Best Story-Driven Video Games

Last Updated on May 28, 2024 by CheaterBoy

Highlights

Nice online game narratives ship emotional plots that preserve you riveted with partaking characters you’ll be able to relate to.
These can vary from philosophical tales that have you ever questioning the idea of “humanity” to slice-of-life narratives which have a higher influence in your emotions than their easy premise would suggest.
All of those video games function both a powerful story, fantastically-written dialogue that pushes the plot alongside, relatable characters who you will discover it exhausting to neglect, or a mix of all three.

Video games persist with us for a wide range of causes. Maybe you turned engrossed with the cycle of development like in Future 2; powering up your character, unlocking new gear, leveling up. Possibly the gameplay held sufficient selection and pleasure to maintain you hooked for hours like in Hades. Maybe you wished to see each nook of a recreation’s expansive open world like in Skyrim.

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For a lot of players, it’s the story that ropes them in. Some players solely play video games for his or her story; they need an interactive narrative that they could be a a part of and be whisked away by. For this listing, now we have prevented the video games which have extra story than gameplay, and as a substitute targeted on these with glorious tales which are additionally mechanically sturdy and well-designed experiences. These are the tales which have gripped us and will not let go.

Up to date Might 27, 2024 by Quinton O’Connor: We won’t consider a cooler medium for storytelling than video video games. Literature’s acquired hundreds of classics and counting; cinema and tv are perennially ripe with lavish potential. Certainly, there are fewer all-time hits in gaming, however the interactive component cannot be understated. We’ll proceed celebrating the business’s most narratively charming titles as they proceed being made, and certainly, video games will catch as much as books finally…

Pentiment

Pentiment Launched November 15, 2022 Style(s) Narrative
The brilliance of Pentiment is how properly it grabs you with a narrative and time interval that you simply would not essentially suppose lends itself properly to gaming. For probably the most half, you play as Andreas, an artist who’s working part-time at a Benedictine monastery as he hones his craft. He resides on this medieval city close by, and you’re taking management of his character simply as a mysterious homicide happens. It is as much as you to uncover who did it by speaking to the assorted townspeople and monks.

This sounds very cut-and-dry, however relaxation assured that Pentiment excels at two issues: one, educating you in a extremely entertaining method about a few of the most mundane issues concerning the Center Ages, and two, creating characters and conditions that you simply care about regardless of the centuries that separate you from their life-style.

The Final Of Us Half 2

The Final of Us Half 2 Launched June 19, 2020 Style(s) Motion , Journey
Say what you’ll concerning the controversial nature of a few of The Final of Us Half 2’s plot factors, you’ll be able to’t deny it tells a gripping story that grapples with the long-lasting penalties of revenge and the way actually self-destructive it may be. Like its predecessor, The Final of Us Half 2 is aware of tips on how to hit you within the feels, and its well realized solid of characters possess essential and shifting views all through the sport’s runtime.

It is also a type of uncommon video video games that presses upon you a hefty quantity of introspection as you come to phrases with how your individual preconceived notions of proper and mistaken could be turned on their heads. We may spend hours speaking about Ellie and Abby’s journeys via a recovering post-apocalyptic world stuffed with Contaminated, nevertheless it’s a narrative that may stand by itself two ft from begin to end.

Baldur’s Gate 3

2023 was a 12 months of gaming to recollect. Resident Evil 4’s remake, Tears of the Kingdom, and Starfield all launched, so it actually says one thing that Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 blew all of these different video games out of the water. With its unimaginable consideration to element, branching storylines depending on player-made selections, and improbable voice appearing, this RPG is a recreation for the ages.

It is uncommon that you will see a title this huge in scope that comprises such a well-crafted narrative regardless of its dimension. So in the event you’re on the lookout for that subsequent huge world to get misplaced in, you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with Baldur’s Gate 3. Severely, the one factor mistaken with the sport is you do not have sufficient time to play extra of it.

