The arrival of the New Year invites gamers to reflect on the previous year's gaming experiences. December 2023 might have seemed like a slow month for game releases, but the eShop proved otherwise with an array of quality titles debuting on the platform. We're here to share a glimpse into the finest eShop games unleashed in the last stretch of the year before we embrace the promising possibilities of 2024.
The outstanding games listed below are the honorable mentions from December that didn't quite snatch the top spots but were still notable releases, showing the diverse selection available to Switch gamers:
- "Terra Nil" delivered a strategic touch to environmental rehabilitation, scoring a solid 7/10.
- "Chico and the Magic Orchards DX" charmed players with its vibrant world, earning a 9/10 rating.
- "Palia," a free-to-play MMO still under review, offers an expansive world to explore with friends.
- "Born of Bread," a quirky and heartwarming adventure, also received a 7/10.
- Lastly, "Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered" brought nostalgia with modernized visuals and gameplay to secure another 7/10 score.
With the honorable mentions aside, the top three eShop games from December 2023 deserve special attention:
At number three, "A Highland Song" from inkle Studios introduced players to the picturesque landscapes of Scotland. The game's protagonist, Moira, embarks on a touching journey infused with Scottish mythology and the quest to find her uncle's lighthouse. Despite the challenging terrain, the beauty of the painted highlands and enchanting narrative earned the game a commendable 7/10.
Taking the second spot, "SteamWorld Build" from Thunderful and The Station stands out in the eShop's catalogue. It marries the mechanics of dungeon-crawling with city-building against a steampunk backdrop. The game is not just about erecting structures but also delving deep into mineshafts and uncovering secrets. With its intuitive systems and addictive gameplay, it garnered a well-deserved 8/10.
Finally, the crown jewel of December 2023 is "Outer Wilds," published by Annapurna Interactive and developed by Mobius Digital. This time-loop space-exploration title had players eagerly anticipating its Switch release. Each 22-minute loop offers a fresh perspective and countless discoveries. Despite some performance hiccups, the game's engrossing narrative and exploration solidified it as one of the best-reviewed games of the year, securing a 9/10 rating.
The eShop has been a treasure trove for gamers in 2023, even beyond household names like Zelda and Mario. The Hall of eShop Selects Fame is proof of the quality and diversity fans have come to expect from the platform. Here's a quick rundown of all the eShop Selects winners from each month:
- January saw "Persona 4 Golden" take the lead.
- "Blanc" charmed gamers in February.
- "Have A Nice Death" captured the spotlight in March.
- April celebrated the classic "Final Fantasy VI."
- May was taken by the innovative "Cassette Beasts."
- "Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective" revived the intrigue in June.
- "Venba" offered a heartfelt narrative in July.
- "Sea of Stars" lit up the August sky.
- "F-Zero 99" zoomed into the lead in September.
- October was spiced up by "Dave The Diver."
- "Astral Ascent" enchanted players in November.
- And of course, "Outer Wilds" closed the year in December.
As players now look forward to the gaming wonders that await in 2024, it's important to recognize the creativity and craftsmanship that have graced the eShop throughout the past year. From remarkable indies to stunning remasters, these titles represent just a fraction of the joy and immersive worlds that Nintendo’s digital storefront has provided. Now, with expectations set high, both developers and players anticipate the next wave of digital delights that will define gaming in the year to come.
You must be logged in to post a comment!
