The recent release of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet and the impending release of Fire Emblem Engage are great examples of the blockbuster titles the Nintendo Switch fairly regularly sees, but the console boasts a solid backlog of free-to-play games as well. Many of these kinds of games can admittedly fall into the trap of being half-measures in terms of engaging content, but there are several that are effectively engaging.
The Switch has a good variety of F2P games, ranging from puzzlers to first-person shooters. Fortniteis an obviously popular choice on any platform, but the likes of Knockout Cityhave shown some recent ingenuity in the F2P space.
Fortnite
It's long since established itself as the top of the battle royale food chain, especially so after Fortnite adjusted its initial gameplay style and moved into the free-to-play format. Just as well, the seasonal content ensures fans keep coming back for more.
The game has come a long way since its 2017 early-access launch, with Fortnite becoming a cultural phenomenon in the video game medium thanks to its addictive third-person shooter, building mechanics, and overall gameplay loop. It's also become a prime title for competitive gamers, and the free-to-play structure has arguably made the barrier to entry easier.
Knockout City
In the realm of outlandish sports-based video games, publisher EA and developer Velan Studios' Knockout City was a welcome injection of gameplay ingenuity when it launched in 2021. Fitting nicely with the game's title, Knockout City takes a sci-fi spin on dodgeball. It's not something that's often a premise in gaming, so that alone makes it a title worth looking into.
Two teams face off on colorful maps to knock each other out using a combination of the standard default dodgeballs and the specially-powered ones scattered around the arena as pickups. It's an engaging formula, and that makes it all the more surprising something like Knockout City took this long to exist.
Warframe
Warframe makes a strong case for being one of the best live-service games out right now, as well as one of the best shooters ported to the Nintendo Switch. The developer team Digital Extremes has been extremely supportive post-launch to ensure that the game retains its addicting gameplay loop year in and year out, and wrapped in a slick sci-fi aesthetic.
The game is a surprising mashup of several genres, including the third-person shooter, action, and role-playing genres. It's a bold amalgamation that has impressed in its execution, with smooth combat mechanics and a wealth of unique skills to use for players' character type of choice.
Apex Legends
Fortnite unsurprisingly holds the lion's share of attention in the battle royale genre, but it isn't the only competent one on the market. From the developers of the underrated first-person shooter series Titanfall, Respawn Entertainment made something worthwhile with Apex Legends.
Part of that is due to the game taking some mechanical cues in how combat and movement function in moment-to-moment gameplay in Titanfall. That level of genre-blending is what helps the game stand out in a competitive field. Likewise, the progression system has proven to be consistently engaging to justify its seasonal content.
Rocket League
Back into the arcade sports genre, Rocket League is another game that made major waves in the gaming scene. The core premise meshes two concepts that couldn't be any more different from each other in the form of rocket-powered karts and soccer.
Regardless, the result is a thoroughly entertaining time at both casual and competitive levels thanks to its blistering pace and wild acrobatics. Rocket League arguably falls under the "easy to learn, hard to master" category, which is partly what makes it one of the most fun esports to watch.
Tetris 99
Often touted as one of the best modern puzzle games as well as one of the most recognizable video game franchises in the history of the medium, Tetris 99 was a welcome rejuvenation of the series for the Nintendo Switch era. In essence, there's not much that can be said for the basic gameplay loop considering it's ultimately Tetris.
However, what makes this such a unique take on the puzzle game is the way the developer Arika combined the puzzle genre with the battle royale genre. It pits players against up to 98 others online in an attempt to clear their tiles while sending "attack rows" to try and knock their opponents out.
Super Kirby Clash
The Kirby franchise is an all-time classic of Nintendo's as a publisher, and it's thankfully been getting more attention as of late. Last year's Kirby and the Forgotten Land was a milestone for the series by featuring fully 3D platforming elements in a breathtaking Super Mario Odyssey-inspired world.
But for players that want a smaller, breezier free-to-play experience, Super Kirby Clash is a fun spinoff. An expanded version of Team Kirby Clash Deluxe, this F2P title makes the game's sole focus rushing the player through a series of entertaining boss fights.
Fall Guys
The battle royale genre isn't becoming any less lucrative, and Fall Guys took good advantage of the genre's sensation in recent years. Developed by Mediatonic, Fall Guys also functions well as an engaging party game to play with friends or other players online.
The charming jelly-bean-like characters take part in a series of mini-games, including tag and obstacle courses, as up to 60 players attempt to eliminate each other in each round. Critical reception was positive, with some likening the fun and chaotic gameplay loop to the classic Super Monkey Ball series.
Pac-Man 99
There's no doubt that Tetris is a staple of the video game medium and the puzzle genre, but Pac-Man deserves a nod for those plaudits as well. Since its inception, the series has gone from its puzzle/maze gameplay style to incorporating platforming elements as the industry and its technology evolved.
But seeing the success of Tetris 99, it comes as no surprise that Pac-Man 99 came into the market to replicate that same successful formula. Like the former, Pac-Man 99 combines the loop players are familiar with in addition to battle royale mechanics.
Arena Of Valor
The MOBA genre is associated with hardcore competitive gamers. The likes of League of Legends and DOTA have cemented that image, but Arena of Valor is a respectable alternative.
TiMi Studio Group's take on the genre isn't as layered as its contemporaries, but that's part of what can make this game appealing (in addition to also being free). It features several solid game modes with styles and control schemes that are accessible enough to delve into.
Source:gamerant.com