Top RPGs On Nintendo Switch In 2022: Must-Play Games
Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the magical world of RPGs on the Nintendo Switch? 2022 was an absolutely stellar year for role-playing games on this awesome console, and I'm here to guide you through the very best. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a newbie looking for your first quest, there's something here for everyone. So grab your Joy-Cons, charge up your Switch, and let's get started!
1. Xenoblade Chronicles 3: A sprawling adventure
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is an expansive and immersive JRPG that truly showcases what the Nintendo Switch is capable of. This game isn't just a title; it's an epic saga that draws you into its rich world from the very first moment. As the latest installment in the Xenoblade Chronicles series, it builds upon the established lore while introducing new characters, mechanics, and a gripping storyline that will keep you hooked for hours upon hours.
From the get-go, players are thrown into the war-torn world of Aionios, where two nations, Keves and Agnus, are locked in an endless conflict. The game revolves around six soldiers, three from each nation, who unexpectedly find themselves joining forces. Noah, Mio, Eunie, Taion, Lanz, and Sena are the heart and soul of this game. Each character is meticulously crafted with their own backstory, motivations, and combat roles. Their interactions, personal growth, and the bonds they form are central to the narrative, making the journey all the more compelling. The dynamic between these characters is one of the game's strongest assets, creating a sense of camaraderie and emotional investment that is rare to find. The voice acting and character animations further enhance these interactions, making them feel authentic and heartfelt.
Combat in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a real-time system with strategic elements, allowing players to control one character while the others are managed by AI. However, you can switch between characters on the fly to execute different strategies. Each character has unique Arts, which are special abilities that can be chained together to create devastating combos. The Interlink system, a new addition to the series, allows pairs of characters to merge into powerful Ouroboros forms, each with their own unique abilities and ultimate attacks. This adds a layer of depth to the combat, encouraging players to experiment with different pairings and strategies. The combat system is intuitive yet deep, offering plenty of room for customization and strategic planning. Whether you prefer a more hands-on approach or a more tactical style, the game caters to various playstyles.
The environments in Aionios are breathtaking. From lush forests and towering mountains to sprawling plains and mysterious ruins, each area is filled with secrets to uncover and enemies to battle. The scale of the world is immense, and the sense of exploration is always rewarding. Each region is brought to life with stunning visuals and a captivating soundtrack that perfectly complements the atmosphere. Exploring the world is not just about ticking off locations on a map; it's about discovering hidden stories, encountering unique creatures, and immersing yourself in the rich lore of Aionios. The game encourages you to stray off the beaten path, rewarding you with valuable resources, challenging encounters, and breathtaking vistas.
The main storyline is filled with twists, turns, and emotional moments that will keep you guessing until the very end. The game explores themes of war, identity, and the meaning of life, prompting players to reflect on the choices they make and the impact they have on the world around them. Side quests are also plentiful, offering additional insights into the world and characters, as well as valuable rewards. These quests range from simple fetch quests to more complex storylines that delve into the lives of the inhabitants of Aionios. They provide a welcome break from the main storyline and allow you to further immerse yourself in the world.
2. Triangle Strategy: Tactical Masterpiece
Triangle Strategy isn't just another tactical RPG; it's a masterclass in strategic gameplay and narrative depth. If you're a fan of games like Final Fantasy Tactics or Fire Emblem, then this one should be right up your alley. What sets Triangle Strategy apart is its focus on player choice and the consequences that follow. Every decision you make impacts the story, the characters, and the world around you, leading to multiple branching paths and endings.
The game is set on the continent of Norzelia, where three nations—Glenbrook, Aesfrost, and Hyzante—vie for control of salt and iron resources. Players take on the role of Serenoa Wolffort, heir to House Wolffort, as he navigates the complex political landscape and tries to maintain peace. The narrative is rich with political intrigue, betrayals, and moral dilemmas that force you to think critically about your actions. The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and allegiances. From Serenoa's loyal companions to the scheming nobles of the three nations, every character feels distinct and plays a role in the unfolding drama. The voice acting is top-notch, bringing the characters to life and adding weight to their decisions.
Combat in Triangle Strategy is grid-based and turn-based, requiring careful planning and execution. Positioning is key, as flanking enemies and exploiting elemental weaknesses are crucial to victory. Each character has unique abilities and roles, and understanding how to utilize them effectively is essential. The game also introduces the concept of terrain elevation, which adds another layer of strategy to the battles. Higher ground provides a significant advantage, allowing you to rain down attacks on your enemies while they struggle to reach you. The combat system is challenging but rewarding, requiring you to think several steps ahead and adapt to changing circumstances.
What truly sets Triangle Strategy apart is its Conviction system. Throughout the game, you'll be faced with difficult choices that affect Serenoa's convictions—Liberty, Utility, and Morality. These convictions influence which characters will join your cause and which paths will open up to you. When faced with a major decision, your party members will vote based on their own convictions, and you'll have to try to sway them to your side. This adds a layer of role-playing to the game, as you must consider the motivations of your companions and the consequences of your actions. The decisions you make have a ripple effect throughout the story, leading to different outcomes and endings. This makes each playthrough unique and encourages multiple replays to see all the possible paths.
The visuals in Triangle Strategy are stunning, with a unique HD-2D art style that combines retro pixel art with modern effects. The environments are beautifully detailed, and the character sprites are expressive and full of personality. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a mix of orchestral and electronic music that perfectly complements the game's atmosphere. The game's presentation is polished and refined, making it a joy to play and watch.
