It’s already August, which means we’re saying goodbye to summer in the northern hemisphere. But before we move forward, let’s take a moment to look back at the incredible offerings the Nintendo eShop had for us in July. The digital storefront served up a feast of games, and we’re here to examine the very best of the best.
The Nintendo Switch has become synonymous with rereleases and ports, particularly those of the retro variety. July was no exception, and many of the honorable mentions for the month fall into this category. One standout is the English release of Nobunaga’s Ambition, a new entry in a historic series. While the Switch version may not be the best iteration, it still offers a worthwhile experience of a strategy gem.
Publisher: Bitwave Games / Developer: Sunsoft
Release Date: 6th Jul 2023 (USA) / 6th Jul 2023 (UK/EU)
Sunsoft’s rerelease of the Famicom platformer Gimmick! (known as Mr. Gimmick to Scandinavians) in July brought a wave of nostalgia. Gimmick! Special Edition may be a simple remaster, but it stands out as one of the best-looking and best-sounding NES games of its time. Despite its punishing difficulty, this classic is a must-have for retro gaming enthusiasts. BitWave Games has gone the extra mile by including features like art galleries, rewind, and save states, making the game more accessible to all.
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals
Publisher: Netflix / Developer: Night School Studio
Release Date: 12th Jul 2023 (USA) / 12th Jul 2023 (UK/EU)
Night School Studios’ Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, despite multiple delays, lived up to expectations when it finally launched on the Switch in July. This fantastic sequel took everything that made the first game great and improved upon it. With a smaller cast of characters and better pacing, Oxenfree II offers a more polished experience. The writing, voice acting, and visuals all shine, captivating players and leaving them wanting more. With its sublime score of 9/10, Oxenfree II is undoubtedly a standout title for the month.
Venba: A Delicious Tale
Publisher: Visai Games / Developer: Team Visai
Release Date: 31st Jul 2023 (USA) / 31st Jul 2023 (UK/EU)
As much as we love a good mystery and retro tech, sometimes nothing beats a good meal. Venba tells the story of a family who emigrates from India to Canada, adjusting to their new lives in a different culture. The lead character, Venba, wants her son to grow up knowing his roots while understanding the pressures of fitting in. The game follows the family through the years, with the narrative driven by Venba’s mother’s cookbook. Venba provides a beautiful tale filled with incredible dishes that anyone can appreciate. Regardless of your heritage, this game has a story that will resonate with everyone. With a rating of 8/10, Venba takes its rightful place as the star attraction on the eShop in July.
How Our Selection Process Works
Each month, the Nintendo Life staff votes on their favorite eShop titles from a curated list. To be eligible for selection, a game must be a digital-only release on the Nintendo Switch eShop and have been reviewed by Nintendo Life. Review scores play a crucial role in determining the qualifying games.
Staff members then vote for their top three games, assigning three points to their first choice, two points to their second choice, and one point to their third choice. The points are tallied, and the top three vote-getters make it onto the final list. The game with the highest overall score claims the top prize for the month.
In Conclusion
July was an exceptional month for the Nintendo eShop, delivering a diverse selection of games. The offerings ranged from retro classics like Gimmick! Special Edition to modern masterpieces like Oxenfree II: Lost Signals. Venba added a touch of cultural richness to the lineup with its heartwarming tale. As we look forward to August, we can’t help but wonder what gems the eShop has in store for us next. One thing is certain: Nintendo continues to provide an unparalleled gaming experience for Switch owners.
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