The Best Boss Games for Nintendo Switch

Update : Contra: Operation Galuga added at rank #30.
1

Blasphemous 2 (2023)

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85
Review score
Logo of Blasphemous 2 Screenshot of Blasphemous 2 Screenshot of Blasphemous 2 Screenshot of Blasphemous 2

Xbox One Playstation 4 Xbox Series X/s PC Windows Playstation 5 Xbox Series X Nintendo Switch l

Blasphemous 2 is a visually stunning and challenging Metroidvania game that delivers both poetic beauty and brutal gameplay. Play as The Penitent One and prevent the birth of a new prophetic miracle child. Satisfying combat and rewarding boss battles; attention to detail, focus, and pattern recognition; immersive script, story, and music. Lacks extensive accessibility settings. Brilliant choice for fans of challenging games.

Buy

What we like:
  • Visually stunning
  • Satisfying combat
  • Immersive script, story, and music
What could be improved:
  • Lacks extensive accessibility settings

  • platform
  • boss
  • pixel
  • boss-fight
  • metroidvania
  • combat
  • exploration
  • souls
  • challenging
  • story
  • gothic
  • fight
  • 2d

2

DARK SOULSa: REMASTERED (2018)

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93
Review score
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PC Windows Playstation 3 Xbox 360 Playstation 4 Xbox One Nintendo Switch

Then, there was fire. Re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all. Beautifully remastered, return to Lordran in stunning high-definition detail running at 60fps.


  • boss
  • rpg
  • platform
  • fantasy
  • online
  • fps
  • combat
  • action
  • challenging
  • first-person
  • multiplayer
  • souls
  • classic
  • battle
  • boss-fight

3

Death's Door (2021)

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90
Review score
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Xbox One PC Windows Nintendo Switch

Death's Door is an action-adventure game that follows a crow reaping souls. You must explore the world of doors, find each one and battle enemies while unlocking new skills and magic powers. The game features smooth controls, great aesthetics and an in-depth story that will keep you engaged for hours.

Buy

What we like:
  • Challenging boss battles
  • Meaningful dialogue about life and death
  • Excellent exploration and hidden areas
  • Fluid and accessible combat
  • Beautiful art style and graphics
What could be improved:
  • Lack of a map can be frustrating
  • Can rely too much on obnoxious enemy waves
  • Linear

  • dungeon
  • boss
  • isometric
  • zelda
  • action-adventure
  • boss-fight
  • combat
  • exploration
  • souls
  • puzzle
  • adventure
  • platform
  • battle
  • challenging
  • fight

4

Unsighted (2021)

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86
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo Switch Xbox One Playstation 4 Android

UNSIGHTED invites you into a post-apocalyptic world where you have a ticking clock before your own expiration. With Metroidvania-like gameplay, fully interconnected world, and an interesting story that allows for tough choices, the game provides a balanced mix of exploration, combat, and character progression. With additional modes like co-op and rogue-lite, UNSIGHTED guarantees a high replay value. A game that creatively brings several game designs together to make a fun and polished game.

Buy

What we like:
  • Balanced mix of gameplay elements
  • Interesting story with tough choices
  • High replayability with additional modes
  • Polished sound and graphics
  • Responsive controls
What could be improved:
  • Writing could be better
  • Characters feel one-dimensional
  • Dialogue interrupts gameplay

  • pixel
  • exploration
  • boss
  • top-down
  • robots
  • metroidvania
  • dungeon
  • combat
  • puzzle
  • war
  • post-apocalyptic
  • souls
  • platform
  • rpg
  • crafting

5

Axiom Verge 2 (2021)

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83
Review score
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Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch wii u vita PC Windows Mac OS Linux

Dive into Axiom Verge 2, an epic adventure that takes you into a mysterious parallel universe. As Indra, unravel the secrets of this world, battling monsters, hacking machines, and exploring ancient ruins. With intriguing gameplay, unique combat mechanics, and a refreshing protagonist, this game offers an immersive, fast-paced, and thrilling experience.

Buy

What we like:
  • Excellent game design with a lot to discover
  • Unique combat mechanics that encourage stealth and hacking
  • Refreshing protagonist that breaks stereotypes
  • Improved aesthetic with varied pixel art and haunting music
  • Gameplay is fast-paced and responsive with a diverse array of weapons
What could be improved:
  • Level tree imbalance and unclear progression at times
  • Combat feels optional and some weapons are underutilized
  • Occasional confusion in navigating the open world
  • Less emphasis on bosses and limited weapon options

  • boss
  • exploration
  • platform
  • metroid
  • retro
  • boss-fight
  • classic
  • sci-fi
  • alternate
  • pixel
  • combat
  • metroidvania
  • narrative
  • adventure
  • fight

6

Cuphead (2017)

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95
Review score
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IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One

Step into the world of Cuphead and Mugman and experience a classic run and gun action game with visually stunning graphics and original jazz recordings. Take on multiple boss battles, traverse bizarre worlds, and uncover hidden secrets as you try to pay back your debt to the devil. With the option of single-player or local co-op, Cuphead is a game that brings back the nostalgia of the 1930s cartoons and promises countless hours of fun and adventure.

