Games With the Best Storylines

There are many reasons why someone might enjoy video games. There’s the challenge, of course, and the thrill of beating and trash-talking your friends. Some people play because they like puzzles and solving problems, and others play because they like to simulate their favorite sport. 

One aspect of games that can provide a truly immersive experience for gamers is the story. While for many games, the story is an afterthought and is only there to propel the game forward, there are games now that have more thoughtful stories. These games flesh out the motivations and development of each character, including the supporting ones. During the game, you may have to make choices in unique situations that take the narrative in fun and interesting directions. Here are some of the best story-driven games out there. 

Exoprimal

Exoprimal is one of the newest Capcom video games. It features massive hordes of dinosaurs and mutated prehistoric creatures, which you must fight against. The main opponents are T-rex, Triceratops, massive hordes of raptors, and mutated prehistoric creatures named “NeoSaurs”. In Exoprimal, the player assumes control of an Exofighter, who must complete a series of challenges set by a sinister AI named Leviathan. The game features multiple exosuit armors, each having its own set of weapons and abilities. 

God of War Ragnarok

Ragnarok is a sequel to the wildly popular God of War, and unlike many movies, the developers were able to improve while expanding the story. Ragnarok is a well-known concept as it represents the end of god and men. What this game does is introduce new characters as they try to prevent their fate. Through it all, they will go through the worst situations and come out victorious. It’s an emotional roller coaster for the player, but one that has a satisfying conclusion if they’re successful. 

Detroit: Become Human

The narrative in Detroit: Become Human could have been taken directly from the pages of an Isaac Asimov novel or short story. The plot revolves around three androids. Over time, they get more and more human. While pulling away from the life of servitude, we experience how they evolve and grow as people. What is unique about the story is that your choices while playing the game have consequences. Even if you lead one of the central characters to their death, you will then have to deal with the fallout through other characters. This keeps things fresh and exciting and opens up a variety of directions the narrative can take. 

Batman: Arkham Knight

This is another sequel that builds upon the original and expands the story in interesting and exciting ways. As you go through the game, it actually makes you wonder if you are really the good guy, and whether you might be going crazy. It explores and develops the relationship between Batman and the Joker, and takes their intense rivalry to new places. Along the way, you’ll meet side characters that all have an impact on the stoic Dark Knight. It’s a remarkable trick, but Arkham Knight pulls it off flawlessly. 

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

The Metal Gear games have always had solid stories. Even the very first one had a surprise twist at the end that made the game even better. However, the Metal Gear Solid series takes the plot to another level, and the third installment is the best of a great series. It features a blood rivalry that may never be matched. It has cold war paranoia, stealth, and enough action to keep things exciting. This is a prequel to other games in the series, but it builds and fills out relationships of certain characters, and sets up the following games in the series beautifully.

The Last Of Us

When games make the jump to TV or movie screens, they often need a lot of changes. That’s because games don’t generally get within a script format. However, The Last Of Us TV show didn’t change much at all. Perhaps that’s why it is considered the gold standard for video game adaptations. The story of the games involves a smuggler who is tortured by the death of his 20 at the outset of a plague that wipes out much of humanity. In exchange for much-needed supplies, Joel agrees to transport young Ellie across the country safely. While there are monsters and evil humans along the way, the real draw is the story about this man who considers the kid to be “cargo,” but over time a real bond forms between them. 

Heavy Rain

Released in 2010, Heavy Rain was a bit ahead of its time. It’s a mystery game, centered on the Origami Killer, who seems to strike when there is hard rainfall. You can be any one of four characters, and your goal is to recreate the crimes and solve the mystery. What’s still fresh and innovative about the narrative of Heavy Rain is the use of flashbacks. Each character has their own flashbacks that give you important insight into the killer’s identity. This is not a game where you will figure out the killer as long as you go all the way through. Focus groups held at the time showed that nobody solved it before it was revealed in the game. Give it a shot, and see if you might be up to the challenge. 

Part of what makes video games so engaging is that there are so many varieties. While they don’t need it, a good story can take a game from good to great. It adds to the depth and layers of the characters and makes for a more engaging and immersive experience.