Most people play games for mindless fun, but some get deeply connected with them because of their storylines. A well-crafted storyline in a game can make players emotionally bond with the characters, transporting them into a virtual world.
This is a major reason why story-driven games are considered a higher form of entertainment compared to movies or books. In these games, you’re not just learning the story; you’re living it and shaping it with your choices.
1. Max Payne
Max Payne, an iconic game from Remedy Entertainment, is famous for its John Woo-inspired bullet-time shootouts. The story unfolds like a gritty detective novel, complete with comic-style cut scenes that enhance its narrative. Set in New York City, you play as a police detective named Max Payne. Although it was originally released in 2001 for PC and consoles, it remains popular today due to its immersive storyline and dynamic gameplay.
2. Lara Croft Go
Next up is Lara Croft Go, where you step into the shoes of Lara Croft and embark on an adventurous journey. This game offers a fresh perspective on adventure games, developed by Square Enix Montreal and inspired by the iconic Tomb Raider series.
Released in 2015, it takes players through ancient ruins and vast landscapes, challenging them to solve complex puzzles and uncover hidden secrets. The game is known for its stunning visuals and immersive environments, providing a challenging yet rewarding gameplay experience.
3. XCOM 2 Collection
XCOM 2 is a turn-based tactics game where players engage in an epic battle against alien invaders. Developed by Firaxis Games, it was originally released for Windows and consoles in 2016, with a mobile version launched in 2021.
This game puts players in command of a ragtag resistance group fighting against an oppressive alien regime. As you lead your squad into battles, you must make strategic decisions, manage resources, and counter dynamic enemy tactics to achieve victory and save humanity from extinction.
4. Bully: Anniversary Edition
Who doesn’t know about the game Bully? Developed by Rockstar Games, the creators of the GTA series, this iconic title was originally released for PlayStation 2 in 2006 and later made available on mobile platforms.
In this game, you play as 15-year-old Jimmy Hopkins, whose parents have sent him to Bullworth Academy, a boarding school. You get to have a lot of fun while managing academics and completing various missions to earn the trust of people in the school.
The game offers immersive gameplay and a storyline filled with unexpected twists, taking the experience to the next level.
5. Dead Effect 2
Dead Effect 2 is a gripping sci-fi first-person shooter that challenges genre conventions. With visually stunning graphics, an immersive narrative, and RPG elements, this game offers players an adrenaline-fueled experience.
The single-player campaign features a dark, mysterious plot with 20 story-driven missions, starting on a space station. But that’s not all—it also has co-op and PvP multiplayer modes, adding an extra layer of excitement.
6. Raji: An Ancient Epic
Raji: An Ancient Epic based on Indian mythology and developed by the Indian studio Nodding Heads Games. The game follows the journey of a young girl named Raji, chosen by the Gods to fight against evil dark forces.
Originally released in 2020, the mobile version of Raji was launched in 2023. The game’s art style is visually stunning, and its deep mythology adds a rich layer to the experience. Players get to use powerful weapons and mystical abilities throughout the game.
7. Oxenfree
Oxenfree explores a classic horror trope, where a group of teens is enjoying the last days of their summer vacation, but things take a turn for the worse when they accidentally open a ghostly rift on an old military island.
In this game, you play as Alex, solving multiple mysteries on the island. How you play the game matters because your choices change the story, leading to different endings based on your decisions. So, you can play it several times to experience all the possible outcomes.
8. Limbo
Limbo, developed by Playdead, is an incredibly popular puzzle platformer game. Released in 2010, it takes players into a haunting environment filled with challenging puzzles. In the game, you control a boy who ventures into a dark forest to find his missing sister.
Along the way, he faces numerous dangers, including a giant spider and hostile children. The journey is filled with horrific environments and tricky puzzles that require keen problem-solving skills.
The game’s minimalist visuals and immersive sound design create a unique and intense experience for players. With its haunting ambiance and clever puzzles, it stands out as one of the best story games.
9. The Wolf Among Us
The Wolf Among Us is set in a world filled with popular fairytale characters who behave unexpectedly and often bizarrely. To create this game, Telltale acquired the rights to the Fables comics, known for telling unusual stories with well-known fairytale characters.
In this game, you see your favorite characters from a new and unique perspective. You play as the Big Bad Wolf, who is now an investigator tasked with solving a series of mysterious murders. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he finds himself entangled in the chaos.
10. Genshin Impact
The last game on our list is Genshin Impact, an open-world action RPG developed by miHoYo. This game transports players to a vast and vibrant world filled with beautiful landscapes, diverse cultures, and thrilling adventures. You use magic powers and team up with various characters to uncover the secrets of Teyvat. The game offers an expansive world to explore, with stunning visuals and an engaging storyline.
