The 50 Best Games With An Amazing Story

Red Dead Redemption 1 & 2

If you've played them, you expected them on this list. Although GTA doesn't have a bad story per se, no Rockstar title has made us feel as much for its protagonists as Red Dead Redemption, both the first game and its prequel. The journey of Arthur Morgan and John Marston, from being simple bandits in the old west to changing their attitude towards life in a wild world where violence is the order of the day, is all part of a path of internal redemption that feels natural and well-earned. What's the plan, Dutch? Play these games if you haven't already! | © Rockstar

The Last of Us Saga

Naughty Dog games tend to be very cinematic, and in fact, you'll notice there are enough cutscenes in this company to make several movies and series. Of course, we have to highlight above all the saga of The Last of Us, particularly the first game, where Ellie and Joel's story unfolds in such emotional moments that it's no wonder HBO decided to make a TV series, and even less surprising that it has been so successful. | © Naughty Dog

God of War

If we think about the first installments of the game, it's strange to put this hack-and-slash on the list, but since the version simply titled "God of War" from 2018 and its sequel "Ragnarök," things have changed for Kratos. He is no longer a crazed, bloodthirsty Spartan but a man tired of divinity and the path of violence he has left behind, and who just wants to be a good father and not make the same mistakes of the past. This arc that Kratos goes through, while it may derail the initial concept of the character for some, I believe brings a natural and bittersweet closure to such an iconic character. | © Santa Monica

Death Stranding

Kojima is known for his complex narratives, and this won't be the last time you'll see him on this list. Although it may be difficult to understand at first, the world of Death Stranding is richer than it seems. Not only do Norman Reedus and Mads Mikkelsen's performances perfectly bring us characters who are broken inside in a world that externalizes their inner feelings, but amidst the many routes and escapes from dark creatures, there lies a deeper story that deserves to be experienced. | © Kojima Productions

Ghost Of Tsushima

I had my reservations about adding Ghost of Tsushima, partly because in many ways, it's the classic open-world exploration game that reminds us of the somewhat absurd plots of Assassin's Creed. But the good twist is that GoT forgot all that science fiction whose concept was more interesting than its execution, and instead focused on where the honor and duty of a samurai lie, and whether it is really necessary to lose ourselves in defense of the land and the people we love... even if, to do so, we have to become what we swore to destroy. | © Sucker Punch Productions

Alan Wake

What makes Alan Wake great and sets it apart from other survival horror games is the presentation of its story. You are not a cop, detective, or super soldier, but a simple writer trying to find his missing wife, with the only clue being an entire novel he doesn't remember writing. If it were a TV series plot, I would already be intrigued, and in fact, the game is presented like a TV show. Although the first installment is a bit old, and it's the second one that has garnered all the awards and applause, it's worth starting from the beginning. | © Remedy Entertainment

Shenmue

I am the first to admit that the gameplay of Shenmue is terrible (and let's try to imagine the third game doesn't exist). No one should ever have to suffer through movement based on tank controls! But if you can connect with your zen side and persevere to the end of this story, where you face a criminal organization to avenge your father, you'll discover memorable characters that will stay with you forever, and many small details that SEGA itself has added in the background. Just remember: Father Heaven, Nine Dragons, Mothers Earth, Comrade, Warehouse number 8... | © SEGA

Sleeping Dogs

And speaking of yakuzas, Sleeping Dogs tells the story of a police infiltrator who seeks to destroy a Japanese criminal organization from within, but with the classic twist that the deeper he goes, the more it seems he enjoys the life he leads, resolving conflicts with such violence that it should not befit law enforcement. Of course, it is a love letter to the Tokyo action police cinema scene, and one that will present us with the true path of martial arts, and whether we should use fists as weapons to defend ourselves, or to cause harm... | © Square Enix

Final Fantasy

Ah, Final Fantasy. I don't think I need to talk much about the legendary franchise, and although it has a large number of titles, some better than others, it is the central world. In particular, I would recommend Final Fantasy VII, which mixes the story of environmentalist mercenaries against megacorporations seeking to extract the world's energy. But what will captivate you are, of course, its iconic characters, and some heartbreaking moments that marked the childhood of more than one person. | © Square Enix

