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.
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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
Baldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition
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
Wasteland 2: Director's Cut
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
Ruined King: A League of Legends Story
- Released
- November 16, 2021
- Developer(s)
- Airship Syndicate
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- 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
Pillars of Eternity
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
Tactics Ogre: Reborn
- Released
- November 11, 2022
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- 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
Super Mario RPG
- 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
Disco Elysium
- Released
- October 15, 2019
- Developer(s)
- ZA/UM
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Stadia
- 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
Unicorn Overlord
- Released
- March 8, 2024
- Developer(s)
- Vanillaware
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch
- 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
Bastion
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
Divinity: Original Sin 2
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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