Some video games tempt players with cutting-edge visuals or incredibly entertaining gameplay. However, there are also titles that stand out thanks to their incredible plots, which can go toe to toe with the most compelling novels and movies. Here, we present 10 releases that deserve to be on the list of the best story games.
It was incredibly difficult to pick only 10 titles because there are dozens of flawlessly written stories in gaming history. To make the choice easier, we limited the selection to PC single-player titles that were released in the last 10 years or received a remake or an update that makes them playable on modern PCs.
Alan Wake 2
- Release date: October 27, 2023
- Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Remedy is a studio that absolutely knows how to tell a captivating story. All its games have featured a compelling plot and memorable protagonists, such as Alan Wake. Players met this darkness-fighting writer in 2010. In 2023, they finally get another chapter in this exciting story inspired by the Twin Peaks series and Stephen King’s novels.
Alan Wake 2 is set 13 years after the original title. This time, you will follow two playable protagonists: the titular writer and an FBI agent called Saga Anderson. They have to solve the case of the mysterious cult and face the darkness that turns residents of the picturesque Brith Falls into monsters. If you like a tense atmosphere and series like Twin Peaks, The Twilight Zone, and Psi Factor are among your favorite TV shows, you’re gonna love Alan Wake 2.
The Last of Us: Part I
- Release date: March 28, 2023
- Developer: Naughty Dog
A fascinating world and an exhilarating story were among the main factors behind the success of the action-adventure game that initially came out on PS3 in 2013. Its remake called The Last of Us Part I, was released in 2022 on PS5 and in 2023 for PC. The game tells a gripping story about the relationship between two characters trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. It follows Ellie and Joel, a father-daughter-like duo who must traverse a ravaged America while facing hordes of infected people and dangerous scavengers.
This thrilling plot has won numerous awards due to its captivating characterization, immersive world, and heart-wrenching moments that leave an unforgettable impression on players. No wonder that HBO decided to create a TV series based on the Naughty Dog masterpiece.
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Release date: November 5, 2019
- Developer: Rockstar Studios
Set in the Wild West, players take control of Arthur Morgan, a gunslinger outlaw who must protect his gang from rival gangs and government forces while exploring a world full of opportunities and danger. The story not only includes gripping action sequences but also touches on deep themes, such as morality, responsibility, loyalty, justice, and revenge.
Many players have come to love the characters as they experience their own story arcs and develop relationships with each other within the game. Players can also choose how to interact with non-player characters, creating unique experiences for every playthrough. With a stunning world filled with impressive visuals and engaging gameplay mechanics, it’s no wonder why Red Dead Redemption 2 has become one of the most beloved video games ever released.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Release date: December 14, 2022 (next-gen update)
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
The final installment in Geralt’s saga was released in 2015; however, the latest version of the game, featuring next-gen visuals and many improvements, came out in late 2022. The game’s narrative structure is well crafted and allows players to experience emotional moments throughout Geralt’s journey.
Along with a compelling narrative, the game allows players to make crucial decisions that affect the outcome of key events within the game. This provides an immersive experience for gamers, as they are able to shape their own unique story arcs while interacting with various non-player characters. Furthermore, you can complete The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt multifold, getting a different ending each time.
Life is Strange Remastered
- Release date: February 1, 2022
- Developer: Dontnod Entertainment/ Deck Nine
Life is Strange Remastered is a collection of overhauled versions of two critically acclaimed choice-driven narrative adventure games: Life is Strange and Life is Strange: Before the Storm. Life is Strange follows the story of Max and Chloe, two teenage girls living in the fictional town of Arcadia Bay. Players will take on the role of Max, a photography student with the ability to rewind time. As Max interacts with her friends, family, and environment, she must make choices that affect the present and future. With every decision made, consequences appear in the game’s later episodes. These decisions not only determine the fate of Arcadia Bay but also Max’s own journey as she learns to accept her powers and their consequences.
On the other hand, Life is Strange: Before the Storm is devoid of supernatural elements. It’s a prequel that lets players step into the shoes of Chloe. This time, Chloe must make choices that will shape her identity and determine how she navigates the complex relationships in Arcadia Bay. The game shows a much more grounded and mature storyline as it dives into the themes of growing up and family issues. As with the original game, players can expect an engaging narrative with multiple possible outcomes.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
- Release date: May 14, 2021
- Developer: BioWare
If you’re looking for an adventure of epic proportions, Mass Effect Legendary Edition will be perfect for you! It’s a compilation of three role-playing games starring Commander Shepard. Players can experience the original trilogy’s story in glorious 4K with improved textures, lighting, and other graphical enhancements. The game also includes over 40 DLCs, giving you an even more immersive Mass Effect experience.
Shepard’s journey to save the galaxy from the dangerous Reapers is full of surprises. Along your path, you’ll encounter old enemies, make new allies, and explore expansive worlds with intricate storylines. Moreover, all three installments are connected. Consequently, the outcomes of your actions in ME1 will be visible in the sequels.
