Everyone has their own favourites when it comes to video game stories, each with unique tastes and preferences. Bearing this in mind, our list isn’t definitive but rather a tribute to five games that have captivated us with their storytelling. In our selection of the five best video game stories, we’ll go on a journey through diverse and richly imagined worlds.
From the depths of the underwater city Rapture to the dusty trails of the Wild West — this list offers a universe tour like no other. Each game is a testament to the power of storytelling in the digital age, inviting players into worlds both vast and intimate.
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5. BioShock (2007)
BioShock secures fifth place in our exploration of the best video game stories. This first-person shooter is set in Rapture, an underwater city originally envisioned as a utopia, which has since spiralled into chaos. The player’s journey through Rapture is not just about survival but also about uncovering the truths behind its downfall.
Despite its linear storyline, BioShock engages deeply, offering three different endings based on the player’s choices within the game. The narrative of BioShock is a blend of philosophical musings, thought-provoking dilemmas, and a haunting, spooky atmosphere. Its storyline is compelling, drawing players into its twisted version of utopia gone wrong.
BioShock is in our best video game stories list because it’s a shining example of video game storytelling, resonating with players long after they’ve finished the game.
Release Date: August 21, 2007
Developers: Ken Levine, Irrational Games, 2K Marin
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4. The Walking Dead: Season One (2012)
The Walking Dead is an episodic graphic adventure game by Telltale Games, which claims the fourth spot in our journey through the best video game stories. There was a golden era when Telltale Games masterfully adapted popular stories into interactive adventures, producing titles based on Game of Thrones, Batman, and even Jurassic Park.
Among these, The Walking Dead stands out, hence its prominent position on our list. The game weaves its narrative around Lee Everett, a convicted murderer, and a young girl named Clementine as they navigate a zombie-ridden world.
Central to the first season is the evolving relationship between Lee and Clementine. This bond forms the game’s emotional heart, where every decision you make is remembered by characters, influencing their actions and future choices. The game is steeped in themes of survival, morality, and the consequences.
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Developers: Telltale Games
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3. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Red Dead Redemption 2, a western-themed masterpiece by Rockstar, the creators of Grand Theft Auto, ranks third in our list of the five best video game stories.
This open-world exploration game set in 1899 follows Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van Der Linde Gang. With its narrative-driven gameplay akin to the finest Western films, the game blends exploration, gunfights, and activities like fishing, hunting, and gambling.
Visually stunning landscapes and meticulous attention to detail make the game a visual feast. Its captivating and comprehensive storyline, requiring over 50 hours of gameplay, earns it a top spot among the best in video game storytelling.
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Developers: Rockstar Games
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2. God of War (2018)
From its roots on the PlayStation 2 to its remastered glory on PS3 and PS4, the God of War series has been a rollercoaster of mythic proportions. And then comes the reboot — not just any reboot, but one that swaps Greek myths for Norse legends.
Here we have Kratos, grizzled and seasoned, now in the realm of Norse gods, with a new chapter in his life unfolding. The game kicks off with a poignant moment — the passing of Kratos’ wife and Atreus’ mother. Their mission? To fulfil her last wish: Scatter her ashes atop the highest peak across all realms.
God of War carves its niche on our list of the five best video game stories for redefining Kratos’ journey. This isn’t the God of War you remember — it’s something more, something deeper. It got awards left and right, including the Game of the Year in 2018.
Release Date: January 14, 2018
Developers: Santa Monica Studio
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1. The Last of Us (2013)
Topping our epic rundown of the five best video game stories is none other than The Last of Us. This isn’t just any game — it’s a 2013 Naughty Dog creation that revolutionised storytelling in gaming. It’s a game that redefined emotional impact, digging up Game of the Year awards like they were going out of fashion. And let’s not forget the sequel and the blockbuster HBO TV show it inspired.
From the get-go, The Last of Us grips you with a heart-wrenching intro, then morphs from what seems like a simple escort mission into a profound exploration of survival, loss, and the human condition. This game doesn’t just throw zombies at you — it throws feelings, deep, complicated, gut-wrenching feelings.
Why do people love it so much? Because The Last of Us doesn’t just tell a story. It pulls you into its world, locks the door, and throws away the key. When Part 2 hit the shelves in 2020, fans practically tripped over themselves to get it. And that’s why it’s sitting pretty at number one on our best video game stories list.
Release Date: June 14, 2013 (First version) – September 2, 2022 (Remake)
Developers: Naughty Dog
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Final Thoughts
Video games have evolved into the ultimate medium for storytelling in modern times. They’re captivating us with narratives as rich and complex as any novel or film. These stories, like the ones we’ve celebrated in our list of the best video game stories, aren’t just played — they’re lived.
They tug at our heartstrings, challenge our morals, and leave us pondering long after the credits roll. This journey through the best video game stories is a testament to the power of this medium.
In the end, they remind us that in the vast universe of gaming, the most compelling adventures are those that resonate with our very human experiences. Before you go, make sure to check out the best endings in Assassin’s Creed series.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.
