I occasionally see people respond to my weekly [Upcoming Releases](https://old.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/r3jcav/full_list_of_upcoming_games_on_the_nintendo/) posts with comments like “it’s just a buncha’ shovelware”, and I don’t think people realize the potential in some of the games they’re dismissing.
Because of this, before we jump into the next month, I’m going through the list of upcoming games for that month *that we know about*, and highlighting the ones that have a strong chance of being worth paying attention to, as well as a brief snippet about the game explaining why it’s worth watching.
I will specifically *only* be highlighting games that have a reasonably strong pedigree, or that are otherwise particularly noteworthy in some way beyond “this looks good, it *could* be interesting…”. This means that I’ll likely be mentioning a lot of ports, as it’s easier to know a game will likely be good if it was already good on another platform (I’m including games that scored 75 or higher on Metacritic on other platforms, 80% positive or higher on Steam, and/or 4 or higher rating on Google Play store). I’ll also mention games whose developer has a decent track record for producing quality.
Oh, and before getting into the games, I should note that this is just the list we have available right now – there are likely to be new games announced after this list comes out, as well as games on this list that get delayed. Also, I should note that this is *not* a list of the *only* games worth getting on the Switch this month – just the ones that I feel can be backed up with more than just “feels” given what we know now. And of course, since these games aren’t released yet, I obviously can’t *know* they’re good, they just look promising.
I’m continuing the use of “Buzz Picks” to indicate titles that, while they have no clear established pedigree to indicate they’ll be good or bad, they are nevertheless highly anticipated or noteworthy for other reasons.
Anyway, on to the list!
**[12/3/2021 – Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/big-brain-academy-brain-vs-brain-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HEvxYCyVWQ)) **Buzz Pick** – While earlier games in Nintendo’s Big Brain Academy series tended to remain under the shadow of the beloved Brain Age series, the Nintendo Switch entry in the series looks to make a splash by embracing competitive elements, with players testing their thinking and observation skills against friends and family. Perhaps the Nintendo Switch will give this series a chance to shine in its own right.
**[12/3/2021 – Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Anniversary Edition ](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc-anniversary-edition-switch/)**, [Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair Anniversary Edition](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/danganronpa-2-goodbye-despair-anniversary-edition-switch/), [Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony Anniversary Edition](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/danganronpa-v3-killing-harmony-anniversary-edition-switch/), [Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp ](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/danganronpa-s-ultimate-summer-camp-switch/), and [Danganronpa Decadence](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGtAU2WVnms) ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGtAU2WVnms)) – That’s a lot of games to pack into one entry, right? Well, the Danganronpa series of Visual Novels with a murder mystery puzzle-solving element to them (I think? Not too familiar with this franchise) is surprisingly consistent in getting solid Metacritic scores in the low-80s, with the first three games almost certain to be worth picking up for fans of the genre. Danganronpa S is a bit of an odd addition to the series new to this collection of releases, being a Board Game-style title based on the franchise, but if it maintains the series’ consistent quality, it should also be worth trying out. Then there’s Danganronpa Decadence, the bundle that brings it all together. That’s a lot of Danganronpa! Hopefully that means a lot of great games!
**[12/3/2021 – Detective Di: The Silk Rose Murders](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/detective-di-the-silk-rose-murders-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH2T0WmJBpc)) – When this “point and click”-style Graphic Adventure game released on PC in 2019, it got a Metacritic score of 80, with critics praising its excellent story, it’s great puzzles, and its wonderful exploration of a legendary Chinese figure who isn’t widely known in the West. It seems like this December is an excellent month for murder mystery games on Nintendo Switch!
**[12/7/2021 – Life is Strange: True Colors](https://twitter.com/LifeIsStrange/status/1463550641075363853)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVOE2PxYNl0)) – This Graphic Adventure about a girl who can experience the feelings of others who is investigating her brother’s murder is up for various year-end game awards from different publications for its release earlier this year on other platforms, with Metacritics scores ranging from the low to mid-80s, and so long as the port to Nintendo Switch is good, players should have another excellent entry in the genre when this game gets released.