Mass Effect

Since we are talking about legendary franchises, of course we have to go with Mass Effect. Although the ending of the third installment went against the company's philosophy of letting your decisions affect the world (no, a single ending with 3 different colors doesn't count), the universe presented to us with its first installment gave us a taste of a genre mix, between space fantasy and science fiction, creating scenarios that test your morals. | © Bioware

The Witcher

A good sign that you'll have a great story is when the game is based on novels, and The Witcher is perfect for telling a single-player story. While the character of Geralt might be a bit straightforward, the complexity is added by you, the player, by making decisions and deciding who lives and who dies. After all, in this world, not everything is black and white, and more than once, the true monsters are not the beasts and fantastical creatures, but the humans themselves. | © CD PROJEKT RED

Dragon Age

Another great game from Bioware, with the same narrative quality as Mass Effect, but now set in a medieval fantasy world. Dragon Age always puts us at the forefront of a group of heroes, each with their own stories, relationships, and complex pasts—some of which you will be able to resolve satisfactorily, and others where you can do nothing more than offer a shoulder to cry on. Although the central story is nothing more than your classic "we must stop the end of the world by defeating the powerful villain," this simple plot line has allowed them to create a ton of side quests and alternate plots that are more entertaining than the main one, and where you will surely find one you can identify with. | © Bioware

Fallout

Another game with a successful TV series? Of course! And although there are better Fallout installments than others (try 1, 2, or New Vegas), they all have something to offer from a narrative perspective. The post-apocalyptic world suffers from all kinds of scarcity, violence, and radiation, so the remnants and semblances of order are willing to commit atrocities to survive. How much do you agree with them? But if you prefer to focus on the underground, take a look at all the vaults in the game, because the social experiments are the flesh and bones of the game. In particular, I love the story of Vault 11, which has clearly taken inspiration from Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery." | © Bethesda

Persona

A long franchise of great titles, to be sure, but particularly Persona 5 has managed to combine that social element with science fiction in an anime high school setting, and make it feel neither cliché nor exhausting. On the surface, it's a game about secret societies seeking to control the world, with only a group of teenagers capable of standing against them, but on the inside, it's a game of emotions and complex personalities, with exceptional dialogue that will keep you as engrossed in reading as in playing. | © SEGA

NieR Automata

I find it hard to recommend NieR Automata for its story, as it personally didn't captivate me, but to be objective, I must say that it’s the form rather than the final result that makes its plot exceptional. Offering a small spoiler, I will say that it’s the kind of game that one playthrough is not enough. In fact, the story makes no sense when played just once, as you need to experience the viewpoints of different characters to understand the complex, somewhat human emotions these androids feel and reject. | © Square Enix

Chrono Trigger

Ah, Chrono Trigger, how I love you. It’s not just the designs by Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, nor its brilliant time mechanics. Few time travel stories manage to stay fresh and interesting, and Chrono Trigger does so wonderfully, not only in its plot but also in its own ludonarrative, where you are allowed to fight the main villain at any time, as you just have to travel to the end of the world to do so. But of course, you are not ready yet, and you will get your butt kicked for trying. | © Square Enix

Baldur’s Gate 3

Of course, it was to be expected that we would find the game of the year on this list, but I came to recommend the entire Baldur’s Gate saga and not just the third installment. Based on the classic Dungeons & Dragons dice system, what will really captivate you about this world are the interactions with your different companions, who have such imagination and dynamism that, if you manage to think outside the box, you will be rewarded not with items, weapons, and powers, but narratively. And at the end of the day, isn't that the best reward? | © Larian Studios

Divinity: Original Sin 1 & 2

Divinity walked so that Baldur’s Gate 3 could run, and you can find that same out-of-the-box interaction in this game. I'm not just talking about its gameplay, where all combat elements react with each other, but also in the way you develop the story and complete missions. If you think of a logical solution, then it's valid to try it. And if I can give you a personal recommendation: Don't create your own character, and play with the pre-established ones to get the maximum experience from your characters. I love you, Red Prince! I'll help you reclaim your throne! | © Larian Studios

Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic 1 & 2

Veteran gamers surely expected to find this gem on the list. Although we are still waiting for a remake of Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic, in the meantime we can drift in the sea of nostalgia that are the crew members of your ship and the final twist of the second game. Although Star Wars has recently disappointed in its narratives, Kotor is able to remind us that it is a rich world where fantastic plots can still be created, as long as the writing team is good at what they do. | © LucasArts

