{"id":110655,"date":"2020-03-21T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-21T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/news\/2020\/03\/feature_best_nintendo_switch_rpgs"},"modified":"2020-03-21T16:00:00","modified_gmt":"2020-03-21T16:00:00","slug":"feature-best-nintendo-switch-rpgs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/2020\/03\/21\/feature-best-nintendo-switch-rpgs\/","title":{"rendered":"Feature: Best Nintendo Switch RPGs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In the three years since Nintendo Switch launched the console has amassed a huge number of quality titles across almost every category, and the RPG genre is certainly no exception. Below you’ll find our picks for the console’s essential role-playing games, in no particular order. This selection will evolve over time as Switch’s library expands even further.<\/p>\n

But where’s Witcher 3<\/a><\/strong>? Where’s Dragon’s Dogma<\/a><\/strong>? Where’s Game X, Game Y and Game Z<\/strong>?<\/em> Well, given Switch’s ample library, we feel that spreading out the genres a little gives games across the spectrum more room to breathe. Therefore, this collection steps away from the ‘action’ prefixed branch of RPGs, instead embracing a more traditional role-playing flavour. Debates will forever rage over stratified categories, granular sub-genres, side-genres, –likes<\/em>, –lites<\/em>, –like-lites<\/em>, etc, when it comes to RPGs, but that’s all part of the fun, no? The titles below are a standout selection of games with more traditional RPG mechanics.<\/p>\n

Prefer real-time combat? Check out our selection of the best action-RPGs on Switch<\/a>. If you’re a fan of strategy RPGs you’ll want to peruse our picks of the best strategy games on Switch<\/a>. And if you’re looking for more info, be sure to dive into our reviews via the appropriately titled ‘Our Review’ button for detailed breakdowns on each and every game below.<\/p>\n

So sit back, relax and get ready to enjoy some sweeping epics…<\/p>\n

Please note that some links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n

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\"Xenoblade\"Xenoblade<\/a><\/p>\n
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Publisher: <\/span>Nintendo<\/strong> \/ Developer: <\/span>Monolith Soft<\/strong><\/p>\n

Release Date: <\/span>1st Dec 2017 (USA<\/abbr>)<\/strong> \/ 1st Dec 2017 (UK\/EU<\/abbr>)<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Xenoblade Chronicles 2<\/a><\/strong> is a massive, sprawling RPG built by Monolith Soft, who developed the previous two entries and the Baten Kaitos<\/a><\/strong> games on the GameCube. The team also helped Nintendo design the world of Breath of the Wild<\/a><\/strong>, so there’s no doubting the pedigree. You’ll explore a massive open world made up of Titans \u2013 enormous living creatures that house entire civilisations on their bodies. Along the way you’ll meet a wide variety of characters, solve a bunch of quests, and save the world. It’s Monolith Soft doing what it does best, albeit without shaking off the occasional flaws of the series. This is another Xenoblade gem, though, and a must-have on Switch.<\/p>\n

Honourable Mention:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has a huge standalone DLC, Torna: The Golden Country<\/a><\/strong>, that’s also well worth playing through. It serves as a prequel to the events of 2, so you can play it before or after.<\/p>\n

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\"Undertale\"Undertale<\/a><\/p>\n
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Publisher: <\/span>8-4<\/strong> \/ Developer: <\/span>8-4, Ltd.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Release Date: <\/span>18th Sep 2018 (USA<\/abbr>)<\/strong> \/ 18th Sep 2018 (UK\/EU<\/abbr>)<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Undertale<\/a><\/strong> is a brilliant and smartly designed game that understands well what makes a good RPG work; so much so that it can upend expectations and deliver something that\u2019s almost a satire of the genre. You fall into the underworld and explore a humour-tinged world full of fun things to do. You’ll date a skeleton, dance with a robot, and cook delicious dishes with a woman who’s part-fish. Or, you can do none of those things \u2013 Undertale delights in letting you decide what to do.<\/p>\n

It manages to surprise you in so many unique ways, and even if it doesn\u2019t look like much, Undertale has way<\/em> more going for it under the surface. Excellently written characters, a genre-bending battle system and a solid soundtrack make this one an easy recommendation. Do yourself a favour and give this one a download.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Tales\"Tales<\/a><\/p>\n
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Publisher: <\/span>Bandai Namco<\/strong> \/ Developer: <\/span>Bandai Namco<\/strong><\/p>\n

