Recently released as part of September 23rd’s Nintendo Direct,Bayonetta 3is set to be the first new entry in theBayonettafranchise since the release ofBayonetta 2 in 2014. This series is highly regarded for its fast, action-packed gameplay, memorable music, and its distinct personality.
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WhileBayonetta 3’s announcement gives fans of the franchise something to look forward to, it has yet to receive an official release, estimated for a 2022 launch. Luckily, while development forBayonetta 3toils away, fans of the series still have plenty of great action games to play before the new entry comes to Switch. So today we’re going to look at 10 Switch action games perfect to play whilewaiting for the release ofBayonetta 3.
10Monster Hunter Rise
The most recent entry in Capcom’sMonster Hunterfranchise,Monster Hunter Riseis a cooperative action RPG. As the name of the game would suggest, the game is based around hunting monsters that come in the form of massive boss fights.
As players defeat these monsters, they can use their parts to create more potent gear, better equipping them for increasingly deadly foes. Drawing upon every prior entry in the series,Monster Hunter Risefeatures a wealth of weapon types for player to use that each fundamentally alters how a player approaches combat, giving the game a great deal of variety.
9Streets Of Rage 4
The most recent entry in the classic 90s beat em' up franchise,Streets of Rage,Streets of Rage 4is one of the finest beat em' ups of recent memory. A highly stylized game that features gorgeous hand-drawn 2D animation,Streets of Rage 4allows players to fight against hordes of countless enemies with a variety of distinct and memorable characters, each with their own fighting styles.
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Whether a player is experiencing the game in single-player or multiplayer, the game’s combat system features enough depth to keep combat consistently engaging as players fight wave after wave of enemies.
8Samurai Warriors 5
Samurai Warriors 5is the most recent entry in Koei Tecmo’sSamurai Warriorsseries that began in 2004. Simultaneously a prequel and reboot of the series,Samurai Warriors 5is agreat jumping-on point for newcomersof the series.
A flashy and stylized hack and slash game,Samurai Warriorsdepicts a fictionalized version of the Sengoku period of Japanese history in which the country was at war. The game’s combat allows players to take on seemingly endless waves of enemies while allowing the player to utilize various unique playable characters.
7Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamityis a game that serves as a prequel to the widely laudedLegend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.LikeSamurai Warriors 5,Age of Calamitywas developed by Koei Tecmo and features fundamentally similar hack and slash gameplay. Fast-paced and stylish, the game isn’t just a feast for the eyes but also rewards players looking to get the most out of its combat system.
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Additionally, as the game is a prequel rather than a sequel, no prior information aboutBreath of the Wildis required to enjoyAge of Calamity.
6Persona 5 Strikers
WhilePersona 5is known for being a stylish and endearing turn-based RPG,Persona 5 Strikersuses the game’s cast and art direction to continue the game’s story with high-energy hack and slash combat.
Yet another game developed by Koei Tecmo, whilePersona 5 Strikersfeatures combat akin to the previously mentionedWarriorsgames, the presentation of its story and segments between combat feels straight out of the originalPersona 5making it agreat choice for hack and slash fansand JRPG fans alike, all while maintaining the great visuals and music many fans associate withPersona 5.
5No More Heroes III
No More Heroes IIIwas released earlier this year, and was the first core entry in its series to be released sinceNo More Heroes IIin 2010.
A hack and slash experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously, filled with various references and tongue-in-cheek humor, balancing entertaining writing and dialogue with solid core combat. While the game features a variety of mini-games its strengths lie in its combat, most notably in fights against the game’s memorable bosses.
4Astral Chain
Released for the Nintendo Switch in 2019, if the gameplay ofAstral Chainappears similar to that of theBayonettafranchise, it is likely due in part to the fact that the game was developed by PlatinumGames, the same studio responsible forBayonetta.
Set in a cyberpunk dystopia, this combat-heavy hack and slashbalances combat with RPG elements, implementing a unique combat system that allows the player to simultaneously control two characters at once.
3Devil May Cry HD Collection
Fundamentally, theBayonettaandDevil May Cryfranchises each have a great deal in common. Fast-paced and combo-heavy action games with a lot of flair, these franchises even put the player up against similarly demonic foes.
For those looking to dip their toes into whatDevil May Cryhas to offer, the first three entries in the series were ported to the Switch as a remastered HD collection, providing players with tons of content.
2Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Released in 2020,Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Editionis a highly polished port ofXenoblade Chronicles.
An underrated action RPG, the game features rewarding combat that grows in complexity as that game progresses, while putting a heavy emphasis on story. It features a memorable cast of party members that any player can enjoy.
1The Wonderful 101: Remastered
Originally released for the Wii U,The Wonderful 101is acriminally underrated gamethat doesn’t receive nearly enough attention. WhileThe Wonderful 101andBayonettahave starkly contrasting visual styles, with the former toting a colorful and cartoonish aesthetic, both games have shockingly similar high-energy gameplay, utilizing similar combat systems.
This can be largely attributed that both The Wonderful 101 and the Bayonetta series are each developed by PlatinumGames.
