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Upgraded with World of Horror and Astral Ascent. Take pleasure in!
Curious about the best roguelikes on Nintendo Switch? When it comes to modern video games, there are few more polarising genre terms. That contentious descriptor draws some players like moths to a flame, while others run a mile at the mere whisper of it.
Nowadays, it often feels like ‘roguelike’– which refers to dungeon crawler Rogue from 1980– is attached to every other game released. The label has become so prevalent that it now stands alongside ‘Metroidvania’ as an increasingly vague (though very convenient) shorthand for games with certain mechanics; in this case, games with randomized elements that are approached in one ‘run’. You gradually acquire gear and abilities along the way until you either triumph (yay!) or die before being returned to the beginning, stripped of your booty, to try again.
Even if the word turns you off, the variety of genres offering roguelike or lighter ‘roguelite’ mechanics has become so broad that it’s unlikely that you’ll despise every last one. Many games use a basic run-based structure but let you unlock specific gear or abilities that persist on subsequent runs, resulting in a less punishing experience if you don’t have the time (or inclination) to simply git good.
Below you’ll find our picks– in no particular order– of the best Switch roguelikes, roguelites, roguelike-likes, and all variations thereof. This substantial list is subject to change and evolution in the future, so let us know your thoughts and suggestions in the usual place and we’ll continue to refine and hone it over time.
Dead Cells (Switch)
- 8.3
- Review 9/10
- Profile
Publisher: Motion Twin/ Developer: Motion Twin
Release Date: 7th Aug 2018 (USA)/ 7th Aug 2018 (UK/EU)
Dead Cells is a masterclass in superb roguelike design, blending together constantly intense action sequences, beautiful vistas, and an addictive loop of unlocks and rewards into a stunning experience that no Switch owner will want to be without. There’s plenty, if not hundreds, of hours of content available here, and though some sense of repetition can creep in from time to time, it’s remarkable how fresh Dead Cells can remain through all those hours. This game is a blast to play, full of visual elegance, and packed with things to do; don’t miss out on this one, it’s a must-buy.
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Ironcast (Switch eShop)
- 7.1
- Review 9/10
- Profile
Publisher: Ripstone/ Developer: Dreadbit
Release Date: 10th Aug 2017 (USA)/ 10th Aug 2017 (UK/EU)
A match-three puzzler that manages to handle a lot of different genres aspects,