**[12/7/2021 – Love 3](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/love-3-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2othvcoNWMU)) – The Love series tends to go overlooked by critics, who consistently fail to give these games enough reviews to get a Metacritic score. However, the games are consistently well-loved by players, with the previous games in the series getting Very Positive 92% and 97% user review scores on Steam. These games use extremely simple, rudimentary pixel art visuals, and similarly simple Platformer gameplay. The secret to what makes these games tick is their imaginative level design and engaging high challenge level. If you enjoy tough Platformers, you may want to give this game a look (or try the first two games, Love and Kuso, both already on Switch).
**[12/9/2021 – Loop Hero](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/loop-hero-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_efg-p6XDY)) – Loop Hero delighted critics when it came out on PC earlier this year, getting a Metacritic score of 82 and getting name-checked for end-of year game awards. This game features unique gameplay that has players deckbuilding while crafting an endlessly-looping dungeon for their hero to fight through. If you’re looking for something inspired and original, you should keep your eyes out for this one (and note that it currently has a pre-order discount on the eShop).
**[12/9/2021 – Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/monster-rancher-1-and-2-dx-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFCQOyGmfgk)) – Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way first – no, the Nintendo Switch version won’t let you scan CDs to auto-generate monsters. These versions of the game instead let players search a database full of music CDs and select one saved in the game’s memory, which is… well, an understandable change, but clearly not the same thing. However, that compromise aside, this is a remaster of two classic PlayStation 1 Pokemon-style monster-collecting RPGs. Players who don’t mind the game’s retro visuals may find themselves charmed by this alternate take on the Pokemon-style formula. **Edit**: Okay, I get it guys. You want it to be clear that this game is *very* different than Pokemon, and also that it did what Pokemon did first, even though it was released later. Your disapproval of my description has been noted.
**[12/9/2021 – Wytchwood](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OchVijhoAds)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OchVijhoAds)) – Developer Alientrap has a stellar track record, with an average Metacritic score of 78 and without a single game scoring under 75. Their latest game has you collecting potion components and solving puzzles, and beyond that I couldn’t tell you too much about it, but given the developer’s track record, this is sure to be a game to watch for.
**[12/13/2021 – Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon](https://www.yachtclubgames.com/blog/shovel-knight-pocket-dungeon-releases-december-13)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ugw4BFL8wPo)) **Buzz Pick** – While not developed by Yacht Club Studios themselves, the release earlier this year of Cyber Shadow shows that Yacht Club has a knack for picking great up-and-coming developers who share their talent for crafting excellent retro-style games. Pocket Dungeon takes the familiar characters from the Shovel Knight franchise and plugs them into a game that reinterprets the franchise as a combination of Dungeon Crawler and Puzzle game.
**[12/15/2021 – The Letter: A Horror Visual Novel](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/the-letter-a-horror-visual-novel-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG4b2km3U-M)) – This game didn’t get enough reviews for a Metacritic score when it was released on PC in 2017, but players thoroughly enjoyed, it, with the Steam user review score sitting at a very positive 89% with over 950 user reviews. This game claims to be inspired by Japanese horror films and features a branching narrative.
**[12/16/2021 – Hashihime of the Old Book Town Append](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/hashihime-of-the-old-book-town-append-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkdqBp2m0h8)) – This Visual Novel didn’t get enough reviews for a Metacritic score when it was released on PC in 2019, but players seemed delighted with, it, with the Steam user review score sitting at a very positive 97% with over 140 user reviews. This game follows a young bookstore worker whose friends start getting murdered, and who then realizes he’s experiencing a Groundhog Day-style repeating three-day loop.
**[December 2021 – Trash Quest](https://www.gamespress.com/Trash-Quest-cute-Metroidvania-platformer-featuring-the-raccoon-is-comi)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaRC2EmURiE)) – This Metroidvania with OG Game Boy-style graphics was overlooked by critics when it released on PC earlier this year, but the few players who have played it are unanimous in their praise of the game, with the game having a 100% user review score on Steam with 35 reviews. Not much to go on, but those who have played the game sing its praises, calling it a fun, challenging, “short but sweet” Metroidvania.
