Best story games you have ever played

There are countless to choose from, for me (especially since it stretches back to the 90s). My top 5:

  1. RDR2 - The best grounded video game story ever told (for me, personally). No two ways about it
  2. GoW 2018 - Seeing Kratos' dynamic shift from a mindless slaughtermaster to a badass wise man was a treat for the ages
  3. Witcher 3 (and DLCs) - Need I say more?
  4. SOMA - you have to play it to truly appreciate what a masterpiece this game really is
  5. The OG Syberia - Those who know, know
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: imad7x
agentmilo said:
SOMA, without a doubt. I played it years ago but still think of it from time to time. Unnerving and terrifying concept that feels truly real- and the developers properly used the medium of video games to drive multiple gut punches; no other medium could've driven this story like this. It's not just a game that has routine gameplay followed by cutscenes to drive forward a story.

It doesn't have much in terms of traditional gameplay, but the act of playing it itself has connections to the narrative, which makes sense in the absolute end.
Click to expand...
I have played several story based games listed here, but most don’t stay with you after you finish, SOMA did.

The OG Deus Ex was the first immersive sim I played as it was released and the conspiracy theory based stories along with the twists were memorable.

Also, remember To the Moon strike a chord as well.
 
Last edited:
  • Love
Reactions: agentmilo
The Watch Dogs series has some great storylines that really pull you in. I enjoyed how each game had its own vibe, with solid characters and a cool take on hacking. The gameplay dynamics make it both fun and unique — definitely worth checking out for the story alone.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ninjenstein
PunkX 75 said:
  1. RDR2 - The best grounded video game story ever told (for me, personally). No two ways about it
  2. GoW 2018 - Seeing Kratos' dynamic shift from a mindless slaughtermaster to a badass wise man was a treat for the ages
  3. Witcher 3 (and DLCs) - Need I say more?
  4. SOMA - you have to play it to truly appreciate what a masterpiece this game really is
  5. The OG Syberia - Those who know, know
Click to expand...
I agreed with you on top 3 so now I've got to try your #4 and #5
 
Finished playing the Uncharted series, lastly played it maybe 5-6 years ago on my PS3, now on the PS5. Loved it, though 1 was a bit poor IMO (it hasn't aged well.)

Red Dead Redemption 2 - What a game. The emotional storytelling of this... This game is the reason why I am so hyped for GTA 6.
Detroit Become Human - Incredible story telling for sure. Absolutely loved it.
GoW 2018 - Played it maybe 2 years ago now. It was my introduction to the entire God of War lore. Seriously good and couldn't keep my controller down.
GTA 4 - Played on the PS3, maybe a year ago now. I loved the dark and serious, gritty nature of the game.
Cyberpunk 2077 - Played before and after the Phantom Liberty update. Phantom Liberty was easily the best part of the game, and the final mission. Just wish it came out with more DLCs.
Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Trilogy - Currently playing the game on my tablet, loved the first installment, Episode 4, I believe. The twists and turns were so good man.

Looking forward to reading more great story game suggestions from y'all! :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: ninjenstein and Adwaith
Swaroop M said:
Yeah i agree
Part 2 is messed up
Click to expand...
I played TLOU part 2 and honestly speaking its not as bad as people make it be. Yes a major character died, yes it felt like we were let down by it because of the way it happened felt unnatural and ruined all that character development of part 1. But the game is based on an apocalyptic world and the character in question was not all innocent. The difference is his actions caught up to him in the latter half of a story. People's reaction would have been different if the character had died in the first game. There are times where some decisions felt weird and out of character but my main issue with the game is actually not story related but progression, If you advance too quickly the area behind closes and you can't go back (its a story game so duh).

