Role-playing video games have been a popular genre since the very beginning, with classic titles likeFinal Fantasy,Chrono Trigger, andDragon Questbecoming influences for later titles. Although like all video games they began in 2D environments, the dawn of 3D gaming also saw the introduction of 3D RPGs likeThe Elder ScrollsandWorld of Warcraft.
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However, some modern games take on an alternate approach of being 2.5D. While these games are more 2D in function, they utilize 3D graphics and oftentimes limited 3D movement in their game mechanics. These eight 2.5D role-playing games are available to play on Nintendo Switch and are perhaps some of the best on the console.
8Dave The Diver
Dave the Diver, which was released in the summer of 2023, is probably better classified as an adventure game than an RPG, but it does have elements of the latter genre. In the game, players control a deep sea diver searching for fish to supply his sushi restaurant,upgrading their equipment and weaponswhile completing various quests like any RPG.
Though the 3D graphics allow for a deep sea world that feels full and lush with sea creatures and underwater flora, most of the gameplay is a 2D sidescrolling adventure with pixilated graphics. Many reviewers felt the game was stellar at keeping players entertained even with repetitive gameplay, making it a worthwhile purchase from the Nintendo Switch e-shop.
7Star Ocean: The Second Story R
Star Ocean: The Second Storywas originally released back in 1998 on the PlayStation 1, but is due to receive a remake, subtitledThe Second Story R, for Nintendo Switch in November 2023. Though the remake hasn’t been released, those who have played the original game can attest to its quality, with the game accruing a small but passionate fanbase since its release.
The Second Story Rseems like it’ll be a guaranteed beloved title for RPG fans, especially with its graphical upgrade to 2.5D. Hopefully, its re-release in 2023 will garner even more fans who can exploreother entries in theStar Oceanfranchise, including 2022’sStar Ocean: The Divine Force, which sadly did not see a release on Nintendo Switch.
6Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising
Released in 2022,Eiyuden Chronicle: Risingis a spiritual successor to theSuikodenfranchise of RPGs from Konami. Available on Nintendo Switch, it has many elements of a great RPG, including likable characters, an engaging story, and elements of Metroidvania games that require players to backtrack through older areas.
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Though some reviewers acknowledged that elements of the game may underwhelm fans of more complex RPGs, it has enough simplistic combat mechanics and worldbuilding to make for a good introductory RPG for newcomers. Its art style combining pixilated graphics with a vibrant 2.5D world is also enough to entice players into playing for a long time.
5ANNO: Mutationem
This 2.5D RPG for Nintendo Switchdiffers from the others on this list due to its cyberpunk setting as opposed to a fantasy world. Players control Ann, who ventures through the vast world of Metropolis, taking on mega-corporations, befriending robotic puppies, and fighting through hordes of vicious enemies as they continue to grow stronger and stronger.
Though it was originally released in 2022,ANNO: Mutationemwas adored by its fans due to its graphic art style and 2.5D world. While some fans were turned off by the way it differs from these more standard RPGs, those who enjoyed it came back due to its short length, fascinating narrative, and character customization.
4Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
Advance Warsis far from Nintendo’s most popular RPG series, but it does have its niche fandom dating back to the Famicom. Its most recent entry is a remake of the first twoAdvance Warsgames, which were originally released for the GameBoy Advance. Though it’s played from a top-down perspective, the remake utilizes refreshing 3D graphics.
The game is perfectly catered to both longtimeAdvance Warsfans as well as those who havenever played one of the strategy RPGs before. Hopefully, its increased popularity will one day result in anAdvance Warscharacter making it to the nextSuper Smash Bros.game, though only time will tell ifAdvance Warsfans will ever achieve that dream.
3Triangle Strategy
This tactical RPG was developed by Square Enix, from the same producer behind previousRPG titles likeBravely DefaultandOctopath Traveler. Bearing resemblance to theFire Emblemseries without the recent games' 3D upgrade, it makes use of retro pixilated graphics in a 3D landscape, with a vast story and expansive world to explore.
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In response, reviewers likedTriangle Strategyfor its innovations in the strategy RPG genre, allowing for movement options on the battlefield and strategies that will make every encounter different. Though some criticized the game’s lack of customization,Triangle Strategyhas enough new to offer fans ofFire Emblem’s classic gameplay.
2Live A Live
Live A Livewas released on Nintendo Switch in 2022, but it was originally released for the Super Famicom all the way back in 1994, never seeing an international release. In the original 2D RPG, players control eight different characters spanning different eras of human history, which all tie together at the very end to defeat the same evil monster, Odio.
Given its premise,Live A Livehas one of the most fascinating selections of characters, ranging from Wild West cowboys to intergalactic robots. Its re-release on Switch saw it upgraded from 2D graphics to 2.5D, keeping the original sprite artwork of its characters but turning the landscapes into lush 3D environments.
1Octopath Traveler 2
The originalOctopath Travelerwas released on Nintendo Switch in 2018, featuring an incredibly unique 2.5D aesthetic even compared to other 2.5D RPGs. Players take on distinct jobs as they assemblea party of four among eight different characters, each of whom has unique ways of interacting with the NPCs in the world.
The sequel,Octopath Traveler 2, released in 2023, adds new elements of gameplay including daytime and nighttime sequences which will alter what certain characters are able to do. It’s overall an improvement over an already great 2.5D RPG with stunning visuals, making it a must-have for any RPG fan who owns a Nintendo Switch.
