Summary

  • Isometric RPGs offer engaging narratives and complex mechanics, ensuring hours of fun on modern platforms like Nintendo Switch.
  • Titles like Wasteland 2 and Ruined King provide post-apocalyptic and League of Legends-inspired experiences on the console.
  • Games like Pillars of Eternity and Divinity: Original Sin 2 bring rich storytelling and strategic gameplay to the isometric RPG genre.

Popularized in the 90s on home computers, isometric RPGs have stood the test of time. While they may not enjoy the same popularity as in the past, they still maintain a solid fan base. Often inspired by tabletop RPGs, with complex stories and diverse casts, the genre is present on most modern platforms.

Final Fantasy Tactics, Baldur's Gate 3 and Shadowrun Returns
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On the Nintendo Switch, one of the most popular consoles in recent years, this is no different. Despite the platform lacking Baldur’s Gate 3, one of the best games released in 2023, there are still many quality isometric RPGs available on the console that can guarantee hours of fun.

10 Baldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition

Metacritic Score: 72

A party stands at the edge of a chasm in Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition
Baldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition
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Released
November 15, 2013
Developer(s)
Overhaul Games
Platform(s)
Android, iOS, PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Genre(s)
RPG

Nintendo fans wanting to experience something similar to Baldur’s Gate 3 should try the second game in the franchise. Although the name and setting are similar, many aspects are different between the two titles, each excelling in its own right.

In Baldur’s Gate 2, players will also find a deep, engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and a strategic combat system. Based on the second edition of Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur's Gate 2 offers a rich RPG experience with numerous exploration possibilities and decisions that directly impact the story.

9 Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut

Metacritic Score: 76

A lone character faces a mutant in Wasteland 2 Director’s Cut
Wasteland 2: Director's Cut
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Released
October 13, 2015
Developer(s)
inXile entertainment
Platform(s)
PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Genre(s)
RPG

Fallout has never been available on the Nintendo Switch, but players wanting a similar experience can try Wasteland 2. This isometric RPG combines turn-based combat with an engaging narrative that, in many ways, resembles Fallout.

The similarity extends beyond the setting, as the team behind Wasteland includes some of the original creators of Fallout. Thus, Wasteland 2, set in a detailed post-apocalyptic world, is an excellent choice for those seeking isometric RPGs on the Nintendo Switch, especially fans of the Bethesda series.

8 Ruined King: A League Of Legends Story

Metacritic Score: 81

Illaoi, Miss Fortune and Yasuo confront a sea serpent in Ruined King A League of Legends Story
Ruined King: A League of Legends Story
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Released
November 16, 2021
Developer(s)
Airship Syndicate
Genre(s)
RPG

Over the years, League of Legends has introduced characters with incredible stories, with Viego, The Ruined King captivating players for a long time. His love story and role in creating the Shadow Isles piqued the curiosity of many.

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Eventually, the developers decided to delve deeper into this story in Ruined King: A League of Legends Story, an isometric RPG available on the Nintendo Switch. The game features beautiful visuals and esthetics, along with numerous references to famous champions and other elements of League of Legends lore that fans and newcomers alike will enjoy.

7 Pillars Of Eternity: Complete Edition

Metacritic Score: 82

Adventurers battle a tree creature in Pillars of Eternity 1
Pillars of Eternity
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Released
March 26, 2015
Developer(s)
Obsidian Entertainment
Platform(s)
PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Genre(s)
RPG

Pillars of Eternity offers a rich and engaging isometric RPG experience. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the game introduces players to the world of Eora, where they navigate a diverse and mysterious land filled with ancient ruins and powerful magic.

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The story is complex, and the characters are captivating, with many significant narrative choices reminiscent of Baldur’s Gate. Combat is conducted in real-time with pause, allowing for strategic planning and execution. The game's intricate mechanics and deep lore create a thoroughly immersive experience for RPG enthusiasts.

