Top 10 Video Games with the Best Stories

Gaming is not only a hobby to me, but it is also part of my work. I write a lot about gaming, gamification, and games, and I also own a gaming publication allowing other gaming writers to share their content.

In a recent post, I also introduced games included in movies, as filmmaking is another hobby and profession.

I have played multiple story-driven single-player games since I was a kid. But there have been quite a few that stuck out to me.

Here are my favorite story-driven video games in no particular order.

1 — Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Uncharted 4: a Thief’s End is an action-adventure video game developed by Naughty Dog and released in 2016. The game follows the story of Nathan Drake, a retired treasure hunter, who is pulled back into the world of adventure when his long-lost brother Sam shows up with a proposition to find the treasure of a legendary pirate named Henry Avery.

Nathan and Sam embark on a globe-trotting adventure that takes them from Italy to Scotland and Madagascar, battling enemies and solving puzzles.

The game features a combination of stealth, exploration, and third-person shooting gameplay, focusing on cinematic storytelling and character development. The player controls Nathan as he climbs, jumps, and fights through various environments while uncovering the secrets of the pirate treasure and his family history.

Uncharted 4 received critical acclaim for its storytelling, graphics, and gameplay mechanics, with many critics hailing it as one of the best video games of all time. The game also marked the end of Nathan Drake’s story, concluding the Uncharted series on a high note.

2 — God of War

God of War is an action-adventure video game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is a soft reboot of the God of War series, moving the story to Norse mythology and featuring a more mature Kratos who has moved on from his past and now has a son named Atreus.

The game received critical acclaim for its storytelling, graphics, and gameplay mechanics, with many considering it one of the best video games of all time.

The game follows Kratos and Atreus as they journey through the realms of Norse mythology to scatter the ashes of Kratos’ deceased wife. The game features an over-the-shoulder camera perspective, a departure from the fixed camera angles of the previous games, and introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as Atreus’ ability to aid Kratos in combat and solve puzzles.

God of War is known for its stunning visuals, immersive story, and satisfying combat, with the game’s developers focusing on creating a more intimate and emotional experience compared to the previous games in the series.

3 — Spider-Man

Spider-Man (2018) is an action-adventure video game developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is based on the Marvel Comics superhero Spider-Man and features an original story that is unrelated to any particular comic book storyline or film.

The game received critical acclaim for its storytelling, graphics, and gameplay mechanics, with many considering it one of the best video games of all time.

The game follows Peter Parker as he fights crime in New York City as Spider-Man, while also dealing with his personal life and relationships with the people around him. The game features an open-world design, allowing players to freely explore New York City and its landmarks while completing main and side missions.

The gameplay in Spider-Man (2018) revolves around fast-paced combat, web-slinging traversal, and stealth sections, with players using a variety of gadgets and abilities to defeat enemies and complete objectives. The game also features a crafting system that allows players to create new suits and gadgets to use in combat.

Spider-Man (2018) was praised for its faithful representation of the Spider-Man character and its open-world design, which allowed players to experience the thrill of swinging through New York City.

The game also received praise for its emotional story and memorable characters, with many considering it one of the best superhero video games.

4 — The Last of Us

The Last of Us is an action-adventure survival horror video game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game was released in 2013 and received critical acclaim for its storytelling, graphics, and gameplay mechanics, with many considering it one of the best video games of all time.

The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a fungal pandemic has wiped out most of humanity, and those left have turned into zombie-like creatures. The story follows Joel, a smuggler, and Ellie, a young girl who may hold the key to a cure for the pandemic, as they journey across the United States to reach a group of resistance fighters known as the Fireflies.

The gameplay in The Last of Us revolves around stealth, combat, and exploration, with players using a variety of weapons and items to survive encounters with infected and human enemies. The game also features a crafting system that allows players to create health kits and Molotov cocktails.

The Last of Us is known for its emotional story, memorable characters, and haunting atmosphere. The game’s developers focus on creating a sense of realism and authenticity in its world and characters. The game was a major commercial and critical success, and a sequel, The Last of Us Part II, was released in 2020.

5 — Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure video game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game was released in 2020 and received critical acclaim for its storytelling, graphics, and gameplay mechanics.

The game is set on the island of Tsushima during the first Mongol invasion of Japan in the late 13th century. The player controls Jin Sakai, a samurai who is the last survivor of his clan and must use unconventional methods to fight back against the Mongol invaders. Jin must balance his traditional samurai training with his newfound skills as the “Ghost,” a warrior who uses stealth, deception, and surprise to defeat his enemies.

The gameplay in Ghost of Tsushima revolves around exploration, combat, and stealth, with players using a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat enemies and complete objectives. The game also features a photo mode that allows players to take and share stunning in-game photos of the game’s beautiful landscapes and environments.

Ghost of Tsushima is known for its immersive open-world design, which allows players to freely explore Tsushima and its landmarks, and for its attention to detail in its depiction of historical Japan. The game was a major commercial and critical success, and a Director’s Cut was released in 2021, featuring new content and improvements to the original game.

