Metacritic shared the detailed list of Nintendo Switch games that impressed professional reviewers the most in 2021. The candidates have all been released between January 1, 2021, and December 31st, 2021, and are sorted by Metascore. Additionally, all of the titles have at least 7 reviews from professional critics.
#1 – The House in Fata Morgana – Dreams of the Revenants Edition –
The best-rated game of 2021, The House in Fata Morgana – Dreams of the Revenants Edition – scored an impressive 96/100.
A gothic suspense tale set in a cursed mansion. ‘The House in Fata Morgana’ is a full-length visual novel spanning nearly a millennium that deals in tragedy, human nature, and insanity.
You awaken in a decrepit old mansion.
A woman with eyes of jade stands before You, informing You that You are the Master of the house, and she Your Maid. However, You have no memories, no concept of self—or, indeed, any certainty that You are even alive.
The Maid invites You to join her on a journey through the mansion’s lifeless halls, to behold the numerous tragedies that have befallen its residents. She suggests that among them, perhaps You will find some trace of Yourself.
This version includes three games and more:
- The House in Fata Morgana: the main storyline.
- A Requiem for Innocence: a prequel shedding light on the origins of Fata Morgana’s terrible curse.
- Reincarnation: a sequel featuring the central cast members reincarnated in the present day.
- Other additional short stories.
#2 – Tetris Effect: Connected
Half a step behind #1, Tetris Effect: Connected scored 95/100.
Tetris Effect: Connected is Tetris like you’ve never seen it, or heard it, or felt it before—an incredibly addictive, unique, and breathtakingly gorgeous reinvention of one of the most popular puzzle games of all time, from the people who brought you the award-winning Rez Infinite and legendary puzzle game Lumines.
Music, backgrounds, sounds, special effects—everything, down to the Tetris pieces themselves, pulse, dance, shimmer, and explode in perfect sync with how you’re playing, making any of the game’s 30+ stages and 10+ modes something you’ll want to experience over and over again.
#3 – Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is Metacritic’s #1 Switch Exclusive of 2021, sitting at 89/100.
Pounce and climb through dozens of colorful courses! Multiply the fun by teaming up with or competing against friends locally or online to reach each stage’s goal. Work together to explore and uncover collectibles, or compete for the crown by earning the highest score, making for a friendly frenzy! Mario (and his friends) can use a variety of power-ups like the Super Bell, which grants catlike abilities like climbing and scratching. Power up to complete stages and take the crown!
In Super Mario 3D World, choose from Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad and set off to save the Sprixie Kingdom. Each character has a distinct playstyle—Luigi can jump extra high and Peach can float for a short time. Rosalina is also available as a playable character later in the game! Jump, dash, and pounce to reach the goal while collecting Green Stars, coins and power-ups.
#4 – Death’s Door
Developed by Acid Nerve and published by Devolver Digital, Death’s Door is Metacritic’s #4, sitting at 88/100.
Reaping souls of the dead and punching a clock might get monotonous but it’s honest work for a Crow. The job gets lively when your assigned soul is stolen and you must track down a desperate thief to a realm untouched by death – where creatures grow far past their expiry and overflow with greed and power.
Utilize melee weapons, arrows and magic to overcome a fantastic array of beasts and demigods. Mistakes are punished and victory is rewarded. Gain an edge by customizing your character stats and mastering the abilities and upgrades you obtain.
#5 – DUSK
Developed and published by New Blood, this retro FPS scored an impressive 88/100.
Battle through an onslaught of mystical backwater cultists, possessed militants & even darker forces as you attempt to discover just what lurks beneath the Earth in this retro FPS.
Three distinct campaign episodes await you, hand-crafted from straight outta the ’90s! Featuring a vast arsenal of killer weaponry including sickles, swords, crossbows, rifles, dual-wielded and double barreled shotguns and incredibly necessary grenade and rocket launchers. DUSK brings unapologetic retro action from start to finish.
In addition to the main campaign, DUSK also features an Endless Survival Mode, putting you front and center against wave after wave of merciless enemies.
But that’s not all! The “cult” classic shooter explodes onto Nintendo Switch™ at 60 frames per second with new features such as a weapon wheel, HD rumble, gyro aiming, tons of UI and UX improvements plus a new endless level for the most robust DUSK experience yet – on your couch or on the go!
Honorable mentions:
- #6 – Fez (88/100)
- #7 – Overcooked! All You Can Eat (88/100)
- #8 – Monster Hunter Rise (88/100)
- #9 – Metroid Dread (88/100)
- #10 – Quake Remastered (87/100)