6 Tactics Ogre: Reborn

Metacritic Score: 84

A World Map in Tactics Ogre Reborn
Tactics Ogre: Reborn
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Tactical
Strategy
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Released
November 11, 2022
Developer(s)
Square Enix
Platform(s)
PC, PS5, PS4, Switch
Genre(s)
Tactical, Strategy

Two decades ago, Tactics Ogre was a reference in the tactics genre, inspiring games like Final Fantasy Tactics. For the Nintendo Switch, this classic isometric RPG received a remake, bringing various changes to the title, from new features to improvements on previous versions of the game.

Players need to move characters across the battlefield on a grid-based map, positioning them in optimal spots to hit enemies. However, it's essential to ensure instructions do not place allied troops in precarious situations, such as being surrounded by enemies with no chance of escape.

5 Super Mario RPG

Metacritic Score: 84

Mario jumps through a lush landscape in Super Mario RPG
Mario jumps through a lush landscape in Super Mario RPG
Super Mario RPG
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Released
November 17, 2023
Developer(s)
Nintendo
Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch
Genre(s)
RPG

Despite being a faithful remake of the original, Super Mario RPG is one of the best titles isometric games that fans will find on the Nintendo Switch. Featuring the charm of beloved characters with a new story set in the Mushroom Kingdom, the game is also quite accessible for newcomers to the genre.

The remake added a few new features, such as group attacks and other quality-of-life improvements, making the gameplay more enjoyable. It preserves the original experience while adding subtle enhancements that improve and modernize the gameplay.

4 Disco Elysium - The Final Cut

Metacritic Score: 86

Harry DuBois confront a enemy in Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium
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Released
October 15, 2019
Developer(s)
ZA/UM
Genre(s)
RPG

Players seeking an intriguing isometric RPG without a combat focus should try Disco Elysium. One of the biggest surprises of 2019, this game defies genre conventions and is available on the Nintendo Switch.

Here, players take on the role of Harrier "Harry" Du Bois, a detective who wakes up with no memory and must solve a complex murder while dealing with his personal crises. The game stands out for its deep political references and brilliant dialogue, offering a rich and engaging narrative unlike anything else on the market.

3 Unicorn Overlord

Metacritic Score: 89

A royal court scene in Unicorn Overlord
Unicorn Overlord
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Tactical
RPG
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Released
March 8, 2024
Developer(s)
Vanillaware
Genre(s)
Tactical, RPG

Unicorn Overlord, a game from Atlus released exclusively for consoles, might be a hidden gem for some PC players. However, those with a Nintendo Switch can enjoy one of the best strategy games released in recent years.

The gameplay blends isometric strategy moments where players move troops across the map, capturing fortresses and adversary castles while completing objectives to finish the scenario. Combat functions like an autobattler, requiring different types of troops to be combined with formations, equipment, and instructions to achieve the best results on the battlefield.

2 Bastion

Metacritic Score: 90

The Kid, a warrior, faces a large creature in Bastion
Bastion
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Action RPG
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Released
July 20, 2011
Developer(s)
Supergiant Games
Platform(s)
PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Switch, PC, iOS
Genre(s)
Action RPG

Bastion, from SuperGiant Games, demonstrates the company's talent even before the releases of Hades 1 and 2. This game introduces innovative elements, particularly in its narrative, with a narrator reacting to possible player actions as if telling the story live.

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Additionally, Bastion offers smooth and engaging gameplay, combined with impressive visuals and a memorable soundtrack, all set in a world where players can explore an ever-changing world. It's also an excellent choice for those seeking good isometric RPGs on the Nintendo Switch.

1 Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition

Metacritic Score: 93

Heroes confront an ice dragon in Divinity Original Sin 2
Divinity: Original Sin 2
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Released
September 14, 2017
Developer(s)
Larian Studios
Platform(s)
Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Genre(s)
RPG

Another option for Nintendo Switch players seeking a similar experience to Baldur’s Gate 3 is Divinity: Original Sin 2. Developed by the same company, Larian Studios, this game offers many elements that made Baldur’s Gate 3 famous, along with more complexity in some aspects, such as alchemy systems.

Despite the similarities, Divinity: Original Sin 2 has a unique identity, standing out as one of Larian’s best releases. For players looking for an excellent isometric RPG on the Nintendo Switch, this game offers a long and epic adventure, filled with captivating characters and an engaging story.

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