cerebral challenge for the ages. Its intricate story combines with a unique atmosphere, making it feel like an arthouse experience where each “Eureka!” moment from successfully solving a puzzle is deeply rewarding. It’s a thought-provoking journey that leaves a lasting impression on all who engage with it.

Metascore: 88 | Check out our Lorelei and the Laser Eyes review

While it doesn’t traditionally adopt the format of metroidvania games, The Lost Crown makes a strong case for a new direction that deserves further exploration within the Prince of Persia franchise. Featuring expansive traversal and combat, The Lost Crown offers a genuinely enjoyable world to discover—filled with engaging content and lacking fluff or unnecessary side quests. The story isn’t particularly groundbreaking, but when it perfectly executes everything else you expect in a metroidvania, The Lost Crown is definitely worth a try.

Metascore: 88 | Check out our Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown review

True to the greatest remasters, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door captures that perfect balance of enhancing an already fantastic game while retaining the charm and character that made it beloved in the first place. Just as imaginative and engaging to play now as it was two decades ago, one of Mario’s best adventures looks and feels better than ever on the Switch thanks to a crisp graphical upgrade and welcome quality-of-life improvements.

Metascore: 88 | Check out our Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door review

The charming and lovable dungeon crawler makes its return with Cat Quest 3. This feline-themed RPG features a pirate motif, allowing you to navigate the open seas on your ship in search of treasure and adventure. It’s a friendly introduction to the genre that’s purrfect for newcomers. (Apologies for the pun.)

Metascore: 80

The adorable Grapple Dog received an unexpected sequel this year, introducing an exciting twist. In addition to Pablo’s grappling hook skills, a new pup named Luna arrives equipped with numerous…

weapons and her possess strikes. The platforming remains incredibly precise, yet the recent pace of strikes genuinely revitalizes the system in a fresh design.

Metascore: 86

Vengeance takes an already-broad RPG and broadens it even more, introducing a blend of recent content and numerous quality-of-life enhancements that form the optimal way to enjoy Shin Megami Tensei V. While preserving the elements that made SMTV an exceptional game, Vengeance’s features lead to a more engaging story, while combat also makes significant progress—two essential components when considering a game that you might easily spend 75+ hours with. Whether you’ve experienced the previous iteration or not, Vengeance is a worthy investment.

Metascore: 86 | Discover our Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance review

Honestly, Dungeons of Dreadrock 2 doesn’t do much to set itself apart from the original game, but when the foundation for a puzzle-solving game with a ’90s feel is this strong, it doesn’t need to. The sequel to Dungeons of Dreadrock embraces what made the first game so enjoyable, adds some intriguing creative twists, and presents it with stunning pixel-art that makes it one of the top puzzle experiences of the year.

Metascore: 86

In recent years, Capcom has elevated the standard for bringing arcade classics to modern platforms. The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics stays true to the company’s formula for creating retro collections that make you feel as if you’ve been transported back to the golden era of arcade gaming, and this release pays tribute to the fighting games of a bygone era.

Metascore: 86 | Check our Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection review

A Zelda adventure like no other, Echoes of Wisdom finally places you in the shoes of the iconic princess. As Zelda, your method of interacting with the world is vastly different compared to Link; the entire game revolves around Zelda’s new ability to clone and summon Echoes, which can take the form of everyday objects or hostile enemies you encounter. This introduces a dynamic gameplay element where you can summon items to defeat foes or various objects to assist in navigating the environment and solving puzzles. It offers a fresh perspective on the franchise, showcasing numerous ways to tackle challenges.

Metascore: 85 | Discover our The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom review

It seems you might have crafted a superior mousetrap, or in the case of Qomp 2, an upgraded Pong. Transforming the back-and-forth essence of Pong into a complex maze filled with puzzles to challenge your skills, Qomp 2 pays homage to Atari’s classic game through its refined and unique level design. It visually impresses, the nostalgic sound of a bouncing ball in challenging levels is oddly satisfying, and its “just one more level” allure will keep you engaged for hours.