Soma

SOMA Launched September 21, 2015 Developer(s) Frictional Video games Writer(s) Frictional Video games
It is often believed that horror video games will go gentle with regards to an attention-grabbing narrative. Intriguing premises are all the craze with regards to horror titles, however it may be uncommon {that a} scary hook follows via with an outstanding narrative. Soma, made by the builders behind Amnesia: The Darkish Descent, is a improbable horror recreation that comes full with some of the philosophical tales in a online game but.

As you make your method via the leaking and creaking hallways of deserted underwater amenities, you will end up questioning what it means to be human and the worth we place upon the idea of “humanity.” It is nearly straightforward to neglect there are shambling, structure-gel-filled monsters lurking across the nook whenever you’re pondering the large questions on life. Nearly.

Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden: West Platforms PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC Developer Guerrilla Video games Writer Sony Interactive Leisure Style Motion RPG
After a narrative as fascinating as the primary recreation and a stunning plot twist that must be skilled, how was a sequel to Aloy’s journey supposed to check? Someway, Horizon Forbidden West retains the plot simply as pressing and provides characters as sturdy as those in Horizon Zero Daybreak.

Higher nonetheless, there was a sense as Aloy went to a different space that she’d be leaving her outdated associates and rivals for brand new ones. Not so! Conversely, the story is hard to comply with for individuals who have not performed the primary recreation owing to how properly the solid is built-in from the primary recreation to the subsequent.

Gone House

Gone House Launched August 15, 2013 Developer(s) Fullbright Writer(s) Fullbright Style(s) Journey
Of all of the “strolling simulator” video games, Gone House would be the least interactive. It is a fast, two-hour journey that does not goal to problem with advanced puzzles or gameplay. Frankly, it does not should, the content material matter is difficult sufficient to maintain us stimulated for the whole time.

It is inconceivable to not really feel one thing for every of the characters and their difficult lives as found by the participant character, Katie. Tales that appear so easy find yourself being immensely deep and players can not help however really feel for the household’s inner struggles.

Her Story

Her Story Launched June 24, 2015 Developer(s) Sam Barlow Writer(s) Sam Barlow Style(s) Puzzle
Gaming toyed with interactive films for some time, solely to go away the components again within the 90s. Or did it? Her Story introduced again the interactive film in a giant method, permitting gamers to behave within the function of an investigator that’s making an attempt to resolve a homicide.

Regardless of the brief size, the sport has a cult following as players excitedly suggest it to their associates. Every playthrough will yield new data and twists within the plot, giving it some replayability that homicide mysteries do not typically yield.

The Wolf Amongst Us

The Wolf Amongst Us Launched October 14, 2013 Style(s) Journey
Typically utilizing established tales can restrict a narrative. Followers typically deal with supply materials as sacred, to not be tampered with. However a daring developer can typically take a traditional story and deal with it like a canvas to the delight and creativeness of players.

The spins positioned on Little Purple Driving Hood and the remainder of the memorable solid finished by Telltale Video games make The Wolf Amongst Us one thing particular. It is a brief recreation with plenty of DLC after gaining a cult following with a narrative that retains characters within the highlight.

Kentucky Route Zero

Kentucky Route Zero Launched January 7, 2013 Developer(s) Cardboard Laptop Style(s) Journey
Kentucky Route Zero was con the fast smash hit that it ought to have been. Releasing 5 acts and a remaining interlude at numerous instances was not a sensible transfer. However as soon as all of the items have been collectively, that is most likely some of the unforgettable tales on this listing, tied collectively by a superb ensemble of absurd but hauntingly plausible characters.

Regardless of some point-and-click gameplay and dialogue “selections,” the result of the sport is mounted. This recreation belongs right here much less as a result of it’s a recreation and extra as a result of it’s artwork. And, on that entrance, it’s extremely properly finished. Impactful and not using a shred of pretentiousness.