6 — The Witcher 3

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action role-playing game developed by CD Projekt Red and published by CD Projekt. The game was released in 2015 and is the third and final installment in The Witcher series of games based on the novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski.

The game is set in a fictional world inspired by European folklore and mythology and follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter known as a witcher. The main story involves Geralt’s search for his adopted daughter, Ciri, who is being pursued by a group of powerful and dangerous individuals known as the Wild Hunt.

The gameplay in The Witcher 3 revolves around combat, exploration, and decision-making, with players taking on various quests and battles and making choices that impact the game’s story and characters. The game features a large open world with multiple regions with distinct cultures, environments, and characters.

The game is known for its complex and mature storytelling, with a large cast of well-developed characters and intricate plotlines that weave together over the course of the game. The game’s open-world design allows for a high level of player agency, with players able to make choices that have significant consequences on the game’s story and world. The game received widespread critical acclaim and is often cited as one of the best.

7 — Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood is an action-adventure video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. The game was released in 2010 and is the third main entry in the Assassin’s Creed series.

The game is set in Renaissance-era Rome and follows the story of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a master assassin seeking to free the city from the control of the Borgia family. The game’s primary focus is on the player’s ability to control and recruit a group of assassins, which can be sent on missions and used to help the player in combat.

The gameplay in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood is a combination of combat, stealth, and open-world exploration. The game’s combat system has been refined from previous entries, with players able to perform chain kills and use new weapons and gadgets. The game also features a new management system, allowing players to control and upgrade their group of assassins.

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood is known for its large open-world design, historical accuracy, and attention to detail. The game’s story and characters are well-developed, with a cast of memorable allies and enemies. The game was a commercial and critical success and is considered by many to be one of the best entries in the Assassin’s Creed series.

8 — Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 is an action-adventure game developed by Rockstar Studios and published by Rockstar Games. The game was released in 2018 and is the third in the Red Dead series.

The game is set in 1899 in a fictionalized version of the American Old West and follows the story of Arthur Morgan, a Van der Linde gang member. The game’s main story revolves around the gang’s attempts to survive and make a living as the law closes in on them while also dealing with internal divisions and conflicts.

The gameplay in Red Dead Redemption 2 combines open-world exploration, gunfights, and horseback riding. The game also features a variety of side missions and activities, such as hunting, fishing, and poker. The game’s combat system has been dramatically improved from its predecessor, with a broader range of weapons and tactics available to the player.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is known for its immersive open-world design, attention to detail, and realistic portrayal of life in the Old West. The game’s story is considered one of the best in history, with a complex and well-developed cast of characters and multiple branching storylines. The game was a major commercial and critical success and has won numerous awards for its storytelling, graphics, and gameplay.

9 — Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V is an open-world action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. The game was released in 2013 and is the fifth main entry in the Grand Theft Auto series.

The game is set in the fictional state of San Andreas, based in California, and follows the stories of three main characters: Michael, Trevor, and Franklin. The game’s main story revolves around their attempts to pull off a series of heists while also dealing with various personal and professional issues.

The gameplay in Grand Theft Auto V is a combination of third-person shooting, driving, and open-world exploration. The game’s open-world design allows players to roam freely the city of Los Santos and the surrounding countryside and engage in various activities such as car races, golf, and base jumping.

Grand Theft Auto V is known for its highly-detailed open-world design, complex storyline, and numerous side missions and activities. The game also features an extensive online multiplayer mode, allowing players to create characters and engage in various competitive and cooperative missions.

The game was a commercial and critical success, breaking numerous sales records and receiving widespread acclaim for its gameplay, graphics, and story. It has since become one of the best-selling video games of all time.

10 — Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 is an action role-playing video game developed and published by CD Projekt Red. The game was released in 2020 and is set in a dystopian future in 2077 in a fictional open-world city called Night City.

In the game, players assume the role of V, a mercenary who is trying to rise to fame and fortune in the cutthroat world of Night City. Players can customize V’s appearance, backstory, and skills. The game features a complex branching story with multiple endings influenced by the player’s choices and actions throughout the game.

The gameplay in Cyberpunk 2077 is a combination of first-person shooting, hacking, and open-world exploration. The game’s open-world design allows players to roam the city freely and engage in various side missions and activities, such as street racing and bounty hunting.

The game also features unique and powerful weapons, cybernetic implants, and hacking abilities that players can use to complete their objectives.

Cyberpunk 2077 is known for its high level of player choice and freedom and its immersive and detailed world design. The game was highly anticipated before release but faced significant controversy due to numerous technical issues and bugs that affected its performance on certain platforms. Despite this, many players and critics have received praise for the game’s story, characters, and gameplay mechanics.

Final Words

In this post, I discussed my favorite story-driven video games. Each game briefly summarizes its gameplay, graphics, and storytelling.

The games all received critical acclaim, with some considered as one of the best video games of all time. The developers of each game focused on creating an immersive and emotional experience for the players.

Overall, I emphasize the importance of storytelling in video games and how it can elevate a game to a new level.

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With that being said, thank you for reading my post, and have a good one.

The original version of this story was published on another platform.

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