Summary
- Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War has an epic story spanning generations.
- Majora's Mask offers exceptional worldbuilding and a unique narrative.
- Path of Radiance executes its plot exceptionally, offering a rich and epic tale.
Nintendo is a legendary video game company that needs no introduction. Their first-party offerings are known for prioritizing gameplay over everything else, with their biggest releases featuring stories that feel more like a loose excuse to justify the many set pieces that players enjoy in their journey.
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However, there are some beloved Nintendo games that do a great job of letting players enjoy some truly amazing stories. These titles are a must-play for anyone who wants their video games to boast both compelling gameplay and engrossing narratives.
8 Fire Emblem: Genealogy Of The Holy War
An Epic Story Told Over Two Generations
Fire Emblem: Genealogy Of The Holy War
- Released
- May 14, 1996
- Developer(s)
- Intelligent Systems
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
The Fire Emblem series is full of epic empire-spanning stories that fans will find easy to get into, and Genealogy of the Holy War is no exception here. The plot is set in the continent of Jugdral, which is rife with conflict that's orchestrated by a maniacal cult.
The plot takes place over two generations and is as epic as it sounds. After working in the interests of Grannvale, players band together to take out the cult fracturing this nation instead of engaging in meaningless infighting with other countries.
7 The Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Boasts Some Of The Best Worldbuilding Seen In The Series
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
- Released
- October 26, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
The amazing worldbuilding of Majora's Mask helps it stand out as a Zelda game with impeccable writing. The overbearing sense of dread that encroaches on players as the world inches closer to destruction is something that will unnerve fans time and time again.
The world of Termina serves as a darker take on the upbeat land of Hyrule and features some creepy NPCs and monsters that Link must take out. It's an adventure full of memorable events that will leave behind a lasting impression after players finally avoid the destruction of the world.
6 Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
A Mind-Bending Story That Stretches Across Different Timelines
Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
- Released
- June 24, 2002
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Animated Blood and Gore, Animated Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
One of the strongest parts of Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem is an ambitious story that spans across millennia and is as unnerving as they come. Switching between perspectives across these timelines lends to the narrative's epic feel and helps it stand out in the eyes of many.
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Along with this, the engaging survival horror gameplay and ingenious fourth-wall breaks help Eternal Darkness stand out as one of the most underappreciated Nintendo games of all time. The combat may be rather janky, but that's a small complaint in the grand scheme of things.
5 Xenoblade Chronicles
The First Game In The Series Boasts An Incredible Plot
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
- Released
- May 29, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Mild Language, Partial Nudity, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the best Nintendo games that fans can get their hands on. The resounding impact of this title ensured that the Xenoblade series would become a mainstay on major Nintendo consoles.
The game's engrossing setting coupled with an intense story ensures that fans will love Xenoblade Chronicles from the very moment they get their hands on this title. Shulk's quest for revenge is an epic tale as he masters the Monado and uses this weapon to obliterate his foes in style.
4 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Most Fans Agree That This Game Has The Best Narrative In The Series
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
- Released
- November 20, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
Out of all the games in The Legend of Zelda series, most people consider Skyward Sword to boast the best story. The gameplay can be frustrating in the eyes of many, but people won't mind mastering the motion controls as long as they get to enjoy the game's grand narrative.
The compelling setting of the game coupled with its placement at the very start of the Zelda continuity gives its story a ton of leeway to tell an original tale that isn't bogged down by the past. Link's adventures to acquire the Triforce and take out the foes standing in his way are a huge part of what makes Skyward Sword such a magical experience.
3 Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance
The Execution Of The Plot Is In A Class Of Its Own
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
- Released
- April 20, 2005
- ESRB
- Teen // Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Intelligent Systems
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
The Fire Emblem series is full of rich and epic narratives, so it's saying something that Path of Radiance is hailed by many as the title with the best story of the lot. Despite being rather simple compared to other tales, the execution of the story helps Path of Radiance's narrative shine bright in the eyes of many.
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Trying to free the kingdom of Crimea from its invaders is a blast as players control a mercenary named Ike who eventually commands a massive army. This simple hook ropes players into an amazing plot where fans won't have any complaints after sitting through an incredible narrative.
2 EarthBound
The Writing Of This Game Is Impressive And Makes People Laugh To This Day
Earthbound
- Released
- June 5, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Suggestive Themes, Crude Humor
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Despite its inherent simplicity, EarthBound's anti-JRPG roots allow it to tell a unique story, unlike any other game in the genre. The mundane modern setting adds to the game's hilarity as players are treated to some hilarious writing and memorable dialogue.
Meanwhile, Giygas' threat looms in the background as Ness and his buddies must travel back in time to take out this alien threat. Despite an unassuming introduction, the story of EarthBound takes some wild twists and turns, ensuring that players will have a great time till the very end of an unforgettable experience.
1 Professor Layton And The Unwound Future
Features An Incredibly Emotional Story
Professor Layton and the Unwound Future
- Released
- November 27, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle, Adventure
For a puzzle game, it's genuinely incredible to see just how deep and emotional the story of Professor Layton and the Unwound Future is. As players complete several brain teasers, they uncover a story where the protagonist's wife makes a return and brightens up his life once again.
However, this happiness is short-lived, with the game's time-traveling shenanigans ensuring that players will have a great time experiencing the game's emotional plot. It culminates in a glorious and heartfelt conclusion that will make many fans shed a tear after witnessing the greatest story ever told in a Nintendo game.
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