As we welcome the new year, it's the perfect time to reflect on the past month's gaming highlights on the Nintendo eShop. December, typically a slower month for game releases, still brought some noteworthy experiences to Nintendo Switch enthusiasts.
Despite being a period when many take a break for the holidays, December 2023 didn't disappoint in terms of quality game releases. This month saw a mix of highly-anticipated indie games, surprising remasters, and a unique free-to-play MMO striking the Nintendo eShop.
Before delving into December's top three games, it's worth mentioning a few standout titles that deserve recognition. "Terra Nil," "Chico and the Magic Orchards DX," and "Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered" are among those that received commendable reviews, proving that there's no shortage of engaging content even during the quieter months.
The third place for December's best eShop game goes to “A Highland Song,” developed by inkle Studios. This game presents an emotional narrative-driven journey through the breathtaking highlands of Scotland. Players follow Moira as she navigates through a world rich with mythology, seeking to find herself and her uncle's lighthouse. The stunning depiction of Scottish terrain and a compelling story earned it a solid review score and a devoted following among players.
Climbing up to second place, “SteamWorld Build” is yet another successful genre crossover for the SteamWorld series. Set in a post-apocalyptic steampunk universe, the game combines city-building and dungeon-crawling elements to create an engrossing, addictive experience. Players are tasked with constructing a new town while delving into mysterious mineshafts, discovering the remnants of lost civilizations. The ease of learning its gameplay mechanics coupled with its depth makes “SteamWorld Build” a noteworthy title with a great review score.
Taking the top spot in December's eShop lineup is none other than “Outer Wilds". This game, which has long been anticipated on the Switch, captivates players with its time-loop space exploration. Despite some performance hiccups, the game's storytelling and sense of discovery remain unspoiled. With each loop lasting 22 minutes, players are drawn into a multitude of explorations to uncover all the game's secrets. “Outer Wilds” was not only well-received but also stood out as one of the best-reviewed games of the year on the platform.
Looking back at the entire year, 2023 was an outstanding year for video game releases on the eShop platform. Exemplifying the depth of the Switch's library, this year's Hall of eShop Selects Fame showcased a variety of titles from revivals of classics to innovative new indie games, offering players ample choices for digital downloads.
With many exceptional games launched, players have the opportunity to vote for their favorite eShop game of December and the best eShop Selects winner of the year. The choices range from intense RPGs like "Persona 4 Golden," captivating adventures like "Blanc" and "Astral Ascent," to enthralling strategy experiences such as "Sea of Stars" and "F-Zero 99."
The process for determining our top eShop games is methodical and community-driven. At the end of each month, the Nintendo Life staff, alongside the broader gaming community, vote for their top picks from a list of digital-only Nintendo Switch eShop titles that have been reviewed. Points are allocated based on rankings, and the monthly winner is determined by tallying these points.
As we anticipate the exciting prospects of gaming in the coming year, this look back at December 2023's eShop gems not only highlights the creativity and diversity present in the gaming industry but also sets a high bar for the experiences we can look forward to in the future. Whether you're into poignant adventures, strategic city building, or groundbreaking explorations, the Nintendo eShop has proven once again to be a treasure trove for gamers of all tastes.
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