Planescape: Torment

A little-known title today, but if you know, you know. To give you an idea of what we're talking about, Planescape: Torment presents us with an amnesiac protagonist who wakes up in a morgue, with his only companion being a floating skull that tells him he has a message engraved on his back, from himself. Can you trust your past self? Or is the floating skull lying? The more you uncover your past, the more you'll wish you had never woken up in that morgue... | © Beamdog

Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura

Since we're talking about classic turn-based combat games like Baldur’s Gate and Planescape, I have to mention Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura. Here, the world gives rise to many stories and interesting hidden details, as magic is dying and is slowly being replaced by the power of steam machinery. Both forces cannot coexist, causing magic to damage machines, and machines, in turn, to disrupt spells. The true immersion is felt when you play as a mage and are not allowed to take the train, having to walk from place to place. | © Activision

Vagrant Story

It's rare to recommend Vagrant Story for its story, particularly because its gameplay is based simply on upgrading your weapon, without having to talk or interact with other characters or vendors in the world. Instead, you simply have to solve the duke's murder and uncover its connection to a mysterious cult to clear your name. It’s the kind of game that might not be appreciated for its gameplay and age, but its story? Chef's kiss. Godspeed, Riskbreaker. | © Square Enix

Skies of Arcadia

I have to confess that Skies of Arcadia is my favorite game. But am I letting my personal feelings get in the way of creating a fair list? Not at all! SoA is about air pirates who fight against a tyrannical armada, preventing them from obtaining the power to control ancient weapons that destroyed the earth in the first place, forcing everyone to live on floating islands. But what you won't expect are the many twists in the plot and some bittersweet endings for honorable and beloved characters. And if you don't cry at Drachma's story, you have no heart... | © SEGA

The Banner Saga

One thing I love about games with sequels is when the second parts remember the decisions you made in the previous installments, and I particularly love that this happens with The Banner Saga, especially considering how important and definitive the final decision of the first game is. In this world that is about to end, you play as part of a clan that is just trying to keep its members alive, managing their provisions and warriors, making decisions that may seem small but whose consequences you will quickly pay for, losing characters you have invested a lot in (emotionally) in a matter of seconds. | © Stoic

Legacy of Kain

The real challenge of Legacy of Kain is finding a good version that runs some of the installments and knowing what order to follow. But once you've managed to resolve all the demands of this cult classic, you'll find one of the simplest yet most thrilling stories of revenge, with the different installments occurring thousands of years apart, as we are playing with vampires, angels, and demons. | © Crystal Dynamics

Wolfenstein: The New Order

A retro-futuristic story of Nazis with technological weapons and robots in charge of tyranny? It sounds more absurd than interesting, and not the kind of game I would recommend for its narrative... except for Wolfenstein: The New Order. While there are other titles in the franchise that are on par, the single-player campaign of this game is a breath of fresh air compared to its contemporaries. And if we set aside the somewhat silly humor, it is a very dark game... | © MachineGames

Bioshock

The story of Bioshock 1 gave us a plot twist that made our eyes roll like a jackpot machine. And while the second one isn't quite on par, Bioshock Infinite managed to complete the trilogy by bringing us more of those twists and the story of a broken man searching for his daughter. Wait, which Bioshock am I supposed to be talking about, again? Well, all of them, really, and at the same time. If you still don't get it... just play the games. In fact, let me rephrase that: Would you kindly play Bioshock? | © 2K

Spec Ops: The Line

Were you looking for a simple shooter to pass the time, without any of those narrative complications that give you a headache? Forget about it, old man! Spec Ops: The Line brought us a story with such a strange and unexpected ending that it puts everything we played into perspective, making a brilliant statement about the trauma of war and its consequences. | © 2K

Metal Gear Solid

I told you Kojima would be back on this list, and it was expected that it would be for the brilliant Metal Gear Solid saga, but particularly for MGS2. If you only played it as a fun stealth game, I promise you it's more than just special forces units infiltrating to stop nuclear attacks from terrorist organizations. Much, much more, especially with some plot twists that will remain a huge "wtf" in your head for years. | © KONAMI

Deus Ex

While all the installments of Deus Ex touch on the same themes of transhumanism and the morality of allowing these cybernetic advancements in our bodies, no title in this saga (or any other saga, really) does it as well as the OG Deus Ex. It's the kind of stealth and combat game that will have you more excited about the hallway conversations in your office than the action. It stands as a testament to excellent dialogue, and some of the best you'll see in the industry. | © Eidos

