Video games have come a long way from the simple plots of rescuing princesses or gobbling up dots. Today, many games rival Hollywood blockbusters in their storytelling prowess, offering complex narratives that challenge players’ minds and tug at their heartstrings. These aren’t just games; they’re interactive stories that put you in the driver’s seat, shaping the narrative with your choices and actions. From mind-bending plot twists to emotional gut-punches, these games prove that the medium can be a powerful tool for storytelling. Here’s a look at 12 games that raised the bar for narrative in gaming, showing us just how captivating interactive storytelling can be.
1. The Last of Us
Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic masterpiece tells a heartbreaking tale of survival and the bonds we forge in desperate times. The game’s strength lies in its character development, particularly the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Their journey across a ravaged America is filled with moments of tenderness and brutality, forcing players to grapple with difficult moral choices. The Last of Us proves that even in a world overrun by fungal zombies, the most compelling stories are deeply human.
2. Bioshock
Welcome to Rapture, an underwater utopia gone horribly wrong. Bioshock’s narrative is a masterclass in world-building and plot twists. As you explore the eerie art deco corridors, audio logs and environmental storytelling piece together the fall of this once-great city. The game’s famous “Would you kindly?” reveal forces players to question their agency in games and real life alike. It’s a story that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
3. Disco Elysium
This unconventional RPG puts you in the shoes of an amnesiac detective trying to solve a murder case. What sets Disco Elysium apart is its deep, branching dialogue system and the way it portrays the inner workings of the protagonist’s mind. Different aspects of your personality are personified, arguing with each other as you make decisions. It’s a game that blurs the lines between literature and gaming, offering a narrative experience unlike any other.
4. What Remains of Edith Finch
This walking simulator takes players on a journey through the tragic history of the Finch family. Each family member’s story is told through unique, imaginative gameplay vignettes. From controlling a child on a swing to experiencing the monotony of a factory job through a fantasy sequence, the game finds creative ways to marry gameplay and narrative. It’s a poignant exploration of family, fate, and the stories we leave behind.
5. Nier: Automata
At first glance, Nier: Automata might seem like just another action game about stylish androids. However, it uses its multiple playthroughs to tell a layered story that questions the nature of humanity, consciousness, and free will. The game’s true ending even asks players to make a profound sacrifice, tying the themes of the narrative into the player’s own experience. It’s a game that’s not afraid to get philosophical, treating players to a story that’s both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
6. Undertale
This indie darling subverts traditional RPG tropes to tell a story about empathy and the consequences of violence. Undertale remembers your actions across playthroughs, using this mechanic to craft a meta-narrative about the nature of games themselves. Its colorful cast of monsters and quirky humor belie a deeper story about determination and the power of mercy. It’s a game that proves you don’t need cutting-edge graphics to tell a powerful story.
7. Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar’s epic Western is a sweeping tale of the dying days of the Old West. The game’s vast open world is filled with stories big and small, from the main plot of the Van der Linde gang’s decline to chance encounters with strangers on the road. What sets it apart is the attention to detail in its character development, particularly protagonist Arthur Morgan’s journey of redemption. It’s a slow-burn narrative that rewards patient players with one of gaming’s most emotionally impactful stories.
8. Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds tells its story through exploration and discovery. Trapped in a time loop, players must unravel the mysteries of an ancient alien civilization before their solar system is destroyed. The game’s non-linear nature allows players to piece together the narrative puzzle at their own pace. It’s a story about curiosity, the joy of discovery, and ultimately, coming to terms with the end of all things. The way it ties its gameplay mechanics into its narrative themes is nothing short of brilliant.
9. Portal 2
While the original Portal was a bite-sized puzzle game with a side of dark humor, Portal 2 expanded its narrative ambitions significantly. The game delves into the history of Aperture Science, using environmental storytelling and pitch-perfect voice acting to bring its world to life. It manages to tell a compelling story while never wresting control from the player, integrating its narrative seamlessly with its puzzle-solving gameplay. Portal 2 proves that a game can be both mechanically engaging and narratively rich.
10. Life Is Strange
This episodic adventure game tells a coming-of-age story with a supernatural twist. Players control Max, a photography student who discovers she can rewind time. The game tackles heavy themes like bullying, suicide, and the butterfly effect of our choices. What sets Life Is Strange apart is its focus on the small moments between characters, building relationships that feel genuine and relatable. It’s a story that captures the bittersweet nature of growing up and the weight of the choices we make.
11. Spec Ops: The Line
On the surface, Spec Ops: The Line looks like just another military shooter. However, it uses this familiar framework to tell a subversive story about the horrors of war and the psychological toll of violence. Inspired by Heart of Darkness, the game forces players to confront the consequences of their actions in increasingly disturbing ways. It’s a game that uses player agency to drive home its narrative points, creating a uniquely unsettling experience that challenges the glorification of war in video games.
12. Hades
Hades proves that even a roguelike can tell a compelling, character-driven story. Set in the Greek underworld, the game weaves its narrative through repeated escape attempts. Each run reveals new dialogue and progresses character relationships, tying the game’s cyclical nature into its storytelling. The way Hades integrates its story with its gameplay loop is masterful, ensuring that players are always engaged with the narrative, even as they’re fighting their way through hordes of enemies. It’s a prime example of how good writing and clever design can elevate a genre not typically known for strong storytelling.
21 Iconic British Bands of the 70s and 80s That Revolutionised Music Forever
The 70s and 80s were a golden age for British music, with bands that shaped not just the sound of a generation, but the very culture of the UK. From the grimy pubs of London to the industrial heartlands of Manchester, these decades saw an explosion of creativity that still echoes today. Whether you were a punk rocker, a new romantic, or just someone who liked to bop along to Top of the Pops, chances are your memories are set to a soundtrack by one of these bands. So dust off your vinyl collection, dig out those old concert tickets, and join us on a nostalgic journey through 21 of the most iconic British bands of the 70s and 80s.
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12 Awesome British Gameshows of the 70s and 80s We Wish They’d Bring Back
The 1970s and 1980s were a golden age for British television, especially when it came to game shows. These decades saw a boom in creative, entertaining, and often downright wacky formats that captured the nation’s imagination. From zany physical challenges to brain-teasing quizzes, these shows offered a perfect mix of fun, excitement, and the chance to win big. While many modern game shows have their merits, there’s something special about the charm and enthusiasm of these classic programs. Here’s a nostalgic look at 12 unforgettable British game shows from the 70s and 80s that we’d love to see make a comeback.
I had an awful lot of fun writing this list, and it brought back some great memories of Saturday nights in front of the telly with the family, watching Brucie, Anneka, and many other legendary presenters and willing but often inept contestants.
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15 Best Cassette-Based Gaming Machines From the Early Days of Videogames
Ah, the sweet sound of a tape deck whirring to life, promising digital adventures in a world of analogue. Before cartridges and CDs took over, cassettes were the unsung heroes of the gaming world. These magnetic marvels brought pixelated worlds to life in our living rooms, bedrooms, and anywhere we could lug our boxy machines. From the bleeps and bloops of simple games to surprisingly complex epics, cassette-based systems were the gateway to gaming for many of us. So, rewind with us as we explore 15 of the best tape-loaded gaming machines that paved the way for today’s high-tech consoles.
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Justin Hartman is a tech-savvy storyteller with a passion for gaming, movies, and all things automotive. Whether he's dissecting the latest gadgets, diving into cinematic classics, or geeking out over cars, trucks, and planes, Justin brings curiosity and expertise to every topic. When he's not writing, you’ll find him leveling up in his favorite games or cruising in search of his next automotive adventure.
