If your looking for a getaway, then why not try the next galaxy? Live vicariously through the following 10 Best Alien Nintendo Switch Games around.
#12 Axiom Verge
Developer: Thomas Happ Games LLC
Publisher: Thomas Happ Games LLC
Release: March 31, 2015
Retro styled Axiom Verge likely needs no introduction. This bone-chilling alien planet draws inspiration from Super Metroid, the iconic 16-bit style is unmistakable. You’ll travel across a hostile alien land, slaying foes and bosses alike in this silky action-packed side-scrolling sensation. While Axiom Verge is undoubtedly paying homage to Super Metroid, it isn’t afraid to update that original formula and bring it up to modern standards. These changes come about in several unique weapons and abilities with new and challenging stages. Just as with Super Metroid your character will progress from a weakling to a veritable alien killing machine.
#11 XCOM 2
Developer: Firaxis Games
Publisher: 2K
Release: May 29, 2020
Defend society from the endless oppression of an unholy alien rule. The alien forces that invaded earth in the first game promise prosperity but hide a nefarious agenda. Recently released from an alien prison, you’ll need to consolidate your forces and wage an urban guerilla assault on those that would repress mankind. XCOM2 plays like any turn based strategy game, the environment and visuals are detailed and engaging and gameplay flows seamlessly. Manage your resources, do research and plan your assaults carefully. The game pushes players to achieve a successful assault within a time limit or set number of turns, adding a distinct sense of urgency.
#10 Subnautica
Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Publisher: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Release: May 14, 2021
Explore the underwater marvels of a huge nameless ocean planet. This incredibly open world pushes players to think outside the box as they fight to survive the dangerous depths. With an overwhelming sense of isolation, you’ll do your best to come to terms with the situation at hand. Gather materials as you explore the vast ocean floor. Build a safe and reliable home base. Craft and upgrade your own equipment to aid you in your survival efforts. Subnautica features outstanding audio and sound effects. Being as vast as it is, the game does have some visual pop-in. It is a switch port after all, it’s not excessive though and the game is still immensely enjoyable.
#9 Alien Isolation
Developer: Creative Assembly
Publisher: SEGA Europe
Release: December 5, 2019
You may never feel as alone as you do when you play a game based on an alien planet. Alien Isolation makes you feel horribly isolated. In solitude you’ll wander through a beautifully detailed environment. The story is engaging and detailed. The helplessness you feel at being so ill equipped, while exploring an unknown environment, is almost tangible. The game was inspired by the Movie “Alien”. That should give you an idea on what to expect. You’ll need to adapt to your environment and craft or improvise weapons as you go. All in aid of surviving and escaping the dangers onboard. The gameplay is smooth and the story feels remarkably terrifying.
#8 Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic
Developer: BioWare
Publisher: Aspyr
Release: November 11, 2021
For a lot of us, Star Wars was our first experience of foreign planets and alien lifeforms. Originally released in 2003 Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic is a classic. The soundtrack and effects are great and add to the overall experience. While many of you have likely played this before on some other platform. This really feels like one of the best ways to play a Star Wars game on the go. The story is intricate and engaging and your choices will have effects on your character’s tendency towards light or dark. Speaking of characters, the NPCs feel incredibly well rounded and it’s a joy to engage with them and the Star Wars universe again.
#7 Destroy All Humans
Developer: Black Forest Games, Pandemic Studios
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Release: June 29, 2021
Thwarting all these aliens in the games mentioned above might make you think that you could do it better. Play as an alien that terrorizes the people of America in the 1950’s as you try to rescue a fellow alien. The game is an open world sandbox. It features clever jabs and references to the governments and political situations of the era. There are also a host of pop culture references that add to the fun. Destroy All Humans features an interesting stealth mechanic, and the unique physics make it easy and fun to cause carnage.
