Summary
Nintendo is a legendary video game company that needs no introduction. Their first-party offerings are known for prioritizing gameplay over everything else, with their biggest releases featuring stories that feel more like a loose excuse to justify the many set pieces that players enjoy in their journey.
However, there aresome beloved Nintendo gamesthat do a great job of letting players enjoy some truly amazing stories. These titles are a must-play for anyone who wants their video games to boast both compelling gameplay and engrossing narratives.
TheFire Emblemseries is full of epic empire-spanning stories that fans will find easy to get into, andGenealogy of the Holy Waris no exception here. The plot is set in the continent of Jugdral, which is rife with conflict that’s orchestrated by a maniacal cult.
The plot takes place over two generations and is as epic as it sounds. After working in the interests of Grannvale, players band together to take out the cult fracturing this nation instead of engaging in meaningless infighting with other countries.
Theamazing worldbuilding ofMajora’s Maskhelps it stand out as aZeldagame with impeccable writing. The overbearing sense of dread that encroaches on players as the world inches closer to destruction is something that will unnerve fans time and time again.
The world of Termina serves as a darker take on the upbeat land of Hyrule and features some creepy NPCs and monsters that Link must take out. It’s an adventure full of memorable events that will leave behind a lasting impression after players finally avoid the destruction of the world.
One ofthe strongest parts ofEternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiemis an ambitious story that spans across millennia and is as unnerving as they come. Switching between perspectives across these timelines lends to the narrative’s epic feel and helps it stand out in the eyes of many.
Along with this, the engaging survival horror gameplay and ingenious fourth-wall breaks helpEternal Darknessstand out as one of the most underappreciated Nintendo games of all time. The combat may be rather janky, but that’s a small complaint in the grand scheme of things.
Xenoblade Chroniclesis one of the best Nintendo gamesthat fans can get their hands on. The resounding impact of this title ensured that theXenobladeseries would become a mainstay on major Nintendo consoles.
The game’s engrossing setting coupled with an intense story ensures that fans will loveXenoblade Chroniclesfrom the very moment they get their hands on this title. Shulk’s quest for revenge is an epic tale as he masters the Monado and uses this weapon to obliterate his foes in style.
Out ofall the games inThe Legend of Zeldaseries, most people considerSkyward Swordto boast the best story. The gameplay can be frustrating in the eyes of many, but people won’t mind mastering the motion controls as long as they get to enjoy the game’s grand narrative.
The compelling setting of the game coupled with its placement at the very start of theZeldacontinuity gives its story a ton of leeway to tell an original tale that isn’t bogged down by the past. Link’s adventures to acquire the Triforce and take out the foes standing in his way are a huge part of what makesSkyward Swordsuch a magical experience.
TheFire Emblemseries is full of rich and epic narratives, so it’s saying something thatPath of Radianceis hailed by many as the title with the best story of the lot. Despite being rather simple compared to other tales, the execution of the story helpsPath of Radiance’s narrative shine bright in the eyes of many.
Trying to free the kingdom of Crimea from its invaders is a blast as players control a mercenary named Ike who eventually commands a massive army. This simple hook ropes players into an amazing plot where fans won’t have any complaints after sitting through an incredible narrative.
Despite its inherent simplicity,EarthBound’s anti-JRPG roots allow it to tell a unique story, unlike any other game in the genre. The mundane modern setting adds to the game’s hilarity as players are treated to some hilarious writing and memorable dialogue.
Meanwhile, Giygas' threat looms in the background as Ness and his buddies must travel back in time to take out this alien threat. Despite an unassuming introduction, the story ofEarthBoundtakes some wild twists and turns, ensuring that players will have a great time till the very end of an unforgettable experience.
For a puzzle game, it’s genuinely incredible to see just how deep and emotional the story ofProfessor Layton and the Unwound Futureis. As players complete several brain teasers, they uncover a story wherethe protagonist’s wife makes a returnand brightens up his life once again.
However, this happiness is short-lived, with the game’s time-traveling shenanigans ensuring that players will have a great time experiencing the game’s emotional plot. It culminates in a glorious and heartfelt conclusion that will make many fans shed a tear after witnessing the greatest story ever told in a Nintendo game.
