Along with its lineup of renownedNintendotitles, theSwitchis particularly strong when it comes to its range of relatively cheap games. This is thanks, in part, to the prominent indie presence on the console - as games from these studios tend to be more modestly-priced.
When it comes to the robust, complex role-playing genre, one wouldn’t expect to find many cheap options. But as it happens, Nintendo’s hybrid consoledoeshave a pretty solid selection of fun imaginative RPGs.
RELATED:15 Best Nintendo Switch Games That Don’t Require An Internet Connection
This list will highlight ten of the very best Switch RPGs that can be had on the cheap. The best part is that many of these can offer several hours of playtime - and can even approach the heavy hitters in certain cases.Final Fantasy, eat your heart out!
10West Of Loathing ($11.00)
When it comes to stylish graphics, it seems like just about everything’s been touched on. But even as recent as 2017, Asymmetric Publications manages to innovate with an aesthetic that’s both interesting and minimalistic. This quirky adventure runs with and Old West premise and decorates it with charmingly-simple stick figure drawings.
As one might guess with an art style akin to doodles on a child’s school notebook,West of Loathingfavors a lighthearted silliness throughout. But don’t let the whimsical tone and simple graphics fool you - the game offers some surprisingly solid, gripping gameplay. The game blends retro sidescrolling and turn-based combat with semiopen-world gameplayand customization.
9Battle Chasers: Nightwar ($39.99)
Based on an equally-colorfulcomic book series,Battle Chasers: Nightwarsets players on a journey through a mysterious island to stop an evil sorceress.
The experience largely shifts between a retro JRPG andDiablo-esque dungeon-crawler. Players will be forced to engage with unique foes and bust out abilities to dodge traps. A stand-out component to combat is a generated “overcharge” mechanic, which is reminiscent ofOctopath Traveller’s Boost feature. This, along with a slew of abilities, keep the battles interesting and fairly tactical.
8Child Of Light Ultimate Edition ($19.99)
This Ubisoft role-playing romp shined as one of the few third party efforts of note onNintendo’s Wii U. With Switch, the game is forced to compete with a vastly larger RPG lineup, but this spruced-up remaster manages to breathe new life into it.
The game looks and feels akin to a fantastical storybook, wrought with vibrant visuals and atmospheric settings. You take the role of Aurora, a sword-wielding princess seeking to find her destiny and save her ailing father in the hostile world of Lemuria. But while the lavish presentation draws you in, the gameplay keeps you with its exhilarating, free-flowing movement and fun timed combat.
7Ys Origin ($19.99)
For the many unfamiliar with this JRPG franchise,Ys’origin story is a great way to start. Not only does this prequel set the stage for the established lore, but studio Nihon Falcom also offers a more straightforward, newbie-friendly experience. In essence,YsOriginis a dungeon crawling spinoff to the more fleshed-out titles of the main series.
RELATED:10 Most Overlooked RPGs From The 2000s
The game has you take the role of one of three unique characters, as they traverse the vast, hostile Darm Tower. ThoughOrigindates back to ‘06, the game holds up with rewarding action-based combat, ample depth, and lovely melodies to set the scene. Those who fancy oldschool JRPs and arcade-style action should find much to enjoy with this adventure.
6Undertale ($14.99)
With its retro graphics, bizarre atmosphere, and child protagonist, one is reminded of the cult classicEarthboundwhen delving into this RPG from Toby Fox.
And while the vibes are similar, this one stands out with its uniquely-appealing combat system that melds shoot ‘em up mechanics with a turn-based system. ButUndertalealso shines with its imaginative settings, gripping story, and whimsical sense of humor - which helped it earn a slew of accolades following its 2015 release.
With so many indie titles being churned out, it’s difficult to stand out from the crowd. And yet, this charming little RPG has managed to do so, even with its modest visuals.
5Hades ($24.99)
As titles likeAssassin’s Creed: Odysseyillustrate, Greek mythology can serve as a solid foundation for fun, imaginative game lore. Supergiant Games’Hadesreinforces this notion with itsgrueling RPG rougelike.
Players assume the role of Zagreus, an Underworld prince seeking to escape from his dispassionate father Hades and reach Mount Olympus. Exploring the dark regions of Hell has never been so fun, as players will slash, dash, and shoot their way through randomly-generated dungeons crawling with foes.Hades’ appealing cartoon visuals, amusing writing, and creative backstory only add to the addictive, thrilling gameplay.
4Collection Of Mana ($39.99)
While Square Enix somewhat stole the spotlight from its own compilation with itsTrials of Manaremake, many continue to overlook the charming ‘95 classic from which it originated. Despite consisting of just three retro titles,Collection of Manais particularly appealing by boasting theonlyWestern release of the originalTrials of Mana.
Add this to the delightfulSecret of Mana, and the Game Boy classicFinal Fantasy Adventure- the originator for theManaseries - and you’ve got a great package for ARPG fans.
Not only this, but each of the three games included comes with an easily-accessible soundtrack. It may not seem like much, but it’s a great sell given that they’re widely considered to have some of thebest music in the genre.
3Cat Quest 2 ($14.99)
Speaking ofstellar ARPGs- this sequel to the surprise hit from The Gentlebros proves to be a winner for fans of role-playing games and cats alike. The amusing cat puns are back in full force, as is the familiar action-based combat, which is just as fun as ever.
RELATED:All The Mana Games Ranked
The game still embraces its simple, “pick-up-and-play” roots, with a fairly small overworld viewed from a top-down perspective a laDragon Quest. But this improved sequel also fleshes things out in terms of scale, customization, and general depth. Along with the range of added spells, weapons, and abilities, players can now team up with a feline friend and engage in exciting local co-op.
2Golf Story ($14.99)
It’s hard to think of an RPG in recent history more inventive or imaginative than Sidebar Games’Golf Story, indie or otherwise. And while fans eagerly await the more diverse sequel,Sports Story, this hidden gem remains one of the biggest draws for RPG fans seeking something different.
Those who fancy golf would do well to give this one a “shot” in particular, as the game blends solid golfing mechanics and minigames with an RPG structure. Despite its cute, seemingly simple aesthetic,Golf Storysports quite a bit of depth and a fairly deep campaign of 15 hours.
1Stardew Valley ($14.99)
This one can be filed underthe category of “addictive"as well as “robust.” Really, when it comes to RPGs offering ample bang for your buck, it’s tough to beat ConcernedApe’s breakout hit from 2016. Indeed, gamers can get lost in this colorful journey of farming and dungeon-crawling fordozensof hours.
Stardew Valleycan partly be described as a reincarnated version ofRune FactoryorHarvest Moon. Yet, the game also stands out with its distinctly deep, diverse sim mechanics and steamless social gameplay.
