Video game storylines are the backbones of single and multiplayer campaigns. The better a storyline is, the more compelling its story and lore become. To that end, game storylines conclude on different notes, with some endings being tragic while others are climatic. Reviewers at Player.me feel that games such as Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End have a tight game storyline that makes sure all of its characters don’t die.
On the flip side, some video game storylines are soul-crushing, taking players on an emotional rollercoaster. Titles such as Red Dead Redemption 2 feature dynamic storytelling so you control two protagonists instead of one. Wondering what happened to the characters throughout the game’s story? Find out more below.
Also Consider: 5 Best Games on Nintendo Switch Releasing this Winter
5 Soul-Crushing Video Game Storylines
There are many video game plotlines out there that you should explore and enjoy. Some give off Doomsday vibes, such as Doom (2023) while others always end on a good note, such as Super Mario Bros. Wonder. For that purpose, check out five Soulslike titles with fitting game storylines for the characters.
#1: Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a deliciously sweet game that weighs half the size of competitors and still manages to crush them at every turn. On the PS5 and Xbox, it comes in at below 50 GB, whereas titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 weigh a massive 110 GB. Nevertheless, Elden Ring easily provides over 100 hours of playtime, and it doesn’t have any DLCs yet. On your journey to becoming the Elden Lord, you’ll discover all sorts of marvels and sure enough, more than 60% of them will want to kill you.
There’s no moment of rest for knights, monsters, and bandits alike. Heck, even wildlife such as rams will attack if you get too close to them. This is the typical experience from the start of the game’s campaign to its end. Along the way, you’ll even discover other weapons and gear that’ll attract enemies to your location. So, it’s like cranking up the difficulty.
Finally, the story of Elden Ring is grotesque, featuring rotting demi-gods who don’t fight for the light. You’ll also find wandering maidens and NPCs who straight up look mentally ill, casually talking about centuries ago, like they lived during those eras. Everything is sewn together by a fun crafting menu and great combat mechanics. You can check out other games, like Elden Ring here.
#2: Bloodborne
Bloodborne is another FromSoftware title with gothic elements, intimidating enemies, and Soulslike combat mechanics. The game storyline takes place in Yharnam, a worn-out city that a blood-borne disease has ravaged. All of Yharnam’s inhabitants have been turned into crazed beasts who thirst for blood. Picture Resident Evil 4 but with magic-wielding enemies instead of zombified humans.
The atmosphere, setting, music, and NPCs of Bloodborne are oppressive, and that’s why it’s such a memorable game. That, and the fact that enemies are larger than life, means that taking them down is beyond satisfying. In fact, you’re assigned the role of a Hunter, hired to clear the city’s many beasts. You’ll enjoy an unsettling story and lore along the way, which makes Bloodborne a worthy game to check out.
#3: Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight might look cartoonish because of its 2D design but the story and setting are anything but beautiful. For one, expect Dead Cells vibes, wherein a Kingdom is on the verge of ruin. However, instead of being the King who selfishly brought its realm to its knees; You’re a selfless knight who has been tasked with the sacred duty of saving yours. In the act, the Hollow Knight eventually dies to save his realm from the infection ravaging its residents.
Luckily, the combat is hardcore, bolstering the experience with certain quality-of-life features such as:
- Nice range of spells for added power.
- Gears (Shade Cloak) add to your repertoire of abilities.
- Great soundtracks that keep you moving.
- There are a nice variety of enemies to kill and learn from.
- A single upgradeable weapon to crown your efforts.
Having mentioned those points, Hollow Knight is still a Soulslike game despite its 2D elements. We hope its sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong will follow suit; Especially with the prequel’s critical acclaim from fans and reviewers alike.
#4: Lies of P
Lies of P is a twist on the classic story of Pinocchio, the boy whose nose grows whenever he lies. However, instead of Disney World animations, expect gruelling combat and various enemies, mini-bosses, and main bosses. The sandbox is inspired by European building styles, but there’s a dark hidden game storyline beneath all that beauty.
It takes us back to Elden Ring’s Leyndell, which is bathed in gold but features many terrifying enemies. Besides that, P is a puppet who wishes to become human. Instead, his maker, Geppetto, discloses that he doesn’t want to make P a real boy but would use his heart to revive Carlo, his dead son.
#5: Blasphemous 2
Blasphemous 2 is similar to Hollow Knight in the sense that it mixes elements of Souslike and Metroidvania games. The result is a critically acclaimed title that’s loved for its combat and, most importantly, its lore. In-game, you control The Penitent One, who is cursed with the gift of rebirth. That is, he lives, dies, and resurrects endlessly, outliving all of his loved ones and friends.
The game storyline also shines because of its sandbox, featuring Cvstodia, which is a realm that has been cursed by a malevolent curse, The Miracle. The curse has twisted all of the inhabitants of the kingdom into beasts and monsters. As for the game’s storyline, its soul-wrenching campaign weighs heavily on the gamers’ minds because of the main protagonist. He’s called The Penitent One and he wields the Sword of Guilt (Mea Culpa), which means he’s trying to pay for his sins.
Our Final Say: Lies of P Is Linear
For newcomers, we recommend playing Lies of P first because the game storyline is much more direct than the others. On the other hand, Code Vein is also a good game with plenty of Soulslike elements. However, players aren’t trapped in a decaying world since there are settlements around the sandbox where humans still live. Yes, they’re free of curses, diseases, and the like.