When it comes to modern video games, few terms are more polarizing than “roguelike.” Its divisive descriptor draws some players to the flame like a moth, while others run a mile with just the whisper of it.
These days it often feels like a “roguelike” referring to dungeon crawlers Rogue Since 1980 ā it accompanies every other indie game released. The label has become so pervasive that it stands alongside “Metroidvania” as an obscure (albeit very useful) shorthand for games with certain mechanics. In this case, it’s a game with randomized elements approached in one “run”. You will steadily acquire equipment and abilities along the way until you clear the game (yay!) or die before being sent back the first time, stripped of their loot and try again.
Even if you cringe at that term, the range of genres that offer roguelike or light “roguelite” mechanics has grown so wide that it’s unlikely that you’ll dislike all genres. It uses a run-based structure, but you can unlock certain equipment and abilities to persist through subsequent runs. good.
So here are our recommendations ā in no particular order ā of the best run-based games on Switch; roguelikes, roguelites, roguelikes, and all their variations. This sizeable list is subject to change and evolve in the future, so please let us know your thoughts and suggestions in the usual places.
the publisher: motion twin / Developer: motion twin
dead cells is a master class in great roguelike design, combining non-stop intense action sequences, gorgeous scenery, and an addictive loop of unlocks and rewards for a beautiful experience that Switch owners won’t want to part with. I’m here. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of content here, and a sense of repetition can creep in from time to time, but how Dead Cells stays fresh over all these hours? The game is fun to play, full of visual splendor, and packed with things to do. Don’t miss this, this is a must have.
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the publisher: lipstone / Developer: dread bit
A match-3 puzzle game that deftly manipulates elements from different genres. iron cast A deep and engaging game. Unique, innovative, and frustratingly addictive. The variety of mechanics fused here makes for an infinitely replayable game, but not at the expense of being repetitive or tedious. If you’re looking for a game that you can play on, try this one.
the publisher: devolver digital / Developer: dodge roll
enter the Gungeon A wonderfully tactile, infinitely replayable twin-stick roguelike that stands alongside the best indie games on Nintendo Switch. With satisfying combat, random levels and an endless supply of ingenious weapons, items and secrets, it’s always a complete pleasure to play. Yet another modern indie classic makes a natural home on Nintendo’s console I found
the publisher: Nintendo / Developer: brace your self game
Brace Yourself Games has created a unique roguelite Zelda game that blends perfectly with the rest of the family.blood transfusion from Crypt of the Necrodancer It’s a fresh twist on the old top-down template, but it still feels like Zelda. Cadence of Hyrule Not only is it a great game, it’s a great game zelda Games – Games you don’t want to miss.
the publisher: Kemco / Developer: Kemco
Bite-sized but hard to chew, Youdanji is a devilishly tricky roguelike with fun themes, addictive goal-based gameplay, and huge replay value. Its 21 unlockable characters are the key to the latter, with each Yokai essentially functioning as its own class, and discovering and trying to master each monster’s mechanics is pure old-fashioned joy. Its anachronistic presentation isn’t for everyone, and clunky controls are sometimes confusing, but those looking for a tough, nail-biting fun time with lots of character get more than their money’s worth here. I guess.
the publisher: Red Hook Studio / Developer: Red Hook Studio
Darkest Dungeon has always been an RPG that finds ways to make the player’s life uncomfortable, and this Switch version manages to add some usability issues to that list. However, this remains a very deep and completely absorbing dungeon crawler that will engulf you for hours at a time.
the publisher: Digerati / Developer: Nephilim Game Studio
Its oversimplified art style is not long remembered, unexploredThe insane approach to balancing combat and map generation certainly does. There’s very little story here, but like any other great dungeon his crawler, the real adventure is something you write yourself. Unexplored: Unlocked Edition offers danger and pleasure in equal measure, with plenty of room for weaponsmithing and all the many permanent perks to unlock and help counteract the pain of permanent death To do.
the publisher: humble bundle / Developer: mega critical
kill the spire An endlessly addictive roguelike card battler perfect for the Switch. A beautifully balanced game that has arrived on Nintendo’s systems with all the benefits of an extended early access period on PC. The combination of ferocious battles, hilarious chance encounters, and impressively different his three-player character choices will leave you feeling nerve-wracked and utterly engrossed every time you reach the top. A set of highly original cards are brilliantly combined to create highly devastating combos, perfectly blending offensive and defensive options, and players use information provided by a brilliantly transparent intent system. With it, you can strategize endlessly against hordes of evil monsters that stand between you and victory.
Sure, you’ll eventually see all your enemies and chance encounters. That’s right, there are some framerate issues here and there, but overall, this is one of his long-remembered dungeon crawlers on our system.
the publisher: rockfish game / Developer: rockfish game
while remembering how much we did Love look FTL with a switch Everspace As you warp between sectors, you can carve out a memorable identity while steadily increasing your weapon and skill levels. It has satisfying space combat, an addictive roguelite core loop, and even some light and funny writing along the way, and it works wonderfully, if not perfectly, on Nintendo’s console. We had a great time with it.
the publisher: kitfox game / Developer: kitfox game
moon hunters is a great roguelike RPG, unlike anything else available on Switch, offering a highly replayable, engaging bite-sized adventure that can be enjoyed alone or with friends. There are some hiccups with the easy difficulty and occasionally atrocious load times, but I still highly recommend it. will be revisited.
the publisher: plug in digital / Developer: flying oak
neurovoideris a futuristic pixel-art masterpiece, and the synth-techno soundtrack is varied, tense, moody, and always thrilling. Whether roguelike, lite, or procedurally generated games keep your proverbial boat afloat, NeuroVoider’s addictive, explosive gameplay and vibrant cyborg-chic aesthetics Despite ticking many popular genre boxes, the frenzied action, tight enough controls, and extensive customization with parts and weapons keep you from getting bored.
The idea of āāa roguelike RPG shooter may sound like a bit of a hodgepodge, but NeuroVoider is for those who want to spend some time customizing and have arcade-style fun with all the plasma cannons and laser beams blazing. A very enjoyable experience.
the publisher: Nicalis / Developer: Edmund McMillen
After appearing on many other platforms, Binds of Isaac: Afterverse+ Feels perfect for the Switch. This is a game that he can pick up and play for 15-20 minutes at a time, write down his favorite seeds, take screenshots, and complete daily challenges. The Switch’s control configuration and simple couch co-op only sweeten the deal. It’s a homage to the challenges and styles of older titles while at the same time being stylistically presented as something more modern.