My favorites has to be RDR2, Witcher 3, Silent hill, Both TLOU (and the DLC "left behind"), The walking dead (telltale), Nier Automata, portal (1&2) and last but not least dark souls series (all 3). Dark souls isn't exactly a story game but the lore you pick up is insanely good. There are hints everywhere if you care to look for it. There are indepth lore videos by a youtuber called VaatiVidya. If you have played dark souls then you know him.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: ninjenstein
YeAhx said:
I played TLOU part 2 and honestly speaking its not as bad as people make it be. Yes a major character died, yes it felt like we were let down by it because of the way it happened felt unnatural and ruined all that character development of part 1. But the game is based on an apocalyptic world and the character is question was not all innocent. The difference is his actions caught up to him in the latter half of a story. People's reaction would have been different if the character had died in the first game. There are times where some decisions felt weird and out of character but my main issue with the game is actually not story related but progression, If you advance too quickly the area behind closes and you can't go back (its a story game so duh).

My favorites has to be RDR2, Witcher 3, Silent hill, Both TLOU (and the DLC "left behind"), The walking dead (telltale), Nier Automata, portal (1&2) and last but not least dark souls series (all 3). Dark souls isn't exactly a story game but the lore you pick up is insanely good. There are hints everywhere if you care to look for it. There are indepth lore videos by a youtuber called VaatiVidya. If you have played dark souls then you know him.
Click to expand...
Nah bro
It is like trying to tell a story but it makes you feel like you have no choice.
But for me the biggest issue was building up Abby as a villain and then trying to make her sympathetic. They tried WAYYYY too hard and making it a plot twist Joel killed her dad doesn’t work. I feel if they told the story chronologically with a back and forth between the two it would work better. Building up a villain just to say “oh they’re not a villain” in the same media doesn’t really work.
 
These come to mind on a brief pondering...

Most recent game I was awestruck by its narration and story was Gorogoa though.
TheNawab said:
I just completed Gorogoa (2017).
I genuinely have no words to describe the experience. You need to play it to understand it. Please don't watch any videos or read anything about it if you are intrigued to play it, as it's extremely short, and knowing anything beforehand will definitely ruin the experience. It's an amazing game. About 3 hours in total at a cozy pace.

Steam | Play Store | GOG | Apple Store
Click to expand...

71wbMK6EHWL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg81WiTYPbswL.jpg633b65b7c2776f6b60423e65-activision-call-of-duty-modern-warfare.jpgiuzmweambnf71.webpMV5BOThhY2NiZTktZjViZS00MDI1LThmMmMtODgxZTc5NmE5MjcxXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpgb6d225ca52e081bacedb572b77901395.jpeg
 
  • Love
  • Like
Reactions: FXGalvatron, YeAhx, Adwaith and 2 others
To the Moon - I cried

Life is Strange - I cried again? Lol (Haven't played LiS 2, but Before the Storm was nice as well, albeit not as good as LiS 1)

Night in the Woods - Disappointing ending from what I remember, but I loved the game and would recommend it

Firewatch - Disappointing ending as well, but once again, loved the game as a whole and would recommend it

Portal 1/2 - Mostly a puzzle platformer, but the story was so much fun

Outer Wilds

Time Splitters: Future Perfect - Played this waaaay back, but I remember the story being pretty good

Hades - Although the story to gameplay ratio is not what you might want
 
  • Like
Reactions: agentmilo
"What remains of Edith Finch" - short, beautiful,bittersweet game
Not the best graphics wise, but one of the best gaming experience I had. compared to most AAA titles listed here
 
Last edited:
  • Love
Reactions: ninjenstein
Swaroop M said:
Nah bro
It is like trying to tell a story but it makes you feel like you have no choice.
But for me the biggest issue was building up Abby as a villain and then trying to make her sympathetic. They tried WAYYYY too hard and making it a plot twist Joel killed her dad doesn’t work. I feel if they told the story chronologically with a back and forth between the two it would work better. Building up a villain just to say “oh they’re not a villain” in the same media doesn’t really work.
Click to expand...
Ellie is villain in the same sense then. She chased Abby till the end when she had a happy life. She also chose to chase Abby instead of saving joel's brother first. You are right about the story having no choice though. They really missed the mark with making story very linear. If we had a choice to save joel or his brother or something else like a "save one and one die" kinda choice would have been sick.
 
Top Bottom