#6 Warframe
Developer: Digital Extremes
Publisher: Digital Extremes
Release: November 20, 2018
Wreak havoc across the galaxy in Warframe, an awesome third person shooter. As an alien fighting machine you’ll hone your skills, weapons and suit tech to slowly become a true fighting machine. Warframe features an incredibly detailed tech tree with a variety of customizable options. This game not only delivers wonderfully tight gameplay and smooth combat, but also an immersive storyline. If you want to become a badass fighting machine, laying waste to foes across the galaxy, then this is definitely for you. Warframe also offers online co-op so you can tear things up with your friends. If you haven’t already downloaded it then I should mention that it’s free to play!
#5 Valfaris
Developer: Steel Mantis
Publisher: Big Sugar
Release: October 10, 2019
Run and gun your way across Valfaris. Your home planet, which mysteriously disappeared and has recently reappeared shrouded in darkness. Originally a wonderful paradise, you’ll spend much of your homecoming gunning down foes. There are a few new features that set it apart from other entries in the run and gun genre. Such as upgradable weapons and a checkpoint system, where you trade tokens gathered in-game. What’s more, the gameplay scratches a nostalgia itch for those familiar with any of the contra games. Valfaris features a beautiful pixel art style that is impeccably detailed, it seems to draw from many retro influences while remaining fresh. Couple all of this with a killer soundtrack and you’re bound to have a good time.
#4 The Outer Worlds
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher: Private Division
Release: June 5, 2020
Explore open foreign worlds across the galaxy in The Outer Worlds. This is an award winning role playing game that sees you explore a vast open world. Outer Worlds has a lively and engaging story. It’s a typical RPG. How the story progresses is based largely on your decisions and actions. Gather together a crew if you choose, or go it alone. Quite literally the world’s your oyster. The characters and environments look good and the gameplay is smooth. Porting an RPG of this size to the switch is really a tremendous achievement. It’s definitely worth playing.
#3 Rebel Galaxy Outlaw
Developer: Double Damage Games
Publisher: Double Damage Games
Release: September 22, 2020
Down and out in a foreign galaxy. Do you have what it takes to survive and visit vengeance on those that have wronged you? Rebel Galaxy Outlaw is a RPG that sees you engage with various unsavory characters across various planets. You’ll undertake multiple missions to help you build up funds. When you’re flush you can upgrade your ship and equipment. There are also some customizable options if you wish to do some personalization. The gameplay feels simple and intuitive, piloting your ship is easy enough to quickly come to grips with. A good story, decent controls and an enjoyable soundtrack, all mean that you should definitely check this one out.
#2 Void Bastards
Developer: Blue Manchu
Publisher: Humble Games
Release: May 7, 2020
Dive into this engaging and funny strategy based shooter. You, like a naughty space pirate, will hop aboard a ship and pillage your way through. Sneaking and shooting your way through various cabins. You’ll have to make all of this magic happen before you run out of oxygen. Your character will have uniquely generated traits that might work against you, so you’ll need to be mindful of that as you progress. The game is unique on this list, in that it tells the story through excellently illustrated comic strips, sprinkled with witty humor. This all adds to the games overall aesthetic and compliments the fun and engaging gameplay nicely. This is a difficult but immensely enjoyable game.
#1 Metroid Dread
Developer: Mercury Steam
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: October 8, 2021
Alone on an alien planet, facing an unknown threat, powerless, lost and totally isolated, this is Metroid Dread. A game with an eerie ambience that perfectly mimics its name. This gorgeous 2.5D platformer reportedly took 15 years to develop. The vision was uncompromising and as a result it is a masterpiece. The interesting and engaging story slots seamlessly into the Metroid series, catching any newcomers up with a beautiful opening cut-scene. You’ll often find yourself frantically platforming across an unknown area, springing from walls and sliding through gaps just in time. Dreading what pursues you.
This is when the gameplay shines, the controls are extremely precise and the movement is positively silky. Additionally, you’ll find yourself spending hours exploring the massive map and uncovering its secrets. It’s likely that this offering will inspire you to seek out and (re)play other offerings from this franchise. Metroid Dread raises the bar for all platformers and metroidvanias to come, don’t wait… Play it!
