The Nintendo Switch has earned its place as one of the best-selling consoles of all time, largely due to its diverse collection of games. Among the many experiences it offers, the system is brimming with titles that feature extravagant, larger-than-life narratives.
Players often crave stories that grow more outlandish and dramatic with each new twist. Luckily, Nintendo’s hybrid console is home to some of the most exciting, over-the-top narratives in gaming, crafted by talented storytellers in the industry. The following titles showcase some of the most epic and unforgettable tales.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Time Travel and Dragons: A Tale of Surprises
While The Legend of Zelda series typically offers grounded plots, Tears of the Kingdom stands out for its surprising narrative twists. This 2023 release follows Link’s mission to defeat Ganondorf, who has recently resurfaced. However, the real drama unfolds in the background. Princess Zelda journeys through time, uncovers the history of Hyrule and Ganondorf, and even transforms into a massive dragon to battle Ganondorf, who has also become a giant dragon. This breathtaking sequence delivers one of the most surreal action moments ever featured in a game.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Time-Traveling AI and Legendary Pokemon
The world of Pokemon provides a perfect backdrop for wild and imaginative stories, and Scarlet and Violet are prime examples of this. At first, the story seems typical—defeat gym leaders, thwart an Evil Team, and attend school. However, things take an unexpected turn when the protagonist and their friends, including Nemona, Arven, and Penny, venture into the mysterious Area Zero. Here, they uncover a time machine that brings Pokemon from both the past and the future. The stakes escalate when they learn that Arven’s parent was killed by a legendary Pokemon, and they must battle an AI version of their parent to stop a dangerous machine. The game’s final act is one of the most mind-bending experiences in the series.
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition
Zelda Meets Musou Chaos
As a Musou spin-off of The Legend of Zelda, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition doesn’t take itself as seriously as its predecessors. The plot is a wild ride, bringing together characters from across the Zelda timeline for epic battles against waves of enemies and colossal bosses. While its story is more about action than depth, it’s the perfect choice for Zelda fans who enjoy chaotic, over-the-top combat akin to Dynasty Warriors or Bayonetta.
The Wonderful 101: Remastered
100 Heroes Battle Aliens in Style
PlatinumGames is known for their absurd and stylish stories, and The Wonderful 101: Remastered is no exception. The game features 100 heroes working together to stop an alien crime syndicate from invading Earth. The story is simple but packed with ridiculous action, including exaggerated boss battles and some of the most visually spectacular moments in the genre. This is the perfect game for players who love high-energy, action-packed adventures.
Astral Chain
Police Officers Defend Earth from Interdimensional Threats
Another over-the-top creation by PlatinumGames, Astral Chain introduces players to a world where police officers wield powerful creatures called Legions to combat an invasion of interdimensional beings. The story grows increasingly bizarre as players unravel government conspiracies, face betrayals, and fight quirky villains. It feels like a shōnen anime come to life, blending absurdity and action to great effect.
Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes
Video Games Meet Alien Conspiracies
Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes brings back the irreverent Travis Touchdown in a journey inside the Death Drive MK-II, a rare and mysterious video game console. Travis and his ally Badman must battle through the console’s diverse game worlds, which parody other video game genres. The game’s story is a chaotic blend of strange levels and even stranger characters, making it a must-play for fans of director Suda51’s unique vision.
Bayonetta 3
Explosive Action in Multiple Dimensions
After years of anticipation, Bayonetta 3 delivers an action-packed narrative full of twists and over-the-top moments. The story begins with the apparent death of Bayonetta, only for her daughter Viola to travel through alternate dimensions and meet other versions of Bayonetta. The game features jaw-dropping action set pieces and epic boss battles, continuing the franchise’s legacy of exaggerated, stylish combat.
No More Heroes 3
Aliens, Superheroes, and a Wild Ride to the Top
The release of No More Heroes 3 in 2021 delivered another wild, action-packed story featuring Travis Touchdown. This time, he must ascend through the ranks of the Galactic Superhero Rankings, facing extraterrestrial warriors and bizarre characters. As the story unfolds, it only gets stranger, featuring a mix of surprise appearances, insane boss fights, and a truly unpredictable narrative. Despite its absurdity, the plot wraps up Travis’ saga in a satisfying way.
