The 12 Games of NintyMas – 2021 Edition

The joyous occasion of Christmas is only one week away, more than enough time to make any last-minute gift purchases. Having a little trouble on what to get that special Nintendo Switch player in your life? Never fear, as the 12 Games of NintyMas is here!

Members of the NintyBuzz team have once again come up with various Nintendo Switch recommendations that could make the perfect gift. Some of them launched this years, whereas others are hidden gems that may have been criminally overlooked during their original release.

Check out the recommendations after the break!

Leon’s List

Mario Party Superstars

I’m sure people are probably sick of hearing this from me, but Mario Party on the N64 is a game I have a lot of fond childhood memories of, and the release of Superstars has allowed me to relive those memories with modern-day graphics and quality of life adjustments. This is a fantastic family party game that showcases the best the original games had to offer. It’s the perfect title to play while spending time with friends and family this Christmas, and the inclusion of online multiplayer in every mode means that you can even play with the special people in your life regardless of any lockdown or isolation due to COVID-19.

Subnautica/Subnautica Below Zero

If the prospect of isolation and deep-sea scare/wonderment are right up their alley, then perhaps it’s worth checking out Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero. Though the titles have been out for a while on other platforms, they both surfaced on Nintendo Switch earlier this year… right before I got addicted to surviving and exploring 1000 leagues under the sea; very convenient that. Seriously though, both games offer a wonderful, yet eerie, experience where you can explore and survive an underwater alien planet. If you’re feeling especially daring, why not discover just what happened to the previous inhabitants… or just build yourself a snazzy underwater base while trying to avoid becoming a Reaper Leviathan’s next meal.

Do be warned, the game can be buggy at times on all platforms (I’d seriously recommend saving often), but I’ve enjoyed my experience enough to not let that dissuade me, something that is quite rare. In addition to this, I would definitely recommend opting for the physical version seeing how most territories offer it through a double pack; both games on one cartridge!

Nintendo Switch OLED

It’s entirely possible that that special gamer in your life maybe doesn’t even own a Nintendo Switch, or perhaps they doubt it’s the OG model that’s probably falling apart by now. If that’s the case, then perhaps it’s worth splurging some more for the Nintendo Switch OLED model. It’s the perfect model as an introduction to the Nintendo Switch family, boasting a much-improved handheld experience; that six-inch OLED display just makes everything pop!

Obviously, a new console purchase isn’t something to take lightly. If you already own a Nintendo Switch that’s still running well, then it’s probably not worth the upgrade unless you are desperate for an improved portable experience. Feel free to check out our review here.

Darren’s List

Ori and the Blind Forest

This incredible follow-up to Ori and the Blind Forest is the perfect recommendation for Nintendo Switch owners. This game is nothing short of flawless, with tight gameplay, smart level design, breathtaking art, sublime music and characters that left me an emotional mess. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is nothing short of a masterpiece, and most likely my favourite ever video game.

Metroid Dread

Nineteen years of waiting for Samus’s continued adventure beyond Metroid Fusion, Metroid Dread is real, and finally here! Encounter the powerful E.M.M.I. robots and navigate through the deadly Chozo planet, ZDR. Become more powerful with each power-up added to Samus’s vast arsenal of weaponry and abilities, and discover the truth of what lies here. Metroid Dread is a solid 2D Metroid title that is worthy of your time.

New Pokémon Snap

For years, Pokémon fans were incredibly vocal for a brand new Pokémon Snap title, and to my amazement, we actually got a new entry after twenty years! I loved exploring this game so much, and was amazed we got even more content as free DLC! New Pokémon Snap is a very charming title, that allows you to explore Pokémon in ways you have never seen them before, and absolutely worth your time!

Komodo’s List

Shin Megami Tensei V

Initially teased during the famous January 2017 Switch press conference, Shin Megami Tensei V has graced us after four long years. Set in the apocalyptic world of Da’at, our world having fallen to a war between angels and demons. Providing a punishing challenge, demanding thorough thought and ingenuity to succeed, SMTV is absolutely the ideal choice for any diehard RPG fan looking for something different. The demonic compendium may seem familiar to anyone who’s dabbled in the Persona series, but make no assumptions, Shin Megami Tensei is actually the forefather to Persona and radically different to boot. This one is definitely for the hardcore RPG fan.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

Once region locked exclusively to Japan on the 3DS due to uncertain licensing conundrums with the Sherlock Holmes brand, Capcom finally found a way to make it work, just swap the beginning of his name to make Herlock Sholmes! Paper thin references aside, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles bundles together two intrinsically linked titles together to form one large package filled with mystery and suspense in a Victorian era court drama. This is ideal for fans of period stories as well as mystery enthusiasts.

Famicom Detective Club

Another previously Japan-exclusive set of games, the two Famicom Detective Club games had remakes recently, which brings the titles to the 21st century as well as to the west for the first time. While mechanically dated, it’s thoroughly interesting to see the DNA for titles that would follow it, such as the Ace Attorney series, and makes for a riveting look at murder mystery stories set in 1980’s Japan. Of the two titles, The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind, the latter is more fleshed out and interesting, but they both make for solid experiences. Another one for the mystery enthusiasts, though less lighthearted and darker than The Great Ace Attorney.

James’ List

Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter is a series that just gets better and better with age. Monster Hunter proves that with the latest release, possibly being the best in the series. As a rookie hunter, you will be given quests to go and slay monsters that are disturbing the village or the local environment. Once a monster is slain, you can collect parts of it to create better armour and weapons for future hunts. Having already received a number of free updates, Monster Hunter Rise also has a huge DLC planned for next year meaning there is plenty of content still on the horizon.

Digimon Story Cybersleuth: Complete Edition

Digimon games don’t come around as often as they should, and for fans of the monster taming genre this one should not be ignored. This is actually a collection of two Digimon games. Digimon Story: Cybersleuth and Digimon Story: Hacker’s Memory. As a Digimon tamer, you will need to balance your team with a variety of Digimon to solve mysteries and save the world. 

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 

Xenoblade originally made it’s debut with Xenoblade Chronicles on the Wii and it was a hit with fans of the JRPG genre. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 hit the Nintendo Switch in December 2017 and only grew that fanbase. With an intense story driven campaign and addictive gameplay loop, players can easily spend an excess of 70 hours on this title. If you haven’t played the first game, there is no need to worry. There are slight references to the original that only enhance the experience but aren’t a necessity for newcomers. If you are a fan of the JRPG genre then this is an absolute must.

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And with that, the writers of NintyBuzz would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay safe, have fun, and, until next time, keep on buzzin’!