#BONUS “It Could Still Technically Make Its 2021 Release Date” Games!
The following games have vague release dates like “Fall 2021” or just “2021”. It’s still possible that they will make those release dates… but in all likelihood, expect most of these games to get pushed into 2022. Still, since they still have a shot at seeing release this year, it seemed like they should at least be mentioned.
**[Fall 2021 – Next Space Rebels](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El5XMNQogP4)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El5XMNQogP4)) – Another game overlooked by critics, another game with great user review scores on Steam – 87% positive with over 50 reviews. This game is a Simulation-style game that players compare to Kerbal Space Program, but with a gameplay element that plays on the YouTube streamer media personality element, where you’re not only trying to build rockets, but gain viewers on your channel.
**[Fall 2021 – Wreckfest](https://twitter.com/THQNordic/status/1441366299108528129)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3WmsOLURR4)) – Wreckfest got Metacritic scores ranging from the low-70s to low-80s on other platforms earlier this year (with the low score only due to the Xbox Series X version charging extra for the visual upgrade), with critics praising this game’s take on Demolition Derby-style gameplay.
**[Fall 2021 – Young Souls](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-FwpyNvMkc)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-FwpyNvMkc)) – This game released first on Stadia earlier this year, where it got a Metacritic score of 83. Critics loved this game’s blend of Action and RPG elements and great presentation.
**[Winter 2021 – Neon White](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/neon-white-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lUw7fMdNKE)) **Buzz Pick** – Developer Ben Esposito’s last game, Donut County, got Metacritic scores ranging from the high-70s to low-80s. Neon White is… a *very* different game though, being a stylish, fast-paced First-Person Shooter with card mechanics. Will Esposito deliver another solid game in a different genre? Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long to find out.
**[Winter 2021 – OlliOlli World](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/olliolli-world-switch/)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB-2wM47WTE)) – The OlliOlli series of side-scrolling skateboarder games has consistently gotten superb Metacritic scores, with OlliOlli: Switch Stance on the Switch getting a Metacritic score of 83. This new entry in the series looks to be another solid entry in the franchise.
**[“Holiday Season” 2021 – Outer Wilds](https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1101967479?t=0h48m23s)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbYCkvyw7TQ)) – Not to be confused with The Outer Worlds, Outer Wilds got massive praise when it released on other platforms in 2019, with some really creative galaxy-exploring world design and a fantastic take on the “Groundhog Day” loop mechanic.
**[Late 2021 – River City Girls Zero](https://wayforward.com/river-city-girls-returns-to-the-streets-with-two-new-games/#more-16141)** ([Full Game Playthrough Video (sorry, couldn’t find a trailer)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pN1krUCiXc)) – Originally released on the Japanese SNES (the Super Famicom) in 1994, this marks the game’s first release in the West. This is a game in the Kunio-Kun series, best known for River City Ransom and, of course, River City Girls, truly great Arcade-style Brawlers with RPG progression elements.
**[2021 – Arcadia Fallen](https://www.gamespress.com/Arcadia-Fallen-a-modern-fantasy-visual-novel-where-your-choices-shape-)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vwmK27bI9A)) – This Visual Novel released just within the last few weeks on PC, and has not yet gotten enough reviews to have a Metacritic score, but the few Steam User reviews that have filtered in are quite fond of it, with 100% of the 24 people who reviewed this game giving it a positive rating, with users praising the plentiful choices, as well as the story about an alchemist bound to an “illegal spirit”.
**[2021 – Blast Brigade vs. the Evil Legion of Dr. Cread](https://www.gamespress.com/Blast-Brigade-Bringing-Explosive-2D-Action-Adventure-to-Consoles-and-P)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys2NPs1y8HY)) – This Mtroidvania released in Early Access on PC in October, and the few Steam User reviews that have filtered in are pleased with the game, with 95% of the 47 people who reviewed this game giving it a positive rating. It’s being praised as a combination of a Metroidvania with games like Metal Slug.