Silent Hill

To the untrained eye, Silent Hill is simply a survival horror game about a place where things always go wrong. But the brilliance of this saga (particularly the early installments) lies in the fact that everything is the fault of the inhabitants themselves. The more you unravel the story, the more you realize it’s about the metaphysical externalization of collective trauma, and that maybe the monsters are just representations of the memories and scars we keep in our minds. Silent Hill is proof that horror works great for telling stories of emotional trauma and broken people. | © KONAMI

Pathologic

You won't find a more frustrating game than Pathologic, but I'll let you in on a secret: It's intentional. You're not in Kansas, Dorothy; you're living in the midst of the plague. Ludonarrative, thy name is Pathologic! But if we focus on the plot itself... well, it's extremely complex, partly because it has been translated multiple times from Russian to English. And you know what's the worst? Despite all that, you'll hardly find better philosophical dialogues in a game than in this one. If you manage to scale the mountain of translating this complexity into a coherent story, you'll have one of the best in the industry, and a contender for the top spot.

It's like that saying goes, if I may paraphrase: Every good Russian story has to make the protagonist, the reader, or the author feel miserable. If it achieves all three, it's considered a masterpiece. | © tinyBuild

SOMA

Although the gameplay may be somewhat frustrating, and not narratively or purposefully so as in the case of Pathologic, SOMA maintains an exceptional horror story, bringing the science fiction of Space Odyssey to the marine world. There is definitely a lot of inspiration from Bioshock 1, at least in its plot, and without wanting to add more to avoid spoilers, I will just say it is much more terrifying. | © Frictional Games

Lobotomy Corporation

It is a tragedy that Lobotomy Corporation or its sequel Library of Ruina are not more well-known, particularly because it appeals to the fascination with SCP that we've seen in recent decades. And although the central plot is already great in itself, with different team members hiding tortured pasts and their reasons for joining the corporation, it is wonderful to unravel and theorize about the stories behind the many anomalies and terrifying creatures found in your facilities. Imagine the movie The Cabin in the Woods, but with nightmares you are not prepared for. | © ProjectMoon

Decarnation

Didn't I say before that horror is a great genre for telling stories of emotional trauma? Well, Decarnation is proof of that. The distorted worlds and abominations you will encounter along the way are nothing more than mental representations of our beloved dancer, who seeks an escape in her mind because, although it may not seem so, her reality is more terrifying. You only have to reach "that part" to realize that the horrors of the world can be much worse than the imaginary ones. And as raw as it sounds, it is also a story of bravery and strength of spirit in the face of adversity. | © Shiro Unlimited

Undertale

More than one person was expecting this title, as the story, characters, and the underground world of monsters created by Toby Fox have been able to capture the heart of the internet. Just as it is adorable, it can also be tragic and terrifying, but without ever losing its charm or feeling like we were being deceived. Instead, it feels natural, as if it were part of a world that, much like ours, has its light and dark parts. | © tobyfox

Hades

I always return to the initial question: What makes a good story? While Hades might not be the first thing that comes to mind, it's undeniable that a lot of time and love have been dedicated to creating dialogues and interactions that, as we play, change the way some of our "enemies" think and their opinions of us. Yes, the main plot is "escape the underworld," nothing simpler than that, but I believe it's one of those stories where the journey is more important than the destination. With each return home, you feel like you discover something new about yourself, the world, or those around you. | © Supergiant Games

Disco Elysium

This game is the inspiration for creating this list. Best narrative in the history of video games? Quite possibly. In Disco Elysium, you are an amnesiac detective who must resolve an uncomfortable situation in the district of Martinaise, and to do so, you will rely on your many internal voices and on Kim Kitsuragi, who is a strong contender for the best partner in the world (I love you, Kim). And beyond its sociological, political, and philosophical themes that will test your moral compass, when you reach the Mercenary Tribunal, you know that everything has been preparing you for that moment. | © ZA/UM

Outer Wilds

Another one of those games where ludonarrative shines through its excellence. I never miss an opportunity to recommend Outer Wilds, but in case you haven't played it, it's about a space explorer who is able to restart the day in a solar system that will be destroyed in a few minutes. Your goal is to find out as much as you can about the different planets and the lost civilization that inhabited them in that short amount of time, with the hope of unraveling the mystery behind this time loop and understanding what has happened in this corner of the galaxy... | © Annapurna Interactive

