This week’s lineup of new games for the Nintendo Switch is a little lean. But there are a handful of standouts that you should keep on your watchlist.
Her’e’s our list of can’t-miss Switch games for the week of October 1.
Spacebase Startopia
For some reason, I’m having trouble getting this title right — Spacebase Startopia. It’s a clunky title, but the gameplay looks fun.
Spacebase Startopia combines empire building with classic real-time strategy.
In the 10-mission single-player campaign, you take the role as the Commander of Spacebase Startopia, and you’re tasked with maintaining the space station’s three decks, entertaining alien tourists, and fighting off space invaders.
Spacebase Startopia releases on September 24 for $49.99.
Steel Assault
Steel Assault is a classic 2D action platformer with a great retro-infused 16-bit pixel art style.
The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic America. You play as Taro Takahashi, a resistance soldier who’s on a mission of revenge against the nation’s dictator.
Steel Assault looks like a fun beat-’em-up, but its grappling-hook mechanic looks like a fast-paced and frantic way to zip around the screen.
Steel Assault releases on September 28 for $14.99.
Knockout Home Fitness
Can’t get enough of Ring Fit Adventure?
Knockout Home Fitness incorporates martial arts workouts to help you break a sweat and get a full-body workout. Aesthetically, Knockout Home Fitness reminds me of Wii Fit — what about you?
The game promises an intense workout in just 15 minutes a day and incorporates different modes to fit your lifestyle. Consisting of four personal trainer characters, ranging from more forgiving to strict, Knockout Home Fitness gives you personalized workouts to help you meet your fitness goals.
Knockout Home Fitness is out on September 28 for $39.99.
Astria Ascending
Coming up on September 30 is Astria Ascending, a turn-based JRPG with charming hand-drawn visuals.
The game’s story unfolds in the vast and beautiful world of Orcanon, a world that’s filled with puzzles, monsters, and challenges. You can pick between eight customizable characters, and there are 20 classes to choose from.
The developers say you’ll get more than 50 hours of gameplay from Astria Ascending, making this yet another hefty JRPG for the Switch. The game releases on the eShop on September 30 for $39.99, but if you can wait a few more months, you can pick up a physical copy later this winter.
This game looks awesome and is sure to scratch that JRPG itch, but at $39.99, it’s probably better to add this one to your watchlist and wait for a sale.
Hot Wheels Unleashed
Hot Wheels Unleashed is yet another racing title on the Switch — we’ve had a few really good ones lately — but with the obvious spin that you drive a toy car on a plastic track.
And the game doesn’t let you forget that.
As you race around corners and down straightaways, you’ll notice furniture, shelves, plants, and other everyday things in the background. It reminds me of racing around the house in Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit.
You and a friend can race in a split-screen mode, or you can race up to 12 opponents in online challenges.
In addition to racing, the game’s track editor lets you build your own custom Hot Wheels track, just like you did when you were a kid… except this time, you can actually get behind the wheel. You can share your tracks online, or try tracks that other people have designed.
At $49.99, this isn’t a day-one purchase for me, but I’m going to keep my eyes on it for a price drop. Hot Wheels Unleashed releases on the Switch on September 30.
