As the festive month of December 2023 came to a close, gamers saw a quieter yet impactful array of game releases on the Nintendo eShop. It was a time for developers and publishers to rest but also an opportunity for gamers to explore new digital offerings. In this post, we will revisit the highlights of December's releases and give a nod to each eShop Selects winner of the past year.
Despite December typically being a slower month for releases, several notable games made their way onto the eShop. These ranged from highly anticipated indie titles to surprise remasters, culminating in a varied gaming experience for Nintendo aficionados.
We'll start with a list of honorable mentions that, although didn't make the top three, were impressive in their own right:
- Terra Nil, a detailed and creative take on the building and management genre, scored a remarkable 7/10.
- Chico and the Magic Orchards DX, a magical journey, received a glowing 9/10.
- Palia, an engaging free-to-play MMO still under review, has already captured the interest of many gamers.
- Born of Bread, another indie title, impressed with its unique charm, scoring 7/10.
- Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered took players back with its polished nostalgia, also earning a 7/10.
The third place in December's eShop Selection goes to 'A Highland Song', from the acclaimed studio Inkle. This game offers players an emotional and evocative journey through the mountains of Scotland, intertwining the region’s myths and legends within the gameplay. Its challenging yet beautiful landscapes have earned it considerable praise and a score of 7/10.
Next in the lineup is 'SteamWorld Build', claiming the second spot with an 8/10. The game is a laudable addition to the SteamWorld series known for genre-mixing gameplay. It combines dungeon-crawling and city-building in a post-apocalyptic steampunk setting. It’s designed in a way that introduces players smoothly to its complex systems, proving to be an addictive experience for both newcomers and veterans of the series.
The top honor for December's eShop release goes to 'Outer Wilds'. The long-awaited title presents a time-loop space-exploration narrative where each loop lasts 22 minutes, demanding numerous attempts to fully discover its world. Despite some performance stutters, the game's excellence in storytelling and exploration captivated players intensely, resulting in an admirable 9/10 score.
As we look back on the year, it becomes evident that 2023 was an exceptional year for gaming on Nintendo platforms. The array of eShop Selects winners showcases a wide variety of genres and experiences, proving that there’s something for every gamer on the digital store. The full list of 2023’s eShop Selects winners offers impressive titles from every month, including:
- Persona 4 Golden in January,
- Blanc in February,
- Have A Nice Death in March,
- Final Fantasy VI in April,
- Cassette Beasts in May,
- Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective in June,
- Venba in July,
- Sea of Stars in August,
- F-Zero 99 in September,
- Dave The Diver in October,
- Astral Ascent in November,
- and Outer Wilds in December.
At the end of each month, the editorial team at Nintendo Life compiled a selection of digital-only Nintendo Switch eShop titles released that month and which were reviewed on the site. Using these reviews, the staff voted for their top three games, with the points tallied to create the final top-three list. It's a democratic process that underscores community engagement and critical selection, resulting in a well-considered list of standout games.
In December, Outer Wilds took the top spot in the list, but each game mentioned has its own merits to be proud of, and each serves as its own proof of the versatility and richness of experiences available on the Nintendo eShop. As a gamer, having access to such a diverse array of high-quality digital titles is a great beautiful way to end the year and start anew, looking forward to even more gaming delights in the months to come.
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