The Forgotten City

The plot of The Forgotten City is as simple as the mystery and uncomfortable question it presents: A city where everyone is punished equally. If one person commits a sin, all its inhabitants must pay for it. As a newcomer unfamiliar with this Roman civilization protected by the gods, it is up to you to unravel the mystery behind the many gold statues... | © Dear Villagers

Firewatch

There is one genre of game where there is nothing to do, defeat, or overcome, but simply to walk and experience the story. And while there are several titles of this style, Firewatch is the simplest in its presentation, depicting the daily life of a park worker, where you will create a deep connection with your boss through a walkie-talkie, without even seeing their face. | © Campo Santo

To The Moon

Freebird Games has several games of this style, all with equally well-written stories, but our favorite has to be To The Moon for how simply heartwarming and heartbreaking it manages to be. For the faint of heart, it can make you cry. And if that's not your thing, try the company's other titles, Finding Paradise and Impostor Factory. They are very different, and at least one of them will resonate with you. | © Freebird Games

What Remains of Edith Finch

Another walking simulator, but while Firewatch focuses on your relationship with one person, What Remains of Edith Finch does so with all the members of the Finch family. You discover their personalities through what is remembered of them, particularly the multiple deaths and misfortunes they have suffered, all in the hope of understanding why you are the last one, and if you are also destined to suffer a premature death... | © Annapurna Interactive

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice shows us the journey of its titular character, Senua, who has captivated many people, not only for its excellent handling of trauma combined with the folkloric horror hidden in the imagination of this warrior but also for cinematic the experience, creating a sensation as fantastic as it is unsettling, all to recover her most beloved person. | © Ninja Theory

Pentiment

A game where your decisions impact the world? Yes, we’ve seen that before. One where you have to solve a murder? Cliché, boring, outdated. One where art is the main driving force of the plot? Color me intrigued! Pentiment is the kind of rare game that comes once in a blue moon and demonstrates the great narrative potential of this artistic medium. | © Obsidian Entertainment

Portal 1 & 2

We have to pay homage to the classics, and although Half-Life also deserves great merit, I chose Portal 1 & 2 (even though they share the same universe). The mystery surrounding the Aperture corporation, hidden behind a script full of quips and humorous moments, is darker and more intriguing than it first appears. Especially because of the revelation in the first game, which initially seemed to be no more than a gameplay demo, only to later reveal the dark intentions of GlaDos. | © Valve

The Wolf Among Us

Did you just say that The Walking Dead is the best Telltale Games title? Get out of here! The Wolf Among Us is based on the Fable comic series, where fairy tale characters live hidden in modern-day New York. Its plot is so great (and so different from the comics) that it made me want to read the original material. And you know what? I recommend the game if you haven't read the comics because it will make certain twists hurt even more. | © Telltale

Danganronpa

Ah, Danganronpa, the original Japanese high school battle royale... before, well, the movie and novel called "Battle Royale." But the premise is the same: Sixteen students are trapped in a school, each with an extraordinary talent. If one manages to kill another student and survive the trial that follows, they can leave that place, and all the others will die. Isn't that synopsis from the disturbing mind of Monokuma enough to make you want to run and try it? | © Spike

Grim Fandango

I have to admit that Grim Fandango is more personal for me, but the world is a source of inspiration for the story itself. You play as Manny Calavera, one of the many reapers working in the bureaucracy of the afterlife, and one day you receive a case that seems like a clerical error, which ends up putting you in the middle of a conspiracy. It's the kind of journey that forces you to go out and explore a world where you'll meet a cast of charming characters and experience comedic situations, revealing more about yourself in the end than you would have discovered locked in your office. | © Double Fine Productions

The Stanley Parable

I want to close this list with a game about narratives, since we need something that goes meta. That's what The Stanley Parable is about, and if I may spoil a bit, its turning point lies in a simple situation: A narrator dictates your actions before you take them. At one point, you are presented with a room with two open doors at the end, and he says you take the one on the left. So, what will you do? Will you continue with the story like a good employee, or will you defy the narrator, the story, and the game itself? Don't forget to get the broom closet ending! | © Crows Crows Crows