13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim (2019)

Its reading takes the form of beautifully staged, side-scrolling conversations rather than a conventional static novel. You choose which protagonist's mystery to follow, then defend the city with a squad of customised mechs. Combat runs in real time and pauses while you select orders, with weapon coverage and pilot roles doing the tactical work. Casual, Normal and Intense settings let you choose the pressure. The complete English PS4 and Switch releases stand alone. Story progress eventually requires battle progress, so neither half is merely an optional extra.