When we think of Nintendo, we don't immediately think of games with confusing plots. As a system primarily aimed towards kids, the Nintendo Switch has revolutionized the way we think about the brand. However, it contains more RPGs and JRPGs than previous platforms. The Nintendo Switch's ports include story-intensive games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Dark Souls Remastered, and more that appeal to a mature audience.
Rather than follow a trend, Nintendo is making bold changes to stay relevant. Spoiler warning! This section contains detailed information about Nintendo games. These are ten Nintendo storylines that are impossible to follow.
10 The Legend Of Zelda
One of Nintendo's most prominent franchises has one of the most confusing plots. Games take place hundreds and thousands of years apart. Describing The Legend of Zelda series is like deciphering code; it's too complicated. However, Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess take place before Breath of the Wild. Looking at the state of ruin of the Temple of Time, it can be concluded that Breath of the Wild takes place many years after.
9 Metroid Prime
Although the 2D Metroid games are masterpieces in their own right, the Metroid Prime Trilogy gave the franchise acclaim in a whole new light. The writing was top-notch, even if the games had loosely connected stories.
For the most immersive experience, it is recommended to play the Metroid Prime games in order. Otherwise, you'll be lost in the series' story. The final game of the trilogy ties loose ends, bringing the story together.
8 The Elder Scrolls
Understanding the main story of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim doesn't require intellect beyond the norm. It involves the Last Dragonborn, a man with dragon-like attributes. However, like every The Elder Scrolls game, Skyrim has lore nestled within the game. Visiting locations like the College of Winterhold, one can find a vast library of information. Lore can also be found in the depths of perilous dungeons.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is another example of a game with a confusing plot. It contains multiple factions, and players only receive tidbits of information about them. A recurring theme of The Elder Scrolls games is that the series hits you with an influx of information. While sequels should clear up storylines, they add more depth, further adding to the confusion.
7 Pokémon
The Pokémon series is a mainstay of the gaming industry. The first generation starts with a boy from Pallet Town who sets out with a single Pokémon. His goals include catching every Pokémon, beating all the gym trainers, and defeating the Elite Four.
Pokémon's story has become more and more convoluted with each game release. As a series spanning eight generations of main series games, there are at least 122 games known. The only way to keep up with this tangled story is to play every game.
6 Dark Souls
Nintendo is a brand that appeals to gamers of all ages. It's more of a family console than a system meant for kids. However, there are the odd exceptions of games like Dark Souls geared toward adults. Following in suit is a perplexing story that likely only mature audiences can grasp. The first game's story is the most confusing of the series. Themes include bonfires, souls, kingdoms, and lords. Despite the prevalent belief that there isn't a story nestled in Dark Souls lore, plot developments and twists exist.
5 Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger was developed for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System by Square before they became Square Enix. Although cited as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, its plot is not easy to follow. The game's time travel elements are confusing. Chrono Trigger takes you to eras like the Prehistoric age, Middle Ages, and even a post-apocalyptic future. Like many JRPGs, the plot doesn't do a great job of connecting the stories but contains many confusing plot lines.
4 Castlevania
This Gothic horror franchise is acclaimed as both an animated television and video game series. In some of the Castlevania games, you play as Simon Belmont, a vampire slayer who kills Count Dracula in the first game. After he is seemingly killed, Dracula returns in another form.
There are also games like Castlevania: Lords of Shadow and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, where you play as Dracula. The series confuses you because you have to play as the protagonist and the villain. You're better off watching the Castlevania Netflix series to get the gist of the story.
3 Final Fantasy
Finally, we get to Final Fantasy, a series that began on the Nintendo Entertainment System. According to guidefall.com, "There are 94 different Final Fantasy games in total, including 15 games in the core Final Fantasy series. The overall franchise also includes two anime and five video releases." Thankfully, most of these games' stories aren't connected, aside from the odd exception. Had the stories been more connected like FFX & FFX-2, we would be struggling to follow.
2 Terranigma
This hidden gem released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1995. Too few have played Terranigma because it is only released in the JP and PAL regions. Beneath the phenomenal soundtrack, there is a perplexing story. It might have children as its target demographic, but the final fourth chapter is profound in the starkest way possible. The last closing chapter addresses morality and death. You'll have to delve deep into Terranigma to understand its story fully.
1 Xeno
The first entry in the Xeno series, Xenogears, was released as a PlayStation exclusive, but the series has become a Nintendo exclusive after a change in ownership. The series is comparable to Final Fantasy because of stories that are independent of each other. Trying to connect the dots between games is impossible, as each game has a unique story. Nevertheless, even one game's story is difficult to grasp. Fast forward to Xenoblade Chronicles, and the story is more straightforward. However, even by Xeno's standards, Xenoblade Chronicles is impossible to follow.