Release Date: <\/span>11th Jan 2019 (USA<\/abbr>)<\/strong> \/ 11th Jan 2019 (UK\/EU<\/abbr>)<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

While Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition<\/a><\/strong> doesn\u2019t make any major changes to the original game, it does combine practically every piece of exclusive content into one wholesome package. With the benefit of some improved visuals in both cutscenes and gameplay, it\u2019s very difficult to recommend this JRPG classic on any other system than Nintendo Switch thanks to how well it performs in both docked and handheld modes. If you\u2019ve missed out on this classic, there\u2019s never been a better way to rectify that error.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Battle\"Battle<\/a><\/p>\n
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Publisher: <\/span>Nordic Games<\/strong> \/ Developer: <\/span>Airship Syndicate<\/strong><\/p>\n

Release Date: <\/span>15th May 2018 (USA<\/abbr>)<\/strong> \/ 15th May 2018 (UK\/EU<\/abbr>)<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Despite a title that suggests it came out of a name generator, Battle Chasers: Nightwar<\/a><\/strong> is a satisfying slice of JRPG with visuals inspired by the likes of World of Warcraft<\/strong>, Divinity: Original Sin<\/strong>, and classic Diablo<\/strong> adventures. It forges a confident, colourful character of its own from formulaic ingredients. The approachable comic style, plus a couple of neat mechanics that encourage experimentation, give it a freshness that belies the age-old systems at its core, and it doesn\u2019t waste your time with filler. Ultimately, it\u2019s the same old story \u2013 numbers go up! \u2013 but it\u2019s shot through with an infectious exuberance and attention to detail that reinvigorates old tropes.<\/p>\n

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\"Child\"Child<\/a><\/p>\n
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Publisher: <\/span>Ubisoft<\/strong> \/ Developer: <\/span>Ubisoft<\/strong><\/p>\n

Release Date: <\/span>11th Oct 2018 (USA<\/abbr>)<\/strong> \/ 11th Oct 2018 (UK\/EU<\/abbr>)<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Child of Light<\/a><\/strong> is an absolutely gorgeous RPG developed in the same UbiArt Framework that gifted us Rayman Origins and Legends. You play as Aurora, who’s on a quest to save her ill father and former kingdom. It also features co-op, with one player taking on the role of Igniculus, the shiny little ball of light.<\/p>\n

The \u2018light\u2019 in the title sums things up nicely \u2013 you get game mechanics usually reserved for massive RPG epics in a concise package that\u2019s as beautifully refreshing as when it was first released. It\u2019s a shame to see framerate hitches \u2013 however occasional they may be \u2013 but they\u2019re not enough to cast a shadow on this delightful adventure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Final\"Final<\/a><\/p>\n
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Publisher: <\/span>Square Enix<\/strong> \/ Developer: <\/span>Square Enix<\/strong><\/p>\n

Release Date: <\/span>26th Mar 2019 (USA<\/abbr>)<\/strong> \/ 26th Mar 2019 (UK\/EU<\/abbr>)<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Final Fantasy VII<\/strong><\/a> is the sort of game that speaks for itself, a touchstone of game design that played a large role in setting the standard of RPGs for years to come. It goes without saying that you should give Final Fantasy VII a shot if you consider yourself to be a fan of RPGs, as this is an experience unlike any other in many ways. With that being said, it\u2019s also the sort of thing that has since been surpassed in almost every manner by games that took the concepts it introduced and expanded upon them in plenty of new and more interesting ways. Final Fantasy VII is a relic of its time, but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s to be respected any less; if you can look past the obviously antiquated elements, this is a well-paced, engaging RPG that\u2019s still fun to play today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Earthlock\"Earthlock<\/a><\/p>\n
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Publisher: <\/span>SnowCastle Games<\/strong> \/ Developer: <\/span>SnowCastle Games<\/strong><\/p>\n

Release Date: <\/span>8th Mar 2018 (USA<\/abbr>)<\/strong> \/ 8th Mar 2018 (UK\/EU<\/abbr>)<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

