Summary
There are many reasons why the Nintendo Switch ranks among the most popular consoles ever, and its vast library of games is one of the main factors. Players can find diverse titles, from exclusives to ports known for high quality, but especially those thatstand out for the narrative they present.
For those seeking astory-driven experience on the Nintendo Switch, these titles fill that role through mechanics and plots that keep fans engaged from start to finish. They pull the fans deeper into each world, delivering impactful stories that cater to many different tastes.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
WHERE TO PLAY
Vanillaware, the storytellers behind Odin Sphere and Dragon’s Crown, craft a sci-fi mystery epic spanning thirteen intertwining stories in 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. With a Metacritic score of 86, 13 Sentinels has won the praise of critics all over the world.Uncover the truth and delve into a 2D sidescrolling adventure featuring gorgeous art and environments. Then, battle the kaiju in fast-paced, top-down combat. Customize the Sentinels with an arsenal of mechsuit weaponry, and fight to defend humanity
Aimed at sci-fi enthusiasts,13 Sentinels: Aegis Rimplaces players in control of 13 different protagonists who must protect their city from the attack of giant creatures. To fight, they pilot huge robots called Sentinels, blending many mecha elements into one of the best Vanillaware storytellings ever.
However, the biggest highlight is not just the gameplay, which still entertains, but rather the non-linear narrative and each character’s development. While they battle to defend their home and even deal with time travel, the protagonists of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim evolve in meaningful ways, making this game one of the best story-driven titles available on the Nintendo Switch.
Stylized visuals may hide the true nature ofOxenfree, filled with supernatural elements and psychological horror. The story unfolds through Alex’s perspective during a trip to Edwards Island that was supposed to be calm but soon turns into a life-or-death struggle.
The characters that shape the narrative are also interesting,with amazing dialoguesthat add more depth to the story. Some decisions affect each one’s fate, making those choices feel even more critical during the game. So, these elements turnOxenfreeinto one of the finest story-driven options on the Nintendo Switch.
InNight In The Woods,players follow Mae Borowski, a young adult returning to a hometown after dropping out of college. The game shines with its intimate approach, addressing identity, friendship, and mental health. Yet as Mae reconnects with old friends, a darker side of Possum Springs emerges.
A key charm ofNight In The Woodslies in its well-written dialogue, infused with humor. The supporting cast also stands out, each with personal stories and motivations. By turning everyday situations into a unique journey, the game delivers one of the Nintendo Switch’s best narratives.
A signature ofFire Emblemhas always been how the series intertwines a complex political narrative with its traditional combat. This formula is retained on the Nintendo Switch, makingFire Emblem: Three Housesone of the top story-driven titles for the system, as it explores the consequences of war.
That impact grows stronger because, in the first part, players take on the role of a professor guiding students to develop skills at the Officer’s Academy during a fragile peace. As the plot unfolds and territories clash, many lives are lost, leading to bittersweet endings.
Featuring one of the best narratives in the franchise,Persona 4 Goldenfollows the Inaba Investigation Team, a group of high school students with supernatural powers who must solve a string of murders. Over time, the issue proves far bigger than they ever imagined.
While the main story is strong,Persona 4 Goldenexcels among story-driven Nintendo Switch titles thanks to its secondary characters.The Social Links, especially those of the Investigation Team, are well-developed, with a spotlight on Yosuke and Naoto. These arcs emphasize themes of friendship and overcoming personal challenges.
Xenoblade Chroniclesstands out more than everon the Nintendo Switch, partly due toXenoblade Chronicles 2. Released early in the console’s life, it has emerged as one of its premier story-driven adventures. The plot follows Rex and Pyra on an epic journey loaded with plot twists as they search for Elysium.
Themes like friendship and sacrifice are the main focus, shaping an RPG filled with memorable characters and familiar JRPG tropes. The beautiful environments also impress, making it one of the best-looking Nintendo Switch games, where each area offers a unique ambience that enriches exploration.
Offering a singular experience among the best story-driven Nintendo Switch games,What Remains of Edith Finchtakesonly around two hours to complete. Still, it leaves a strong emotional impact, as the developers crafted a remarkable narrative in such a brief time.
The story unfolds like a collection of short tales while Edith Finch visits her old home. Each chapter introduces new gameplay twists to reflect different characters, making each segment feel fresh. The ending is both powerful and melancholic, providing few answers but prompting reflection on life itself.
AlthoughPlanescape: Tormentexplored a similar gameplay on its release,Disco Elysiumis a modern isometric RPG that stands out for not using the typical combat from the genre, focusing entirely on its narrative and well-crafted dialogues. Here, players assume the role of Harry DuBois, a detective investigating a murder in Revachol with Kim Kitsuragi, uncovering a story also filled with good characters.
Each choice steers the plot, influencing others’ perception and shifting critical events. This choice system deepens the immersion and ensures each run feels different. As one of the best story-driven games on the Nintendo Switch,Disco Elysiumdelivers a flawless narrative supported by sharp writing and good characters from start to finish.
At first glance,Firewatchappears to have a simple premise, where players control Henry, a man who gets a firewatch job during the summer to escape from his personal troubles. However, the plot soon reveals itself as one of thebest introspective narrativesavailable on the Nintendo Switch, evolving through choices that provoke real thought.
Though the atmosphere and story are captivating, Henry’s bond with Delilah, his supervisor, setsFirewatchapart from other games. Their only contact is via radio communication, yet the strong dialogue gives their relationship depth. It unfolds organically throughout the game, culminating in a memorable conclusion and open to different interpretations.
Few games examine themes of existence and the passage of time as expertly asOuter Wilds, making it a key recommendation for story-driven Nintendo Switch fans. Its premise seems straightforward, where players are trapped in a 22-minute time loop and must use that window to unravel nearby mysteries.
This mechanic calls for maximizing every loop, creating a sense of urgency. Still, the narrative remains non-linear, allowing secrets to be uncovered at a personal pace. This approach keeps the story engaging, offering a real sense of progression as each new discovery makes the overall journey unforgettable, leading players to different, and amazing, endings.
