Welcome to 2018. We at PokéJungle are still in shock that humanity made it this far after the Shuppet-storm that was 2017; but contrary to the real world, what a year for gaming it was—especially Nintendo! Which is what I’d like to start off on: reminding you that this year probably won’t be as golden of an age as last year, and that’s okay because we’re still hunting down those pesky Power Moons/Korok Seeds Nintendo is back and better than ever and already promising us some promising titles over these next few upcoming months. So keep an open mind and let’s see if there any cartridges worth shoving into your poor little Switch/3DS this year.
Bayonetta 2 (Nintendo Switch) – Feb. 2, 2018
According to Nintendo, the “Umbra Witch” Bayonetta is a “foxy, sassy,” and likes to kick butt…and we wholeheartedly agree. In this action game, you play as the foxy, sassy, butt-kicking witch herself who just wants to beat up angels and demons alike with her cool guns and weird special abilities all the while looking like she’s simultaneously trying to lure her enemies back to her bedroom in her hometown Umbra. (This is a total lie, she’s actually from a place called Vigrid.)
Bayonetta 2 is a remastered version of the previously released version on the Wii U with a few extra perks like now you can summon sidekicks called “Infernal Demons” to help you perform something called an “Umbran Climax” … I can’t make this stuff up. And there’s also an online and local wireless 2-player cooperative mode (called “Tag Climax” by the way), plus it comes with the original Bayonetta to play first if you haven’t gotten the chance to yet, which is neat. There aren’t many games like Bayonetta, especially on the Switch, and you do get two titles for the price of one and the third installment is already in development so not a bad idea to pull the trigger on this bad girl come if you are into action games OR foxy, sassy ladies.
Kirby Star Allies (Nintendo Switch) – March 16, 2018
Kirby is back, not only on the 3DS via Kirby Battle Royale but on the Switch in what looks like a way more enticing game. And he’s brought with him buff King Dedede. Are you ready to suck up some baddies, kill them through your digestive system and rob them of their superpowers for the thousandth time?
There’s not much to say here about the platformer which is almost as old as Nintendo itself. You’ve played a Kirby game. This is a Kirby game, but on the Switch. It also has cooperative play, so your three friends can join in if you have enough Joy-Cons to go around. It could be fun.
Detective Pikachu (Nintendo 3DS) – March 23, 2018
Yes, Detective Pikachu is real and you should look out for it this year. Why? Because Pokémon, that’s why. Pikachu talks again, like in Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!, but not to Ash Ketchum this time…no sirree, to his friend Tim Goodman. Yes, Tim Goodman. They seriously could not think of a better name than Tim Goodman. You, playing as Tim (cringe), will solve mysteries with this tough-guy, black coffee-drinking Pikachu in a place called Ryme City where you will come across other Pokémon as well as other humans whom will all aid you in solving cases.
Whether or not you’re planning on playing this yourself or alongside a younger sibling/cousin, it’s a unique take on the franchise. Japan’s had part of it for awhile now, it’s time for the West to see what all the fuss is about and also get ready for the upcoming movie!
Dark Souls: Remastered (Nintendo Switch) – May 25, 2018
Are you sick of Skyrim yet? The answer is yes, it’s always yes. Introducing Dark Souls, which is like Skyrim but way, way harder. You play as a loyal knight who is in over his/her head thinking he/she could actually get through this game without throwing the controller against the wall at least 11 times. Dark Souls is an action-adventure game infamous for being actually challenging as you delve into creepy dungeons and atmospheres taking on terrifying enemies, gruesome monsters and brutal bosses – which will remain in your memories even after the fight is over…and your nightmares.
Dark Souls: Remastered is getting released on PS4, Xbox One and PC in addition to the Switch so there are certainly high hopes for its quality. Plus, there really isn’t a game quite like this on the Switch like this (besides Skyrim of course, but enough already of that) and it looks like a must-have for those who are into the genre.
Mario Tennis Aces (Nintendo Switch) – Spring 2018
Okay, who remembers Mario Tennis on the Game Boy Color? It is one of my personal favorite games of all time, and I don’t even like sports video games that much. Although the Madden, FIFA, 2k, NHL games are incredibly popular, Mario has a way of making sports video games appealing to those who aren’t into sports.
There isn’t much known about the title just yet, as it was recently announced, but Nintendo confirms there is a story mode similar to the one of the Game Boy Advance in addition to the action-packed multiplayer modes we all know and love. And I played the heck out of Super Mario Strikers and Mario Superstar Baseball with friends so this is looking great.
Quick Shout Out:
Shovel Knight: King of Cards (Nintendo Switch/3DS) – Sometime In The Year 2018
The final campaign for one of the greatest indie video games of the 21st century, Shovel Knight, is getting released sometime this year and it deserves to be mentioned. If you are confused, Shovel Knight is an 8-bit platformer where you play as a knight who uses a shovel to bash his foes and bounce around as well as…can you guess it?…dig! There are already two DLCs available for this title, Plague of Shadows and Specter of Torment, and the third and final one will be King of Cards. You play as Plague Knight in the first additional campaign, Specter Knight in the second, and soon King Knight. All of this content is available in the Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove saga on the Nintendo eShop for both the Switch and 3DS.
Well, that’s a wrap. Let’s hope this year is as good as last year for Nintendo’s sake, although the numerous remakes are worrisome. Nonetheless, we at PokéJungle hope you enjoyed this list and wish you a pleasant year of gaming. And as always, please do let us know if any of these titles caught your eye, especially if you plan on getting ’em!