What Stays Of Edith Finch

What Stays of Edith Finch Launched April 25, 2017 Developer(s) Large Sparrow Style(s) Journey
For a recreation that takes scarcely over two hours to finish, you will not have the ability to cease speaking about What Stays of Edith Finch, even after years separated from the expertise. Players might be drawn in by the darkish aesthetic and the story a couple of curse that causes members of the family to fulfill early and unlucky ends.

Video games {that a} usually “darkish” and “unhappy” are a dime a dozen, nevertheless it’s the refreshing and surprising message on the finish that makes the narrative work right here. Nobody has the facility to stave off dying perpetually. That is the curse of humanity and it is that very curse of momentary nature that exactly makes the try to dwell all of the extra fantastic.

Portal 2

Portal 2 Launched April 18, 2011 Style(s) Puzzle , Platformer
Predicting {that a} sequel to the outstanding Portal may dwell as much as the expectations would have been a dangerous wager. But what followers acquired was a recreation that amplified the puzzles and logic of the primary recreation and wrapped it up in a hilarious and fascinating story.

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Portal 2 took the daring step of introducing new protagonists and antagonists and it paid off in spades. The important thing to this success was by no means shedding sight of Chell or GLaDOS for the primary recreation. The story revealed in Portal 2 is a must-play expertise for anybody calling themselves a gamer.

Firewatch

Firewatch Launched February 9, 2016 Developer(s) Campo Santo Writer(s) Campo Santo , Panic Style(s) Journey
Followers are sharply divided over whether or not or not Firewatch is an effective recreation. It is extremely brief, restricted in motion, and devoid of screen-rattling moments. However no person disagrees that the panorama is gorgeous and the story is likely one of the ages. For players who love strolling simulators, it is a traditional.

The exposition happens over walkie-talkies, utilizing a dialogue between Henry and Delilah that’s each relatable and revealing. The fluid method they transition from humor to heavy topics had the world past the gaming group realizing that gaming can inform a narrative in addition to any guide.

Spiritfarer

Spiritfarer Launched August 18, 2020 Developer(s) Thunder Lotus Video games , Kowloon Nights , Canada Media Fund Writer(s) Thunder Lotus Video games Style(s) Platformer , Indie Video games , Simulation
Spiritfarer is a fascinating recreation that’s good for novice to intermediate players. With administration and platforming components, it is inconceivable to not be charmed by this cute artwork that options major character Stella and her cat Daffodil fixing the issues of lovely animals struggling to make sense of their life as they journey to the opposite aspect.

However the recreation is way over trying and dying with a joyful lens. Lots of the creatures are symbols of individuals we all know in life that hit too near dwelling. We are able to by no means totally perceive another person’s struggles and successes with out strolling of their sneakers. Stella learns to stroll of their sneakers and, in doing so, realizes that she nonetheless has one other journey to make in her personal sneakers.

Half-Life 2

Half-Life 2 Launched November 16, 2004 Style(s) Shooter
The idea of Half-Life seems moderately mundane, at the least, so far as gaming goes. After a catastrophic occasion unleashes otherworldly hostiles, protagonist Gordon Freeman makes use of weapons and puzzle-solving brilliance to outlive. But when that have been the extent of the story, it will by no means have obtained the participant base that it did.

Half-Life 2 explores all features of those occasions, the civilians within the space, Black Mesa, the army, the police, the scientists, and the enigmatic G-Man to point out that this world is advanced, terrifying, stunning, and value combating for.

Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium Launched October 15, 2019 Developer(s) ZA/UM Writer(s) ZA/UM
Story-driven video games can fall into the entice of retelling a fairy story. The hero is a knight in shining armor and the villain is a demon straight out of hell. Disco Elysium wins by exploring the gray areas of the world. Harry is a mixture of good and dangerous and it’s as much as the participant to resolve which of these he gravitates towards.

