TheRPG (role-playing game)genre is synonymous with story depth. An RPG typically lets you influence the story through in-game decisions. Story-based games from other genres, however, place the player as the observer in the story. You don’t impact the plot, aside from a few genre exceptions like episodic graphic adventure games.
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Whether you maintain control over a story or not, it’s hard not to fall in love with these games. With a narrativefilled with twists,even an action-adventure game can have a compelling story. If you’re looking for a story-based game that’s out of the ordinary, here are some great picks.
InRed Dead Redemption 2,players play as a grizzled veteran gunslinger who joins the Van der Linde gang. Arthur Morgan, the protagonist ofRed Dead Redemption 2, is realizing the time of outlaws is coming to an end, which is why he joins heists to make enough money for retirement. The fascinating characters you meet inRed Dead Redemption 2make the game a masterpiece. Each mission is a unique experience, which is hard to find in games today.
9Life Is Strange
The originalLife Is Strangecontained a gripping story from start to finish. Games likeLife Is Strange: Before the StormandLife Is Strange 2didn’t quite measure up to the original story-wise, although they are worth playing.
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The originalLife Is Strangecontains a story involving time travel, relationships, and detective work. Max Caulfield is searching for missing student Rachel Amber while working with friend Chloe Price.The fate of Arcadia Bay is at stake—as well as Max’s friends.
8The Last Of Us
Games likeThe Last Of Usset new heights for story-based games. Following Ellie and Joel’s adventures in a post-apocalyptic world run by the infected,The Last of Usdeserves placement among the greatest non-RPG story-based games of all time. The twists and sharp turns make the story arguably more exciting than its sequel. An argument could be made for whichThe Last of Usis superior, yet you may’t go wrong with either.
7What Remains Of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Fincha single-player adventure game that centers around protagonist Edith. The Finch family is affected by a curse that causes everyone in her family but one member to die in peculiar circumstances. This is a game thatencourages exploration in the first-person view.Once Edith returns from the state of Washington, she investigates the house to learn about her family’s tragic deaths. With a compelling narrative,What Remains of Edith Finchis a must-play!
6Uncharted Series
You really can’t go wrong with any of theUnchartedgames, if you want a story-intensive game. If you’re looking for something more recent,Uncharted 4: A Thief’s Endis a great game for casuals. This is an action-adventure series renowned for its storytelling. To play the games chronologically, start with the firstUncharted,Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, as part of theUncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection.
5BioShock Series
The story is becoming more and more convoluted with each new entry in theBioShockseries. According topcgamer.com,“After a year or so of rumors, 2K has finally come out to acknowledge thatBioShock 4is in development.” Another sequel could have tremendous implications for the overarching story’s direction.
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With a story involving time travel and alternate dimensions,BioShock Infinitewas the most puzzling.Hopefully,BioShock 4aims to clear the confusion surrounding the story.
4The Wolf Among Us
If you’ve always wanted to play an episodic adventure or Telltale game, thenThe Wolf AmongUsis an excellent place to start. It’s a game with a cult following and a sequel on the way. As protagonist Bigby Wolf, you must solve a murder mystery that takes place in a magical land, Fabletown. You’ll encounterfairy tale characters like Snow White,Ichabod Crane, and the Magic Mirror. Already a successful comic book series is becoming a widely popular graphic adventure game series.
The Walking Dead(season one) kicked off the Telltale game series. It contains memorable characters like Lee Everett, Clementine, as well as other reappearing characters like Kenny. This game won the Game of the Year award at 2012’s Spike Video Game Awards. The tension escalates as you progress through the game, with a rapid downfall after the climax.The Walking Dead(season one) should be the first Telltale or graphic adventure game you play.It’s a gateway into a new genre of games.
2The Last Of Us Part II
There is a wide margin for error in a story-intensive sequel likeThe Last of Us Part II.This is undoubtedly one of the most divisive games released on PlayStation 4. While some found the story gripping, others would criticize the game for the story’s direction.The Last of Us Part IIis not an RPG, but itfocuses on the narrative.A compelling narrative is what makes it stand out. Told from Ellie’s and Abbie’s perspectives, this is one game not to be missed.
1God Of War (2018)
The series was initially based on Greek mythology, but figures are now drawn from Norse mythology.God of War (2018)stood out as the Game of the Year at The Game Awards during its release year.
The gamefollows Kratosand his young son Atreus. In the realm of Midgard, Kratos sets out to disperse his late wife’s ashes on the highest peak of the nine realms. This story has depth like few other games.God of War: Ragnarokisscheduled to release in 2021 for PlayStation 5.
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