So my other half is reaching the end of Cult of the Lamb and needs something new. Most of my recommendations have been hits, but I’m a bit unsure of what to suggest next.
Games she likes:
Borderlands 2 (loves this) Borderlands 3 Wonderlands Terraria Pokémon (most of the recents except the chibi remake) Shin Megami Tensei V Slay The Spire Diablo III Skyrim Divinity Original Sin 2
Preferably Switch games. Tends to avoid brighter simplistic aesthetic games (Pokémon tends to be an exception). Also really prefers to play a female protagonist. Has already seen me play through Control and Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West, and isn’t really interested in Metroid Prime.
Thanks for the help
The common thread there seems to be collecting things; loot, creatures, characters. So...
Darkest Dungeon - turn based combat that'll be a good cross between Shin Megami Tensei and Slay The Spire. Lots of characters, loot, moves etc to collect and it's a rogue-like that gets hard enough it'll last forever. It's also cheap with loads of content now as the sequel is out in early access.
Hades - It's just real fucking good. Amazing writing, great Greek underworld art style, soundtrack is banging, and the rogue-like loop is very approachable and addictive. Lots of items and weapons to collect and try out too that really alter your build each time.
I second Hades. There's also a sequel (which has a female protag) coming out so may as well play the first and possibly have another game to play right after. Although there is no set release date for the sequel.
Get her to play Nier Automata now or she might break up with you when she discovers you hid it from her. Female protagonist, hidden collectables, interesting character interactions, gorgeous level design, and a pair of giant industrial robots named Marx and Engels...
I honestly sometimes forget about how much android booty is in there because the gameplay is just that good... but you're not wrong.
Hmmm based on borderlands and Diablo, maybe she would like monster hunter rise? Returnal is really good but is kind of a hard game to recommended. Fire emblem 3 houses slaps. Metroid dread was cool...
Oh I forgot. Already played MHR and enjoyed it
Hated me playing 3 Houses because of the non combat parts
MH Generations Ultimate is also great, as long as the "old style" MH formula isn't a dealbreaker
seconding someone else's recommendation of Hades
I know you said ideally female protag, but the God of War reboots are really fucking good
possibly Borderlands 2 -> Warframe, Deep Rock Galactic, or Remnant From The Ashes, they scratched different aspects of the same itch for me but aren't quite the same so idk what would fit
Hmmm do you think she would like the RE2 Remake? Female protag and it's rad as hell. Also what about Bayonetta? I think you can scoop 1+2 for pretty cheap
If she likes action, Bayonetta seconded.
Splatoon is top tier as well, though it's bright colors it's also really good in terms of combat.
Bloodstained Ritual of the Night is a fun game with decent amounts of customization, the player character is female, and the games length and content is probably more than enough for most people, though it is a metroidvania style game so if she isn't into metroid like games she might not enjoy it. It can also require some grinding to fight some enemies/bosses, but otherwise enjoyable.
I second this, just take note the Switch version had/has some issues compared to mainline console versions such as Playstation and Xbox.
I'd say fire emblem 3 houses, fire emblem 3 hopes, or maybe persona 5 Royal.
Xcom2 is fun on Switch.
AC3 remastered on Switch includes Liberation, my favourite AC game and one with a female protagonist and a really cool outfit system. AC games in general on switch. Bioshock Collection is also nice.
The Final Fantasy collection is out and is the first VI FF games. Definitely worth a play despite the simple graphics.
Witcher 3 is of course a bit janky on switch but still worth a look
FIre Emblem is a must play.
The Final Fantasy collection is out and is the first VI FF games. Definitely worth a play despite the simple graphics.
I gotta say, I cranked through the first four FFs and a couple of the early DQs on mobile, and the fact that they were so short was really nice. You got a story that you could run end to end in week of play, they were engaging but not annoyingly difficult, and the old school aesthetics are just a lot of fun.
Atelier Ryza. Female protagonist in a game primarily focused on character stories. She wants to go on adventures with her friends and learn alchemy. You explore different locations to collect materials, and use those materials to make equipment and items to use in battle. Items aren't consumed, but are tied to their own version of mp.
Shin Megami Tensei V
The Soul Hackers 2 game is on Switch and was apparently pretty good (I only played the demo so can't really speak on it) but if you go in expecting a more Persona-fied SMT, that's essentially it. Has a female protag
Super smash ultimate for switch and I'll play you
I have Mario kart as well but i suck at it , I'm pretty good at SSBU
Ender Lillies, Vigil and Child of Light are all good games with female protags.
Monster Train will consume her the same way Slay the Spire probably did without being a complete retread of similar roguelike card mechanics that a lot of games following Spire did(though it still maintains a lot of familiarity) . You play wildly designed and not always humanoid demons so not really playing any gender. Each run you choose 2 out of 6(?) demon clans with completely distinct mechanics so a huge jump of different "characters" over Spire.
Its a bit dated, but the Metroid Prime series is incredibly good and should hit all your marks.
Also had a lot of fun with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. More on the Diablo III side of the spectrum, but its a great game if you want to get in on the action, too.
Griftlands is very similar to Slay the Spire but with a lot more storyline, you choose how to interact with various characters and killing them vs. talking things over affects gameplay and how the rest of the story plays out. It's also on sale for Switch
https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/griftlands-switch/