An indie adventure with a lush world, fun characters, and enjoyable battles, Earthlock<\/a><\/strong> brings the soul of PS1-era JRPGs to the Switch with excellent results. Inconsistent dialogue and notable load times are among its few missteps, but as a package, it captures the appeal of the epoch wonderfully. If you\u2019re looking for a fresh-feeling JRPG that still calls back to the classics, this is a lovely choice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"South\"South<\/a><\/p>\n
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Publisher: <\/span>Ubisoft<\/strong> \/ Developer: <\/span>Ubisoft San Francisco<\/strong><\/p>\n

Release Date: <\/span>24th Apr 2018 (USA<\/abbr>)<\/strong> \/ 24th Apr 2018 (UK\/EU<\/abbr>)<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

South Park: The Fractured But Whole<\/a><\/strong> is a direct sequel to The Stick of Truth<\/a><\/strong>, and once again places you in the shoes of the New Kid. You’ll fight alongside your favourite South Park characters in the superhero group Coon and Friends against the villainous Professor Chaos who is trying to eliminate them.<\/p>\n

Don’t be fooled by the cartoon visuals, as this is not one for the kids. The humour \u2013 while hilarious \u2013 is offensive and adult in nature. You’ll create your own super hero, complete with costume, origin story, and superpowers as you explore South Park at night to save it from evil. While it\u2019s no great leap from the mechanics of the first game, it still offers an ideal introduction for players looking to try out a turn-based RPG and would make a worthy addition to any genre fan’s collection.<\/p>\n

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\"Pok\u00e9mon:\"Pok\u00e9mon:<\/a><\/p>\n
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Publisher: <\/span>Nintendo<\/strong> \/ Developer: <\/span>Game Freak<\/strong><\/p>\n

Release Date: <\/span>16th Nov 2018 (USA<\/abbr>)<\/strong> \/ 16th Nov 2018 (UK\/EU<\/abbr>)<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pok\u00e9mon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!<\/strong><\/a> are beautiful reimaginings of a video game classic, updating a 20-year-old game in ways which make it infinitely more accessible and user-friendly for a modern audience, while keeping the magic first discovered all those years ago. On the downside, the newly-introduced motion control mechanic is fun but flawed, forcing us to shift from one play style to another to get the best experience, and while efforts have been made to bring the game up to the standard of more recent entries when it comes to depth and complexity, hardcore fans may consider the whole experience too much of a cakewalk.<\/p>\n

Still, the game does a superb job of striking a balance between being an easy route of entry for newcomers to the series and offering just enough<\/em> post-game challenge and competitive play elements (and nostalgia, of course) to please series veterans; as a result, these new titles really do offer something for everyone, which can’t always be said of the mainline Pok\u00e9mon entries. They might not be an absolute masterpiece, but we\u2019d urge any Pok\u00e9-fans out there to give these ones a go \u2013 if a Let\u2019s Go Johto sequel is on the cards, we\u2019ll happily be there waiting in line.<\/p>\n

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\"The\"The<\/a><\/p>\n
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Publisher: <\/span>Nintendo<\/strong> \/ Developer: <\/span>Square Enix<\/strong><\/p>\n

Release Date: <\/span>12th Oct 2018 (USA<\/abbr>)<\/strong> \/ 12th Oct 2018 (UK\/EU<\/abbr>)<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Over ten years on from the Nintendo DS original, The World Ends With You<\/a><\/strong> has lost none of the fun or style that made it such a cult classic. Although the controls leave something to be desired, the chaotic battle system, catchy soundtrack, and engaging storyline all combine to make this an unforgettable RPG that hits all the right points. We\u2019d give this one a high recommendation to anyone that hasn\u2019t yet experienced this gem in some form; there\u2019s plenty here to make it worth your time. If you\u2019ve experienced the game before, however, we\u2019d advise that you think hard about how badly you want it for your Switch. If this is the last we see of this property, then The World Ends With You: Final Remix feels like a fitting send-off, even if it isn\u2019t perfect.<\/p>\n

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In the three years since Nintendo Switch launched the console has amassed a huge number of quality titles across almost every category, and the RPG genre is certainly no exception. Below you’ll find our picks for the console’s essential role-playing games, in no particular order. This selection will evolve over time as Switch’s library expands […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-110655","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nintendo-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110655","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=110655"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110655\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110655"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=110655"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=110655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}