1. SPLATOON
This game has a very simple exterior, the iconically poorly connected multiplayer gameplay is centered around competing in colorful ink battles as a cephalopod. However, these games are full of unique characters and storylines. Every character has a bold design which reflects the vast customizability of the player characters. They make players invested in the lore by having it in every aspect of the games.
“I like how it allows for a lot of creativity, when you’re playing any other video game it’s kinda just set in stone what you’re supposed to do.” – Zidian
2. ANIMAL CROSSING
The cozy slow vibes of this game aren’t for everyone, but some people enjoy how you can go at your own pace. The process of making a society all by yourself and decorating it any way you want with any people you want living in it is enjoyable. The way time moves parallel to where you live is another detail that makes you fully immersed in this simple world.
“The art style and character designs [are my favorite].” – Sophie Lumetta, 9
3. MINECRAFT
One of the most versatile video games out there. Players can choose to have a farm, go on adventures, or fight a dragon. The concepts of the mobs, especially the enderman and the creeper, are extremely unique and some of the creature designs along with both the complexity and simplicity of the game is what draws people to it.
4. LITTLE NIGHTMARES
The worldbuilding in this series is magnificent. The vibe is creepy, silent, dark, and dank. There are little to no jumpscares and an incredible storyline. Children who have experienced torment at the hands of an adult escape into the Nowhere when they sleep, a twisted realm with a lesser torture than they experience when they are awake. Their tormentors can come there too and become twisted monsters.
5. MARIO KART
It’s the best-selling game on the Switch, because it’s incredibly fun to play. It recently finished its DLC, and that gave players many new options for tracks and characters, including Brido and Pauline, who are usually overlooked by Nintendo can now exist with everyone else. There are varying levels of intensity and custom options that make the game ever entertaining.
“[I like] winning against my siblings.” – Elliett Challans, 9
6. KIRBY
This is a less intense platformer mission than games like Mario, and it has an overall happy vibe. Yes, you do inhale all of your enemies on sight, but look how cute Kirby is. Anyone can enjoy these games. They are very beginner-friendly but there are also YouTube channels that cover insane Kirby mods or even kaizo levels. You can do whatever you want.
7. SUPER MARIO
Mario’s platformers are extremely iconic. The newest game in the series, Mario Wonder, has taken off thanks to brand-new characters, enemies, power-ups, and an entire kingdom to explore. Some people complain that the Super Mario games can be boring and repetitive after a while, especially after the realease of Mario Maker, where you can make your own levels, but Mario Wonder brings the series to the next level.
8. POKEMON
The appeal for players of this franchise is the monster designs. Each of them are super unique, and while some of them are more well-liked than others, that’s what helps to make a large and lush world. The anime style art is beautiful itself, and gives a different feeling than most other Nintendo games.
“It’s just really fun and relaxing to me, I guess, just to play it.” – Kumby Coulibaly, 9
9. THE LEGEND OF ZELDA
The main selling point of this series is the open-world adventures of the games Breath of The Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The graphics are really compelling and the lighting in the areas make it feel so alive. However, them being open-world can leave the player guessing what to do and meandering around without an objective.
“I really like the story. It’s just…really good. And I like how it’s different between each game.” – Raine Volk, 9
10. SONIC THE HEDGEHOG
A classic gaming franchise. The characters are lovable and their interactions are really well scripted. Some of their dialogue is so out-of-pocket. It works great. However, the gameplay is a little frustrating and tough to figure out. But the fans make up for it by being brilliant and the community is fun. If you like the content of the characters but not the games, there are options like the movies, or shows like Sonic Boom or Prime.
