The Best 3rd-Party Games On Nintendo Switch Expansion

Highlights

Upgrade to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack for more retro games, including N64 and Sega Genesis/Mega Drive titles.
Enjoy classic Sega Genesis games like
Earthworm Jim
and
Ghouls ‘N Ghosts
with challenging gameplay and quirky animations.
Immerse yourself in action-adventure games like
Crusader of Centy
and
Jet Force Gemini
for unique gameplay experiences.

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that these Nintendo 64 classics are true treasures worth revisiting! The linearity and straightforward gameplay of WinBack: Covert Operations, akin to Metal Gear Solid but less convoluted, is a breath of fresh air.

The Nintendo Switch Online service began operation on September 19, 2018, exactly a year after the console’s debut. Subscribers have enjoyed various benefits since then, such as multiplayer gaming online, cloud storage for saves, access to the NSO App, special deals, and classic games from the past. Initially, only Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) games were available at the launch of the service, but its collection has expanded with more choices over time.

In October of 2021, the Expansion Pack update added classic games from systems like the Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis/Mega Drive to Nintendo’s Online service. The variety of playable games now comes from various developers, including Nintendo’s rivals such as Sega and Xbox Game Studios. Those who upgraded to the Expansion Pass have access to a wider selection of retro titles, even from third-party creators. Some multiplayer games can be enjoyed both locally and online, making it convenient for players who prefer their Switch connected to the TV.

11 Earthworm Jim

A Cartoonish Challenge

The Best 3rd-Party Games On Nintendo Switch Expansion

Among the quirky games available on the Sega Genesis, none quite match the animated, side-splitting earthworm adventure of Earthworm Jim. As one might guess from its title, our main character is an earthworm who finds himself equipped with a super suit that grants him incredible strength and a weapon. Throughout his adventure, he encounters various adversaries who covet his super suit, such as Psy-Crow, Evil the Cat, and the grotesquely named Queen Pulsating Bloated Festering Sweaty Pus-filled Malformed Slug for a Butt.

As a long-time gamer who grew up playing games on both the SNES and Sega Genesis, I can confidently say that the game truly shines with its whimsical, vibrant animations, particularly when Jim suffers an injury. However, don’t let the delightful visuals fool you – navigating the tricky platforming sections and battling aggressive enemies is no walk in the park. While I did enjoy the SNES version of the game, the Sega Genesis iteration stands out as the superior choice due to its consistent frame rate and the inclusion of additional original levels that added depth to my gaming experience.

10 Mega Man: The Wily Wars

1994’s Fresher, Shinier Mega Man Collection

Mega Man: The Wily Wars serves as an excellent starting point for new players who want to experience the first three Mega Man games with significantly improved graphics. Its design shares similarities with Mega Man X, having been released a year prior to the collection. The visuals in this compilation set the bar for the graphical standards of the subsequent game in the series, Mega Man 7.

As a long-time fan of the Mega Man series, I can confidently say that this collection has been a fantastic addition to my gaming library. The graphical enhancements throughout the games are truly impressive, and the minimal A.I. changes for enemies and robot masters have added a fresh twist to the familiar gameplay. The Wily Towers mode, unlocked after completing all three games, serves as an exciting and challenging finale that puts Mega Man’s skills and abilities from his entire journey to the test. It’s a fitting end to a classic series, and I can’t wait to see what future installments hold for the Blue Bomber.

9 Shining Force 1 + 2

Sega’s Early Classic SRPG

The Shining Force games 1 and 2 are cherished, easy-to-play strategy role-playing games that have consistently remained popular with Sega fans. Shining Force 1, the second installment in the series for the Sega Genesis, was remade for the Game Boy Advance. Shining Force 2, the fifth game in the series for the Mega Drive, has also been re-released in various collections.

In these games, players have the ability to choose from a variety of characters, each with distinct personas, roles, and backstories, prior to combat. When two characters clash, the camera angle switches to Pokemon’s turn-based, angled perspective rather than Fire Emblem’s side view. It appears that Pokemon Red & Blue, released three years after Shining Force 2, may have served as a significant influence on this series.

8 Ghouls ‘N Ghosts

The Incarnation Of Challenge

“Ghouls ‘N Ghosts” is the sequel on Sega Genesis for a popular challenging video game series. It significantly boosted the series’ popularity, ranking as the 8th highest-grossing arcade game in Japan during 1989. The game revives the familiar run-and-throw-weapons combat system but offers diverse levels and enemies to present new challenges.”

The sequel doesn’t shy away from its challenging complexity, requiring the player to be prepared for the unpredictable as they advance. Frequent fireballs, hurricanes, and skulls are typical encounters. Any adversary may suddenly emerge from any direction to hinder Arthur’s pursuit of his lifelong love, even launching attacks seemingly out of nowhere, such as off-screen surprises. This title stands out as one of the more demanding (yet somewhat fair) games within the Switch’s Sega Genesis collection.

