The Nintendo Switch offers a haven for enthusiasts of turn-based strategy games. In the past, fans of this genre had limited options, but with the advent of the Switch, developers have focused on delivering top-notch and entertaining turn-based strategy titles. This genre has gained significant popularity on the Switch, and recent successes are likely to propel it even further.
Whether it's the latest Fire Emblem installments, revamped classics, or innovative newcomers, the Nintendo Switch boasts a plethora of exceptional turn-based strategy games that cater to various preferences. Here are some of the standout titles worth exploring:
6 Fire Emblem Engage
Metascore: 80
Fire Emblem Engage unfolds the tale of Alear awakening from a millennia-long slumber. Tasked with gathering the 12 Emblem Rings, each embodying a Fire Emblem protagonist like Marth, Sigurd, or Lyn, Alear navigates an ancient conflict. With innovative features such as Emblem Rings altering stats and introducing new skills, this game reintroduces the beloved Weapon Triangle and incorporates Chain Attacks and Chain Guards, adding freshness to the gameplay.
While Fire Emblem Engage may not revolutionize the series like Three Houses, nor match the tactical intricacies of Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon, it strikes a balance, offering an enjoyable, challenging, and lighthearted experience.
5 Advance Wars 1+2 Reboot Camp
Metascore: 83
Reboot Camp marks the welcome return of the Advance Wars series, delivering a classic strategy gaming experience. While retaining its original essence, this game offers a compelling strategy experience for both series fans and newcomers on the Switch, bundling two beloved turn-based games into one package.
With a refined difficulty curve and challenging missions, Reboot Camp retains the essence of Advance Wars tradition with unit development, territorial control, and engaging battles against the Black Hole army. Despite dated features like multiplayer, Reboot Camp is a promising addition, leaving fans hopeful for more from the series.
4 Triangle Strategy
Metascore: 83
Triangle Strategy serves as a spiritual successor to the Ogre Battle franchise, revolving around impactful player decisions amidst a political turmoil stemming from class disparities, moral dilemmas, and greed. Centered on Serenoa's journey through a world of conflict, this game offers branching narratives based on pivotal choices.
Despite a less diverse class/job system, the combat in Triangle Strategy remains engaging and intuitive. With challenging gameplay requiring strategic map navigation using varied classes, terrains, and tactical elements, the game keeps players immersed with diverse obstacles and objectives.
3 Tactics Ogre: Reborn
Metascore: 84
Tactics Ogre Reborn pays homage to fans of Final Fantasy Tactics and the Ogre Battle Series. A remake of Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, this version introduces numerous enhancements like a fully voice-acted cast, new skills, the tarot card system, and a refined difficulty curve.
While some may find it lacking as a proper remake, the game preserves the essence of the original's excellence. Boasting a compelling narrative rich in tragedy, tough decisions, and political intrigue, accompanied by memorable characters like Vyce and Lanselot Tartaros, the gameplay offers classic turn-based tactics with added challenges and diverse class options.
2 Unicorn Overlord
Metascore: 87
Vanillaware's Unicorn Overlord revolutionizes the genre with its unique turn-based strategy system, allowing players to deploy unit formations and build complementary mini-squads. Balancing time constraints, unit energy management, and diverse objectives, this game offers an intense and rewarding gameplay experience.
Featuring a typical fantasy narrative embellished with a prince's quest, a malevolent general, kidnapped love interests, and magical elements, Unicorn Overlord excels in storytelling. Combined with memorable characters, captivating designs, and a compelling soundtrack, this game provides a challenging and immersive journey for players.
1 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Metascore: 89
Fire Emblem: Three Houses emerged as a flagship title on the Nintendo Switch, revitalizing the Fire Emblem franchise and bridging the gap between new and seasoned fans. With a mature storyline interwoven with classic fantasy elements and darker themes, the game features a vast cast led by the three