Buy

What we like:
  • Challenging gameplay
  • Plenty of content
What could be improved:
  • Difficulty could be a turn-off for some player

  • boss
  • boss-fight
  • run-and-gun
  • platform
  • cooperative
  • hand-drawn
  • side-scrolling
  • difficult
  • shooter
  • bullet-hell
  • fight
  • battle

7

Infernax (2022)

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84
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox Series X Xbox One Nintendo Switch Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Embark on an epic, bloodthirsty adventure in Infernax! With challenging castle-dungeons, multiple endings, and the option to play with friends, this retro side-scrolling platformer keeps you on the edge of your seat. Upgrade your character and unlock new skills to defeat demons and reverse the curse on your homeland. With secret areas to discover and a unique morality system, Infernax offers hours of exciting gameplay.

Buy

What we like:
  • Fun co-op
  • Multiple fun endings
  • Multiple playable characters
  • Lots of replayability
  • Incredible music
What could be improved:
  • Lots of instadeath pits
  • Weird morality system
  • Some metroid-esque elements but not a true metroidvania

  • dungeon
  • retro
  • gore
  • boss
  • metroidvania
  • platform
  • old-school
  • demons
  • pixel
  • dark
  • classic
  • side-scrolling
  • violent
  • castle-dungeon
  • boss-fight

8

Turnip Boy Robs a Bank (2024)

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86
Review score
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PC Windows Android Nintendo Switch Xbox One Xbox Series X/s j

Get ready to pull off the wackiest heist in 'Turnip Boy Robs a Bank'! As a notorious vegetable rogue, team up with the Pickled Gang to raid the Botanical Bank. Armed with everything from C4 to cardboard, this action-packed romp offers laughs, challenging shootouts, quirky hats, and a treasure trove of secrets. Will you turnip the heat and escape with the loot?


What we like:
  • Hilarious and engaging narrative
  • Innovative gameplay blending action and strategy
  • Rich, original soundtrack boosts the experience
  • Variety of weapons and upgrades for dynamic combat
  • Encourages both short bursts and long sessions of play
What could be improved:
  • Potential repetitiveness in core gameplay loop
  • Difficulty spikes may deter some players

  • heist
  • boss
  • zelda
  • action-adventure
  • rogue-like
  • cute
  • comedy
  • dark
  • bullet-hell
  • boss-fight
  • shooter
  • twin-stick
  • shoot-em-up
  • combat
  • hack-and-slash

9

Metroid Dread (2021)

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89
Review score
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Nintendo Switch

Metroid Dread is the fifth game in the Nintendo's iconic series, offering an engaging and challenging experience for both newcomers and veterans alike. Join Samus Aran as she investigates a suspicious planet ZDR that may be infected by a hostile shape-shifting organism. Use your arsenal of items and abilities to survive tense boss battles and explore dynamic environments with cinematic scenes.

Buy

What we like:
  • Well-paced gameplay
  • Captivating from start to end
  • Unique challenges offered throughout
  • Dynamic environmental storytelling
  • Beautiful distinct areas on the global map
  • Fast load times after losing a boss battle
What could be improved:
  • No easy mode available
  • No Pulse Radar until late in the game to help reveal hidden breakable blocks
  • Some bosses can be repetitive

  • boss-fight
  • boss
  • robots
  • remake
  • exploration
  • side-scrolling
  • classic
  • combat
  • platform
  • stealth
  • adventure
  • battle
  • story
  • horror
  • narrative

10

Islets (2022)

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82
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo Switch Xbox One Xbox Series X

Journey with Iko, a young mouse warrior, as they explore the five floating islands of Islets and attempt to reconnect them with powerful magnets! Enjoy snappy movement and combat, cute character design, and competent map design.


What we like:
  • Fun combat and movement
  • Cute character design
  • Competent map design
  • Challenging boss fights
  • Bullet hell-style airship battles
What could be improved:
  • Random upgrade rewards can limit options

  • platform
  • boss
  • metroidvania
  • cute
  • boss-fight
  • exploration
  • colourful
  • pirates
  • fight
  • atmospheric
  • story
  • combat
  • 2d
  • nature
  • adventure

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