Metascore: 85

Who said Phoenix Wright gets to handle all the legal wrangling here? The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection serves as a modern upgrade of Capcom’s Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit. Each iconic prosecutor Miles Edgeworth comes with enhanced visuals, quality-of-life upgrades, and the ability to switch between the new HD version and classic graphics at any moment. Sure, prosecutors don’t typically overshadow defense attorneys, but someone’s got to tackle these wrongful cases.

Metascore: 85

What if the cult-favorite bureaucratic simulator Papers Please abandoned its dreary Cold War influences for a vibrant and whimsical setting instead? Enter Lil’ Guardsman, a delightful surprise in a fantasy realm. As Lil, the 12-year-old hero covering for their dad’s shift at the guard station, or…

Now, it is your responsibility to evaluate more than 100 candidates, traversing through the ranks of humans, elves, goblins, and various fantastical beings, trying to determine who deserves to pass through the castle gates. Or perhaps it’s a delightfully absurd mix of deduction-based gameplay, puzzles, and narrative that transforms administration into a pleasurable activity.

Metascore: 85

Spike Chunsoft’s Mystery Dungeon series has proven difficult to put down ever since its inception several years ago, and Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island adheres closely to that successful formula. As the wandering hero Shiren, the game once again heavily embraces its roguelike origins and procedurally generated dungeons, delivering clever enhancements that encourage players to experience everything the game has to offer. Or maybe it’s a captivating blend of intricate gameplay mechanics to master, creating yet another solid installment in Shiren’s ongoing journey.

Metascore: 84

The follow-up series to Ace Attorney features newcomer Apollo Justice learning from an apparently retired Phoenix Wright. Originally debuting on the Nintendo DS, this trilogy has been remastered and made available on new platforms. The series has always been designed for handheld devices, making it a perfect match for the hybrid Switch.

Metascore: 84

Rain pours, winds gust, and Tetris continues to be one of the most engaging games to enjoy on any device. Tetris Forever is a tribute to the timeless puzzle game, as well as an intriguing look behind the scenes of its creation. If you consider yourself a gaming historian, this provides an exciting glimpse behind the Iron Curtain that spans 15 classic games.

Metascore: 84

Thank Goodness You’re Here is often referred to as a “slapformer,” a unique point-and-click adventure where you will navigate the world, solving people’s problems by slapping individuals, objects, and everything in between. All in service of its distinctly British humor, but you don’t need to be from England to enjoy the experience. Or it’s concise and delightful, featuring a charming art style and excellent voice acting that brings its absurd universe to life.

Metascore: 84 | Check out our Thank Goodness You’re Here review

Among the finest puzzle games of the year, seeking imaginative challenges that require quick reflexes, and offer nostalgic relaxation has emerged. However, Botany Manor stands out as undoubtedly the coziest option, a game that will enchant cottagecore enthusiasts wishing to develop a green thumb in detective work as they tackle classic puzzles and surprisingly weighty materials.

Metascore: 83

Part narrative mystery, part papercraft adventure, Paper Trail’s appeal extends far beyond its visuals. As you navigate through the dark, puzzle-laden environments, you’ll have the opportunity to reshape the world through folding paper. This means that the narrative will unfold as you manipulate the paper! Expect a bit less confusion as you start playing, as long as you don’t pause too often to admire the charming artwork.

Metascore: 83

Easily one of the eeriest games released on the Nintendo Switch this year, Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II is a visual novel designed to elevate your heart rate with its slow-building suspense and startlingly grotesque frights. Japanese folklore woven with striking visuals contributes to yet another captivating chapter in this chilling series of investigative horror.

Metascore: 83

Wrapping up the list for 2024 on Switch is another cozy mini-adventure. Pine Hearts tasks you with exploring not only the expansive outdoors but also the memories of its protagonist, Tyke. It showcases metroidvania and Zelda influences, a