The world round Harry is simply as advanced because the detective himself. Motivations aren’t singular or clear. Players will come throughout villains that they sympathize with as a substitute of monsters cackling from the shadows. The aspect characters are all sensible and none of them are completely good or dangerous.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s Finish

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s Finish Launched Might 10, 2016 Style(s) Third-Individual Shooter , Journey
Naughty Canine has come an awfully good distance for the reason that days of Crash Bandicoot. Its video games have at all times been good, however via the Uncharted collection, the developer helped to pioneer a motion that led to the rise in recognition of narrative-driven video video games. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s Finish will not be solely a cinematic masterpiece, but additionally serves as a becoming finish to one in all gaming’s perfect heroes.

Every of Nathan Drake’s 4 improbable outings options fantastic storytelling, nevertheless it’s his final that actually highlights his private development whereas additionally offering a bit extra perception into his previous and his relationships with these closest to him. Drake should contend together with his previous as a mass assassin and reconcile it with non-lethal choices he may need had whereas nonetheless forgiving himself.

Life Is Unusual 2

Life is Unusual 2 Launched September 27, 2018 Developer(s) Dontnod Leisure Style(s) Journey
The episodic recreation of Life Is Unusual 2 won’t be crammed to the brim with motion, nevertheless it’s an unimaginable murals and storytelling nonetheless. The sport focuses on the alternatives the participant makes, which can finally decide the result on the finish.

Associated 13 Combating Video games With Nice Tales Combating video games aren’t usually recognized for his or her tales. However these ones inform compelling tales.
After a misunderstanding with the police and a wierd explosion, two brothers Daniel and Sean are pressured to flee as fugitives. Throughout their hunt, Daniel discovers that he has a particular skill: he can use the facility of his thoughts to maneuver objects. Puzzle-solving and dialogue selections apart, the characters alone and their touching bond are what make this recreation so good story-wise.

Closing Fantasy 9

Closing Fantasy creator and authentic director Hironobu Sakaguchi was as soon as quoted as saying that he’d moderately inform a great story than make a fantastic motion recreation, and there’s no higher story within the collection than that of Closing Fantasy 9. The place the sport succeeds is in its characters’ private tales and relationships.

Each member of your celebration is an enthralling, endearing individual with a narrative value figuring out intimately. The sport’s total plot won’t be authentic, however the coronary heart that was poured into its characters and their relationships is second to none. You’ll play via this recreation 20 extra instances simply to benefit from the journey you’re taking with this excellent solid of characters.

God Of Battle Ragnarok

God of Battle: Ragnarok Launched November 9, 2022 Style(s) Motion , Journey
The danger of being a sequel to an ever-popular recreation is letting the fan base down. The danger of this was all of the higher when even the title God Of Battle Ragnarok was talked about; the idea of Ragnarok, an unavoidable dying of the recognized pantheon, has been overplayed and butchered throughout a number of gaming and leisure mediums.

It seems that introducing a brand new well-designed solid of characters and displaying their admirable struggle towards destiny was precisely what the franchise wanted. The story reaches depressing lows and hovering highs that may make players each cry and have a good time as they full the journey.

To The Moon

To the Moon Launched November 1, 2011 Developer(s) Freebird Video games Writer(s) Freebird Video games
Even by at present’s requirements, To the Moon is a comparatively brief recreation, nevertheless it greater than makes up for this with its improbable story. You may be positioned within the sneakers of a pair of medical doctors as they journey via the reminiscences of one in all their dying sufferers to meet his remaining request. It is stuffed with touching moments and is a must-play for followers of narrative-driven titles.

The sport was constructed utilizing RPG maker and options an artwork fashion paying homage to a few of the greatest role-playing video games of the nineties. Granted, the gameplay does go away slightly to be desired, however the story is expertly written and is completely complemented by Kan R. Gao’s hauntingly stunning soundtrack. Cellular RPG lovers will adore this title.