Best JRPGs With Branching Narratives On The Switch

Best JRPGs With Branching Narratives On The Switch

Key Takeaways

  • JRPGs like Shin Megami Tensei 5 offer multiple endings based on player choices, enhancing replay value.
  • Persona 5 Royal integrates gameplay decisions into rich storytelling, emphasizing player freedom.
  • Triangle Strategy’s narrative direction is influenced by a democracy among characters, offering unique outcomes.

As Denam, hailing from the valiant Walister Resistance, I can attest to the captivating tales of war and camaraderie that echo within the realms of these strategic role-playing games. The intricate tapestry of Tactics Ogre: Reborn mirrors our own struggles against the formidable Galgastani nation, a battle as much about strategy as it is about heart.


Role-playing games set in fantasy worlds, either with turn-based combat or strategic warfare elements, are currently among the most well-liked video games. Notable companies such as Nintendo, Atlus, and Square Enix possess both the ambition and resources to deliver substantial gameplay and storytelling experiences that can easily consume many hours of a player’s time.

However, video games offer an interactive experience where users actively participate in a virtual world. The pinnacle of achievement for these games lies in providing players with an immersive narrative not only to traverse but also to shape through their decisions. Here are some Role-Playing Games (RPGs) whose stories evolve based on the player’s choices.

6 Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance

A Reactive Story With Endings Based On Moral Alignment

Experiencing Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, I find myself immersed in Atlus’ profound exploration of philosophies and theologies wrapped up in a monster-catching adventure. The game’s universe is a tense battlefield where demonic mayhem clashes with rigid order, offering a rich backdrop for my journey. What draws me in most are the extensive playtime and diverse array of mythical creatures I can recruit to my team. However, what truly sets this title apart is its multiple endings, each shaped by the choices I make throughout the game.

In its initial release, Shin Megami Tensei 5 was generally given a lukewarm response because of its underdeveloped characters and unremarkable setting. For the re-release, there are changes in navigation, and the updated storyline is primarily presented as the “Canon of Vengeance,” which is suggested for newcomers. The “Canon of Creation” offers multiple endings that aren’t found in the revised narrative, but due to the alterations in the story, these are only accessible after players have completed their first playthrough and switch to the Creation Canon.

5 Persona 5 Royal

Player Romances And Multiple Endings

Persona 5 Royal centers around the choices made by the player in both gameplay and storyline. This is the complete edition of the game, including all previous downloadable content combined into a single package. Players can now experience the most comprehensive version yet of this role-playing/dating simulation game.

In “Persona 5 Royal,” the player’s decisions don’t just lead to different final outcomes; they also shape how the characters manage their academic and social life alongside their responsibilities as the Phantom Thief. The game offers captivating characters, heartwarming romance, and a vivid, responsive Tokyo that is hard to beat in terms of quality.

4 Tactics Ogre: Reborn

A Lengthy, Dramatic Story That Focuses On The Player’s Allegiances

Known by many as Square Enix’s masterpiece in the strategy RPG genre, Tactics Ogre has been given new life in its Switch adaptation, making this timeless game accessible on a portable device. The latest version of this classic is called Tactics Ogre: Reborn, where players assume the role of Denam, a young freedom fighter who leads an order of warriors within the Walister Resistance. This faction is engaged in a conflict with the Galgastani nation.

In the world of Tactics Ogre: Reborn, political intricacies are skillfully woven into an engaging gameplay experience featuring countless unique units. This strategy game resembles a complex game of chess in the fantasy realm, where you face off against formidable opponents. The storyline offers multiple possibilities, contingent upon your actions and alliances during gameplay. As the narrative progresses, these choices lead to intricately detailed endings that are distinctively influenced by the decisions you’ve made throughout the game.

3 Star Ocean: The Second Story R

A Narrative That Branches Almost Immediately And Offers 99 Endings

Reimagined with a lively 2.5D aesthetic, “Star Ocean: The Second Story Remastered” offers two distinct storylines depending on the protagonist selected by the player at the outset. Some companions are exclusive to one character or the other, and the game presents an impressive 99 possible endings as players delve into a universe that seamlessly blends science fiction and fantasy elements.

In this game, characters respond based on the choices the player makes within the game. Some conclusions can only be reached when a certain level of bonding has been established with fellow party members. This game provides an exceptional degree of flexibility in shaping the storyline, from character selection right up to one of its numerous endings.

2 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Factions And Romance Shape The Direction Of This Incredible SRPG

For many years, the beloved Fire Emblem series has emphasized the bond between warriors embarking on dangerous missions. Fire Emblem: Three Houses does not fall short in this aspect as it provides a narrative that expands and diverges based on player choices regarding which of the primary factions to align with – initially at the start of the story, and later at a pivotal moment nearing the climax.

The game “Three Houses” raised the bar incredibly high within the series, with its captivating story, characters, and interactive relationships. Regrettably, this level of excellence wasn’t sustained in subsequent installments. For gamers seeking a tale that splits not just due to narrative choices but also based on character connections, it would be challenging to find an equivalent to “Fire Emblem: Three Houses.”

1 Triangle Strategy

Companions Have As Much Say In The Story As The Protagonist

As a devoted fan, I must express my admiration for Square Enix’s “Triangle Strategy.” This game offers an innovative method for shaping the narrative’s outcome, where my decisions as a player do matter, yet the democratic process ultimately decides the course taken by House Wolfort. The intricate blend of story and gameplay makes it one of the finest strategy RPGs available on the Nintendo Switch.

In the game, Triangle Strategy, you’re presented with three distinct perspectives – Liberty, Utility, and Morality – for the player to explore. These ideologies are deeply embedded within the game’s narrative, and while your character may lean towards one, it takes a strong commitment to one’s beliefs to persuade all allies to follow the same course. What sets Triangle Strategy apart is not only the multitude of stories that can unfold based on your character’s actions, but also the fact that these stories are influenced by the beliefs of the entire party, not just the protagonist’s personal convictions.

Read More

2024-08-30 09:04