3. Live A Live: A unique anthology
Live A Live is a remake of a classic Super Famicom game that was never released outside of Japan until recently. This game is a unique and innovative RPG that tells multiple stories across different time periods, each with its own protagonist, setting, and gameplay mechanics. It's like playing through several mini-RPGs in one package, and the way these stories eventually connect is truly mind-blowing.
The game is divided into eight chapters, each set in a different time period and location. You'll play as a variety of characters, including a martial artist in ancient China, a cowboy in the Wild West, a ninja in feudal Japan, a wrestler in the present day, and a robot in the distant future. Each chapter has its own unique story, characters, and gameplay mechanics. For example, the ninja chapter focuses on stealth and infiltration, while the wrestler chapter is all about fighting and building up hype. This variety keeps the game fresh and engaging, as you're constantly learning new systems and strategies.
Combat in Live A Live varies depending on the chapter you're playing. Some chapters feature traditional turn-based combat, while others have unique mechanics. The combat system is grid-based, and positioning is important. Each character has unique abilities and attacks, and you'll need to use them strategically to defeat your enemies. Some chapters also feature environmental hazards and traps that you can use to your advantage. The combat system is challenging but rewarding, and it encourages you to experiment with different strategies.
What truly sets Live A Live apart is its storytelling. Each chapter tells a compelling and self-contained story, but they're all connected in subtle ways. As you progress through the game, you'll start to see connections between the different characters and time periods. The final chapter brings all the stories together in a satisfying and unexpected way. The game explores themes of fate, destiny, and the interconnectedness of all things. The characters are well-developed, and their stories are emotionally resonant. The game's narrative is thought-provoking and memorable, making it a standout title in the RPG genre.
The visuals in Live A Live are stunning, with a beautiful HD-2D art style that combines retro pixel art with modern effects. The environments are detailed and vibrant, and the character sprites are expressive and full of personality. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a mix of classic and modern compositions that perfectly complement the game's atmosphere. The game's presentation is polished and refined, making it a joy to play and watch.
4. Pokémon Legends: Arceus: A new era for Pokémon
Pokémon Legends: Arceus marks a bold new direction for the Pokémon franchise. This game breaks away from the traditional formula and introduces an open-world environment, real-time battles, and a greater emphasis on exploration and crafting. If you've been craving a fresh take on the Pokémon formula, this is it.
The game is set in the Hisui region, which would eventually become the Sinnoh region in later games. You play as a member of the Galaxy Expedition Team, tasked with researching and cataloging the Pokémon that inhabit the region. The story revolves around the mythical Pokémon Arceus and the mysteries surrounding its origins. The narrative is more complex and engaging than in previous Pokémon games, with a greater emphasis on character development and world-building. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations are clear. The story is full of surprises and twists, keeping you hooked until the very end.
Exploration is a key component of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The Hisui region is vast and diverse, with a variety of environments to explore, including forests, mountains, and lakes. You can travel on foot or ride on the backs of certain Pokémon to reach new areas. The game encourages you to explore every nook and cranny, as there are hidden items, rare Pokémon, and secrets to uncover. The sense of discovery is always rewarding, and it makes the world feel alive and dynamic.
Combat in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a mix of real-time and turn-based elements. You can approach Pokémon in the overworld and engage them in battle. The battles are still turn-based, but you can move around the battlefield in real-time, allowing you to dodge attacks and position yourself strategically. The game also introduces new battle mechanics, such as Agile Style and Strong Style moves, which add another layer of depth to the combat system. The combat system is challenging but rewarding, requiring you to think strategically and adapt to different situations.
Crafting is another important aspect of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. You can gather resources from the environment and use them to craft items such as Poké Balls, potions, and other useful tools. Crafting allows you to customize your playstyle and prepare for different challenges. The crafting system is simple but effective, and it adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay.
5. Monster Hunter Rise: Action-Packed Hunting
Monster Hunter Rise is an action-packed RPG that puts you in the role of a hunter tasked with taking down massive monsters. This game is known for its challenging gameplay, deep customization options, and addictive loop of hunting, crafting, and upgrading. If you're looking for a game that will test your skills and keep you coming back for more, this is it.
The game is set in the village of Kamura, which is constantly under threat from rampaging monsters. You play as a hunter who must protect the village and uncover the mysteries behind the Rampage. The story is engaging and full of surprises, with a cast of memorable characters. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations are clear. The story is full of twists and turns, keeping you hooked until the very end.
Hunting is the core of Monster Hunter Rise. You'll track down and battle a variety of monsters, each with its own unique behaviors, attacks, and weaknesses. Learning how to exploit these weaknesses is crucial to success. The game features 14 different weapon types, each with its own unique moveset and playstyle. Experimenting with different weapons is essential to finding the one that suits you best. The combat system is challenging but rewarding, requiring you to master the timing of your attacks and dodges.
Crafting is another important aspect of Monster Hunter Rise. You can gather resources from the environment and use them to craft weapons, armor, and other useful items. Crafting allows you to customize your playstyle and prepare for different challenges. The crafting system is deep and rewarding, with a vast array of items to create.
The visuals in Monster Hunter Rise are stunning, with detailed environments and impressive monster designs. The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, with fast loading times and stable performance. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a mix of orchestral and electronic music that perfectly complements the game's atmosphere.
So there you have it, guys! My top picks for the best RPGs on the Nintendo Switch in 2022. These games offer a diverse range of experiences, from epic adventures to tactical battles to unique storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned RPG veteran or a newcomer to the genre, there's something here for everyone. Happy gaming!