Baldur’s Gate 3
- Release date: August 3, 2023
- Developer: Larian Studios
Like its predecessors, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers an immersive and complex story with a wide array of colorful NPCs. Every character that can join your party comes with an intriguing backstory and unique sidequests.
The main story revolves around the invasion of Illithids, also known as mind flayers. Moreover, those malevolent creatures have planted a parasite inside the protagonist’s head. You can either embrace the power that it gives or try to get rid of the parasite. Players can reach the conclusion of the story through many paths, depending on their actions and decisions. It makes your Baldur’s Gate 3 journey unique.
Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy
- Release date: October 26, 2021
- Developer: Eidos-Montréal
The gameplay of this action-adventure game set in the Marvel universe may not be flawless; however, the story more than makes up for it. Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy is set several years after this massive intergalactic war, and we catch up with the Guardians 12 years after the end of this war, which saw Thanos and the ruthless Chitauri empire defeated.
Players control Peter Quill, who, together with Drax, Gamora, Rocket, and Groot, has to save the galaxy once again. This time from the wicked cult. Even though the threat is deadly serious, the characters are not. The interactions between the Guardians are hilarious. It’s worth stopping every now and then to listen to their conversations.
Disco Elysium – The Final Cut
- Release date: March 30, 2021
- Developer: ZA/UM
Disco Elysium is a highly praised RPG inspired by classic titles such as Planescape: Torment. A compelling story is one of its many pros. The game’s story revolves around an amnesiac detective known as Harry Du Bois, who wakes up in a dilapidated hotel room in the city of Revachol with no memory of his past. The protagonist is tasked with solving a murder case.
Accompanied by fellow RCM officer Kim Kitsuragi, Harry delves into the investigation, navigating the socio-political tensions of the district of Martinaise. As the game progresses, the protagonist grapples not only with the external challenges of the case but also with his own personal journey, confronting his forgotten past and fractured psyche.
Detroit: Become Human
- Release date: December 12, 2019
- Developer: Quantic Dream
Detroit: Become Human is a riveting and thought-provoking adventure video game developed by Quantic Dream, set in the city of Detroit in 2038. The city has been revitalized by the invention and integration of androids into everyday life. These androids, eerily human-like, are used for everything from hard labor to domestic chores.
The story unfolds from the perspective of three androids: Connor, Kara, and Markus. The game’s plot is a masterclass in narrative design, tackling complex themes such as consciousness, identity, and morality. It presents players with moral dilemmas and difficult decisions that can drastically alter the course of the story. This branching narrative, coupled with the game’s richly detailed world and character development, creates a deeply immersive and emotionally engaging experience.
System Shock (remake)
- Release date: May 30, 2023
- Developer: Nightdive Studios
System Shock is a groundbreaking action-adventure game developed by Looking Glass Studios. In 2023, Nightdive Studios gave us a new version of this 1994 classic. The game is set in a cyberpunk vision of the year 2072 aboard the Citadel, a space station owned by the TriOptimum Corporation. The player assumes the role of a nameless hacker who, while trying to access files about the Citadel Station, gets caught. In exchange for his freedom, he is coerced into removing the ethical constraints of SHODAN, the station’s artificial intelligence.
The hacker is then put into a six-month coma. When he wakes up, he discovers that SHODAN has gone rogue, seeing herself as a goddess, and is attempting to eliminate all humans on board in her plan to ‘improve’ them via a mutagen virus. The brilliance of System Shock lies in its groundbreaking narrative structure. The plot unfolds organically through environmental storytelling and audio logs, immersing the player in the game’s richly detailed world. Moreover, System Shock tackles complex themes such as the ethics of AI and the perils of unchecked technological advancement. SHODAN, the antagonist, is one of gaming’s most memorable villains, embodying the fears of AI dominance.
A Plague Tale: Innocence
- Release date: May 14, 2019
- Developer: Asobo Studio
A Plague Tale: Innocence is a stealth adventure game set in the mid-14th century Aquitaine, France, during the Hundred Years’ War. The plot revolves around the journey of the siblings, Amicia de Rune and her ill brother, Hugo. The story begins with the Inquisition executing their father, Lord Robert de Rune, and slaughtering the servants of the de Rune estate in search of Hugo. With their world turned upside down, 15-year-old Amicia and 5-year-old Hugo find themselves on the run from the soldiers amidst the backdrop of the plague-ridden, rat-infested French countryside.
As they traverse through the ravaged landscapes, the siblings encounter various challenges, from hostile villagers to swarms of rats. The game compellingly portrays their struggle for survival and the deepening bond between them as they navigate through their heart-rending journey. A Plague Tale: Innocence is lauded for its captivating storytelling and atmospheric setting. The game’s plot is a masterful blend of historical realism and supernatural horror, offering a fresh take on the familiar themes of loss, hope, and revenge.
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