**[2021 – Circuit Superstars](https://www.gamespress.com/SQUARE-ENIX-COLLECTIVE-ANNOUNCE-CIRCUIT-SUPERSTARS-PARTNERSHIP-WITH-BB)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i3fjd8UqdM)) – This Top-Down Racing game released on Xbox One earlier this year, garnering a Metacritic score of 78. Critics on PC like it even more, giving the Early Access release of the game a score of 82, with critics praising the game’s nostalgic charm.
**[2021 – Headland](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5eAH0-c_XY)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5eAH0-c_XY)) – Developer Northplay ApS has a stellar track record on Nintendo Switch, with both of its games with a Metacritic rating, Conduct Together and this year’s Fly Together, getting Metacritic scores in the low-80s. Their newest game, Headland, looks quite different from the Arcade-style management games they’ve built that reputation on, being a Top-Down Actior-RPG of sorts. With any luck, it will be another excellent entry in their catalog.
**[2021 – Lenin – The Lion](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=018v99ycpVE)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=018v99ycpVE)) – Released on PC in 2019 and overlooked by critics, this “Puzzle RPG” has thoroughly pleased those who played it, with the game getting a very positive 96% user review score on Steam from over 60 players, who praised the game for its great characters, endearing art style, and a story tackling themes of anxiety and depression.
**[2021 – Lone Survivor Remastered](https://twitter.com/jasperbyrne/status/1390648440808476674)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FHKBJG-w5Q)) – This pixel art Horror game thoroughly pleased critics as it released on multiple platforms over the years, with Metacritic scores ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s. This update looks to bring this great game to more modern platforms.
**[2021 – Omno](https://www.gamespress.com/Omno-is-arriving-on-July-29th)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vchpz50luKk)) – Critics thoroughly enjoyed this game when it released on other platforms earlier this year, giving it Metacritic scores ranging from the high-70s to low-80s. This game combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and platforming elements in a large world, with critics praising this game as “short but sweet”.
**[2021 – Severed Steel](https://www.gamespress.com/en-US/Severed-Steel-PC-release-date-confirmed-with-new-trailer)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yr9olh1yqk)) – This stylish, fast-paced First-Person Shooter delighted critics when it released on PC earlier this year, getting a 76 Metacritic score. Critics loved this game’s smooth movement and its bullet-dodging action.
**[2021 – Sixtar Gate: Startrail](https://www.gamespress.com/en-US/The-Musical-Space-OdysseySixtar-Gate-STARTRAILAnnounced-for-Steam-Nint)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Por5rWDwm34)) – Another game that’s in early access on PC, with over 150 players giving it a very positive 90% user review score. This is a Music-Rhythm game that players have compared to the DJMax series.
**[2021 – Spin Rhythm XD](https://twitter.com/SpinRhythmGame/status/1338298120774406146)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMTjeelF2m0)) – Yet another Music-Rhythm game in Early Access on PC, but this one has its early players absolutely exploding with enthusiasm – an overwhelmingly positive 97% of the nearly 2000 players who have reviewed it are saying this is an outstanding entry in the genre, and many saying it has become their new favorite Music-Rhythm game. This game’s unique “spin” mechanic works in a way that some say feels like actually playing a unique musical instrument. If you’re a fan of Music-Rhythm games, it looks like this is one you should absolutely be on the lookout for.
**[2021 – Tormented Souls](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW2cX5Kxbwc)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW2cX5Kxbwc)) – When this Survival Horror game came out on other platforms earlier this year, it got Metacritic scores ranging from the low-70s to low-80s. Critics praised this game for its story and atmosphere.
**[2021 – Windjammers 2](https://twitter.com/Dotemu/status/1337041882917056514)** ([Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P-tT_jky4U)) – The original Windjammers is a beloved classic Arcade-style Sports game, with its recent release earning Metacritic scores ranging from the mid-70s to low-80s. And DotEmu has fostered a reputation for making truly great successors to beloved classic games, with Streets of Rage 4 standing as a major example. Fans of the original game and those who enjoy games with a great Arcade-style one-on-one challenge should keep their eyes out for this.
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Anyway, that’s what I could find for the remainder of 2021 on the Switch, but no doubt some of you have specific games you’ve got your eye on this next month as well. Please feel free to give a shout out to any game you feel deserves attention! 🙂