From Pokémon, RPGs can take many different forms and perspectives, giving players new points of view and ways to enjoy various fictional realms. First-person, third-person, and even text-based are all commonplace in the genre, but the most common perspective is arguably top-down. Viewing characters, NPCs, and enemies like pieces on a game board is an easy way to see as much as possible, whether planning strategies or simply exploring.
There are dozens of titles that fit this description, but one of their biggest spawning grounds has to be on the Nintendo Switch. The Switch is an RPG fan's dream come true, especially with titles like The Witcher readily available, so it should come as no surprise that it has a veritable bounty of top-down RPGs as well.
Battle Chasers: Night War (80)
Inspired by the comic book series of the same name, the game features an action-packed RPG that combines stylish, western-fantasy imagery with JRPG mechanics. While combat is handled in the style of something like Final Fantasy, the overworld and main gameplay are near indistinguishable from something like Torchlight.
Ninjas, wizards, and steampunk robots are all par for the course in this colorful battle against the forces of darkness. Those looking for a magical meeting of the worlds won't be disappointed with this top-down fantasy.
Collection Of Mana (83)
The Mana series was ahead of its time when it first premiered on the SNES way back in the '90s. By blending the top-down adventure elements from games like Final Fantasy, the genre was introduced to a new form of ARPG.
Collection of Mana features the first three titles in the franchise, as well as the Final Fantasy Adventure titles for the Gameboy all bundled together in one package. The incredible 16-bit collection is a retro-RPG gamer's dream come true.
Moonlighter (83)
To say that Moonlighter is something of an odd duck would be a glorious understatement. Part Zelda-clone, part dungeon-crawler, part small-business-simulator, the game is a strange melange of elements that come together to create one of the most distinct indie darlings on the Switch.
Many RPGs feature a merchant character who provides the hero(es) with a steady supply of items in weapons. This game casts the player in that role, and they must venture into dark dungeons and environments to find new wares for their store. It might be unconventional, but it's certainly a stand-out title.
Octopath Traveler (83)
This game could be considered a modern throwback as Chrono Trigger.
It's a beautiful game that should evoke feelings of nostalgia for anyone who grew up with '90s JRPGs on the SNES, and the top-down perspective allows the player to take in every pixel. With such a high pedigree of classic gameplay and stunning sprite work, it's easily a top-tier RPG for any Switch owner.
Triangle Strategy (83)
Coming right off the heels of the previous title, Triangle Strategy brings back the familiarity of tactics-based RPGs like Game of Thrones. While it might seem like a mishmash of different elements, the results speak for themselves.
The plot might be hit or miss with some, but the gameplay is sure to appeal to anyone longing for the days of old-school tactical strategy. It's no game of chess, but it's one that can have some nail-biting after-effects.
Wargroove (84)
unwashed by the waters of tactical RPGs. It's simple-yet-effective mechanics make the game easy to pick up yet hard to master - and that's not even mentioning the amount of gameplay customization available right from the beginning of the story campaign.
The best way to describe this title would be a high-fantasy version of Advance Wars from the days of the Gameboy Advance, and the results speak for themselves. The top-down element lends it a war games motif, allowing for full views and effective ways to strategize the best battle plan.
CrossCode (86)
At face value, CrossCode might look like a sci-fi Zelda-clone, but there's far much more than meets the eye in this anime-inspired adventure. Calling back to classic adventure titles of the SNES era, the game features a virtual world with a sinister secret and an AI protagonist who must discover the truth.
The perspective helps sell the retro-inspired motifs, down to every last polished pixel. As one of those titles that are deceptively deep, the game conceals its complexities behind a mask of simplistic visuals and synthesized sounds.
Stardew Valley (87)
Some would call this game a spiritual successor to the Harvest Moon series, and there's certainly evidence to that claim, but it's far more than just a 16-bit farming simulator. By very little exaggeration, a player can practically form a virtual life if they can master the various nuances of the 16-bit world.
Farming is but one factor of the grand equation that is Stardew Valley, as players can raid dungeons, go foraging in the woods, or simply take a day to go fishing. In short, it's an excellent game for players looking to take a break from leading troops and slashing monsters.
Diablo III: Eternal Collection (88)
There are few games that better represent the top-down RPG collective than the Diablo series. The franchise's third entry with all the DLC bells and whistles is understandably top-tier material, and Switch-owners everywhere have dove headfirst into the dungeons of Sanctuary.
Diablo has been the king of the dungeon-crawler genre since the highly successful Diablo II in 2000, and multiple ARPGs take heavy inspiration from the series. Diablo III, though a bit brighter and more colorful than its predecessor, has more than enough content to keep the most voracious adventurer entertained for hours.
Divinity: Original Sin II (93)
Regarded as one of the most praised RPGs on the system, Divinity: Original Sin II is an incredibly deep title in of story, strategy, and content. Taking inspiration from titles like the Baldur's Gate series, this immersive RPG experience is like a dungeon master's dream come true.
There is simply so much going on with this game that the best way to understand it is to just sit down and play it. Players will create their own fantasy characters and gather their own party of adventurers to explore a phenomenally crafted world with tons of characters and creatures to interact with and various quests to undertake. With dialogue, fights, and even environmental interactions affecting the overall story, gamers will want to take up the mantle of adventurer again and again.