Conquering My 2025 Gaming Goals with Nintendo Switch Online: A Feature Exploration

Now that 2025 has arrived, it’s fitting that I establish a gaming objective for the year. Initially, I planned to focus on playing more independent games this year, but reflecting on 2024, I already accomplished that. Therefore, I will explore a genre I presumed I did not enjoy.

I always believed I detested Metroidvanias. To be honest, that was my viewpoint until I experienced Hollow Knight, which I only decided to try because of its aesthetic. The realm of insects compelled me to give it a chance, and it became one of my cherished games. Afterward, I attempted more titles within the genre and lost interest once again. It was easy to conclude that I simply loathed the genre; I never found enjoyment in the Metroid or Castlevania games during my childhood, so I dismissed any title that fell under that category.

Ironically, I adore the fundamental aspects of the genre – platforming and two-dimensional combat. I believe that a significant part of my struggle with Metroidvanias is my faulty memory. I can scarcely recall what I received for Christmas a week ago. Mentally tracking which locations to revisit upon finding a new weapon or skill is a real challenge and a source of irritation.

Nonetheless, during the Christmas holidays, I played Axiom Verge, mainly because one of my close friends regards it as her favorite game and it inevitably comes up in conversation whenever we meet. I had picked it up in a Nintendo eShop sale for under £2 a few months back and decided to take a chance on it.

Currently, I’m around halfway through Axiom Verge and honestly, it’s astonishingly brilliant. With a sense of surprise washing over me, I reviewed my gaming background to see if any other titles from the genre captured my interest. It suddenly struck me that I rated Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown a 9 out of 10. Last year. I previously mentioned that my memory isn’t great. And Animal Well easily secured a spot in my top five games of 2024, so that’s another title if you consider it within the genre.

‘Have Ijust been experiencing unsatisfactory MetroidVanias?’ I pondered. Well, that cannot be the case. I’ve engaged with Super Metroid, which is arguably the finest title in the genre as per enthusiasts. Beyond the irritations with my own recollection, I can’t precisely discern why the genre has been such an obstacle for me over the years, so the resolution commences now. This year, I aim to revisit a compilation of the finest offerings in the genre and try them out, covering everything from the Metroid and Castlevania franchises that I can reliably access.

I’ve started to assemble a list of titles I already have at my disposal, because despite my misguided thoughts and beliefs, I’ve been acquiring these games during sales on the slim chance one would resonate with me, and now it’s time to give them a go. Thus, alongside titles like Owlboy, Ori and the Blind Forest, and Nine Sols, I will revisit the Nintendo Switch Online catalogue to indulge in some classic gems.

From this collection, Metroid Fusion tops my list simply due to its fervent recommendations, but also because it possesses an enticing premise. An evil variation of Samus roaming about might be intriguing enough to draw me in further.

While browsing the library for Nintendo Switch Online, I’ve also come across a few Castlevania titles, and I indulged in the sale to acquire the Castlevania Advance Collection, which I’ve heard countless positive feedback about. Moreover, my fondness for vampires and vampire mythology should make this a sure win.

Reflecting on this endeavor and my prior sentiments toward the genre, I’ve concluded that part of this newly found admiration for these games is influenced by the platforms on which I play them. Except for Animal Well, all the MetroidVanias I’ve appreciated were played in handheld mode. It appears to be a genre that aligns well with the scrolling nature of the worlds, creating a more book-like journey that allows me to immerse myself. Naturally, it has helped that environments like those of Prince of Persia and Hollow Knight are so transportive.

My intention is also to be more compassionate with myself regarding playing these games and consider my deteriorating, aging memory. During one specific boss battle in Axiom Verge, I simply couldn’t devise a strategy to conquer it. None of the weapons I selected appeared to make any progress. Therefore, contrary to my usual ways, I sought assistance online and discovered a viable approach. I promptly did the same when I acquired a new ability but couldn’t recall where to utilize it.

Reflecting on my past attempts at these types of games, that is where I’d typically hit a wall. Perhaps it was due to encountering a weapon and being unable to recall where to apply it, or stumbling upon a segment that would challenge my skills, leading me to quit too swiftly. This time, I want to freely seek guidance and relish these games.

Composing this brief article has solidified my gaming New Year’s resolution in writing, making it impossible to backtrack. Now I have more to explore while I endure the endless wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong.