Best Nintendo Video Games for character development

character development Decision Dashboard

Best for character development

Donkey Kong Bananza

4.9 attribute score

Highest scored product for this attribute based on supporting review evidence.

Safest pick

Hades II

4.8 attribute score

Balances the attribute score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.

#1 Donkey Kong Bananza
4.9

Character development centered on Pauline's confidence and her bond with DK, which several reviewers found heartwarming and defining.

Pros: fun factor, world interactivity

Cons: frame rate stability, boss design

#2 Hades II
4.8

Character arcs and evolving relationships are praised for making the cast feel connected and worth returning to between runs.

Pros: combat system, progression system

Cons: originality

#3 Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
4.7

Character arcs and interpersonal stories are a major draw, with the long structure giving key heroes room to develop.

Pros: narrative quality, fun factor

Cons: grind level, learning curve

#4 Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
4.4

Reviewers often felt Miis became memorable through quirks, relationships, and player input, although one noted that development can be slow.

Pros: character customization, fun factor

Cons: content variety, gameplay mechanics

#6 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
3.8

The Federation cast landed unevenly: some reviewers grew attached, while others felt characterization stayed broad or underdeveloped.

Pros: boss design, graphics quality

Cons: open-world design, side character depth

#7 Pokémon Legends: Z-A
3.6

Character development was praised by some for expressive, colorful, and more developed characters, but others found the cast flat.

Pros: combat system, exploration quality

Cons: graphics quality, voice acting

#8 Pokemon LeafGreen and FireRed Versions
2.0

Character growth is intentionally light; the adventure focuses far more on building a Pokémon team than on deep personal arcs or emotional storytelling.

Pros: fun factor, faithfulness to franchise

Cons: remake/remaster quality, value for money