7 Crusader Of Centy

Animalistic Hero’s Quest

Centyan Crusader is an action-adventure game that borrows its gameplay structure from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Unlike other games, it doesn’t provide clear directions, instead allowing the player to embark on their journey as the main character would on his 14th birthday. The clues aren’t overt, necessitating careful attention to the dialogue of various Non-Player Characters (NPCs).

On my extraordinary odyssey, I found myself gifted with an astonishing power: the ability to communicate with creatures of the animal and plant kingdoms. This unforeseen talent led me, on this quest of valor, to learn unique skills from these diverse beings and seek their invaluable assistance throughout my journey. From the familiar prickle of a hedgehog’s presence, I forged friendships that proved instrumental in navigating the challenges ahead.

6 Virtua Fighter 2

2D Martial Arts

Virtua Fighter 2, originally released on Sega Genesis, is a revamped 2D version of one of Sega’s most popular arcade games, which gained immense popularity in Japan. This game adheres to the conventional fighter genre with a 3-button control setup for defensive moves, punches, and kicks. The gameplay is predominantly footsie-focused, emphasizing character positioning and precise timing of attacks. The objective can be achieved by depleting your opponent’s health or pushing them off the stage.

In this new version, the initial nine figures from the previous edition reappear, along with two additional characters – Shun Di and Lion Rafale. This game is particularly skilled at demonstrating a variety of martial arts styles, including hakkyokuken, wrestling, praying mantis, and even the unconventional drunken kung-fu.

5 Jet Force Gemini

1999 Galactic Rescue

In the Expansion Pack, you’ll find futuristic space games such as Metroid Fusion, but Jet Force Gemini stands out as the sole 3D third-person shooter that offers a galactic hero adventure. The cast of Jet Force Gemini consists of a trio – Juno, Vela, and their pet Lupus – who are on a galactic mission together.

1. The team is compelled to make an emergency landing on a planet swarming with Mizar troops, as they aim to protect the oppressed Tribals from aggressive insects. Each member of the team possesses distinct abilities tailored for various tasks: Juno can traverse magma, Vela can swim indefinitely, and Lupus can float above the ground. To ensure the survival of every alien civilian without causing harm to our allies, the team’s talents must be skillfully employed. Furthermore, players can engage in competitive multiplayer battles known as deathmatches against their peers.

4 WinBack

A Classic Action Shooter

As a gamer, I’d say “WinBack: Covert Operations” is a fantastic pick if you’re yearning for a third-person action adventure reminiscent of “Metal Gear Solid.” Unlike its counterpart, it avoids the dramatic complexity that sometimes leaves players scratching their heads. Instead, this game offers a straightforward, easy-to-grasp gaming experience.

Compared to “Metal Gear Solid,” the world in most games is more straightforward, making objective directions easier to follow. Each stage in these games typically offers ample room for both players and adversaries to hide. The gameplay of such titles often requires careful observation of the environment since enemies can emerge unexpectedly from any direction, posing a threat to the main character.

3 Blast Corps

Classic Explosive Carnage

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as diving into the chaotic destruction of the game “Blast Corps” on a Nintendo 64 console. It’s an ideal choice when you need to vent some pent-up energy in a fun and engaging way.

Objectives within each stage can vary between annihilating every structure in the vicinity or ensuring safe passage for transports over obstructed routes. A variety of vehicles are made available for each level, some designed for maximum destruction like a mecha robot. The game allows you to replay levels to improve your speed and score, with higher scores earning coveted medals as rewards.

2 Perfect Dark

A Rare Successor To A Golden Legacy

In the game named “Perfect Dark“, players get an immersive chance to assume the role of secret agents. Initially, it appears like a standard stealth operation. However, as the story unfolds, the situation transforms into something otherworldly for the main character, Joanna Dark.

In this game, the levels are expansive, providing ample space for players to delve into and make their own choices – whether it’s charging straight at enemies or opting for a stealthy approach. A variety of weapons can be found, from harnessing enemy tools to using Johanna’s fists as a formidable weapon. As players become more familiar with the game mechanics, they’ll notice an improvement in their experience. Multiplayer options are also available, allowing for both cooperative and competitive play. Notably, Perfect Dark is one of only two Nintendo 64 games that holds a Mature rating on Nintendo’s online platform.

1 Banjo-Kazooie

An Amusing World With Whimsical Tunes

Among platforms on the Nintendo 64, none is more comedic than the classic game Banjo-Kazooie. Over twenty years have passed since this series from Rare first graced a Nintendo home console. Its creation was heavily inspired by the groundbreaking gameplay of “Mario 64”, giving birth to an engaging world, charming characters, and enjoyable controls.

As a long-time fan of classic platformers with a knack for vibrant colors and humorous interactions, I can confidently say that this game is right up my alley! Having grown up playing games like Super Mario 64, I was immediately drawn to its similarities in style and gameplay. The game excels not only in its challenging platforming and intricate puzzles but also in its whimsical music and entertaining character interactions.

2024-08-16 16:36