Summary
Few genres are as broad or all-encompassing as thestrategy RPG. Whether players want adeep story with romanceable companionsor a highly tactical experience that puts them in the shoes of a commander or captain, they will be spoiled for choice when it comes to these roleplaying games. This genre typically has wide maps for battle, tactical commands to hand out in combat, and gameplay where positioning can be the difference between life and death.
Like all genres of RPG, from 90s isometric classics to fast-paced modern action RPGs, there needs to be attention paid to the story. While any game that has an in-depth narrative should allow player freedom to in some way dictate the story’s path, RPGs in particular should be letting players immerse themselves in the world by showing that their actions have consequences, be they minor or huge.These strategy RPGs in particular have stories with various endings based on player decisions.
Standing out as one of the best JRPGsfound on the Switchor PC,Triangle Strategyinnovates on just about every aspect of the JRPG and SRPG formula. Players who loved theOctopathgames for their graphics but didn’t like the disconnected stories will find all they need in this awe-inspiring game.
Beyond the stunning HD-2D graphics, there is a story here like no other, filled with subtlety and subtext as war spreads across a continent, concluding based upon not only Serenoa’s convictions but how well he’s done to convince his companions of these convictions.
TheFire Emblemseries has consistently set a high bar with each entry, butThree Housesput the gameplay on display in agloriously varied narrativethat can take many directions based on the choices of the player. Beyond this, these choices lead to a variety of unique endings for the protagonist.
Byleth gets an ending based not only on what realm they choose to fight for as war slowly plunges the setting into chaos, but also based on who they’ve developed a strong enough bond with to call a paramour.
WithTheVeilguardcausing a huge stiramongDragon Agefans some ten years afterInquisition’srelease, more people than ever are seeing what might just be BioWare’s magnum opus,Dragon Age: Origins,for the first time.
Few games can claim to have the character work or narrative freedom that this game does. There are a variety of ways to subvert or fulfill the destiny of the Grey Warden protagonist, leading to a host of interesting and modular endings that have repercussions all the way through toInquisition.
Baldur’s Gate 3is one of those incredibly rare titles that had a startling amount of hype leading up to its full release—and still managed to meet expectations. Flawlessly. This sprawling high fantasy RPG has a host of companions for the protagonist to work with, and each has a unique ending to their own personal tale based on the player’s choices.
Beyond this, how players deal with themachinations of the mind flayerscan lead to one of several endings for the story overall, each one immensely satisfying and tying together the player’s actions from the opening act onward.
Battle Brothersis an addictive, engaging title that has a level of tactics, strategy, and freedom that few other games can compete with, especially since this title stands among some of the largest AAA games ever produced on this list.
The player’s only goal is to earn wealth and renown as a mercenary company. Take good jobs, lead the men well, get paid. It’s simple but effective. However, this is easier said than done, and death often waits around the corner for this motley band of brothers.Battle Brothersfeatures unique endings for those who complete the end-game crises which are determined by the fate of their company.
With anincredible alignment systemand a huge political story that can go in many directions,Tactics Ogreset the standard for strategic JRPGs, and it’s a bar that has held strong for years now. Players can expect a level of tactical depth in this game that will keep them thinking for hours.
Beyond the great gameplay, which is functionally a deep game of 4D fantasy chess, the story’s endings are manifold and based upon both major and minor decisions that the protagonist makes during the Resistance War they fight in.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker
Summon demons to save the world from destruction in Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker, a strategy RPG forNintendo 3DS family systems.
When aliens start laying waste to Tokyo, a group of demon tamers must take a stand against these monstrous invaders’ daily attacks. Supernatural creatures, secret government agencies and viral websites emerge amid the chaos, but it’s your actions and choices that have the power to change the outcome.
By forging contracts with demons, players can summon them to fight in strategic turn-based battles. Learn your objectives, set your skills wisely, and position your team within range of the enemy to battle – attack an enemy’s weakness to gain an extra turn! Fight strategically to defeat those who threaten not only your survival, but the survival of all humanity.
Strengthen your devilish army in battle and fuse them with other monsters to create even more powerful monsters. Check other players’ progress, and exchange power-ups via StreetPass to help them improve their demons’ powers.
The choices you make can change the world around you. Seek out fellow demon tamers and forge meaningful friendships. Spend time with your allies, learn about their character, and save them from deadly fates. As your bonds deepen, you’ll unlock more of their abilities and new spirits will emerge to fight alongside you.
Expanding on the original game, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker features a new scenario ‘Triangulum’ set after the events of the main story, as well as additional difficulty options, improved controls, a new character and voice acting.
TheShin Megami Tenseiseries is known in particular forits intense difficultyand innovative alignment system that dictates the path of the story. TheDevil Survivorspin-off series is an exemplar of where both of these traits are concerned but deviates from the well-walked path of its predecessors by moving to strategic grid-based combat.
This game still boasts a massive number of endings, each based not only upon where the player falls regarding their law and chaos alignment, but also based on several key decisions they must make regardless of this alignment during the end game.
Before Larian Studios released the monolithicBaldur’s Gate 3, there was another game franchise that showcased their exceptional ability to craft well-made strategic RPGs with an emphasis on narrative, choice, and consequence.
Divinity: Original Sin 2has a myriad of endings, not only dictated by the player’s chosen character, but also by the conclusions of all the personal companion quests that are available in this title. Players will see these quests mirrored in howBaldur’s Gate 3explores its own companions, although theDivinityseries' particular brand of high fantasy is a style all its own.
