Story-driven single-player video games have always been the crown jewels of the gaming world. Story-driven titles can evoke a range of emotions in the player, immersing them in the experience. These products provide hours of entertainment and an engaging plot that will keep players coming back for more.
The depth of the story is where the power of these video games lies. While the gameplay and progression can be linear at times, gripping storylines and compelling characters will keep players on the edge of their seats.
These video games are timeless classics and worth playing in 2022
1) Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar Games are masters of creating story-based experiences. Over the years, it has provided players with multiple genre-redefining video games that set the standard for other developers to follow. Red Dead Redemption 2, released in 2018, is one of Rockstar’s best offerings.
The game follows the life and adventures of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw, as he tries to find his place in the world while looking out for his companions. Players can choose Arthur’s path as a cold and ruthless mercenary or a gunfighter with a heart of gold. The game offers a huge open world full of captivating characters and NPCs that Arthur can interact with, helping him further develop his character.
The story of the title ensures that by the time the story ends, players have developed an intense bond with all the main characters in the game, especially Arthur. The emotional journey is complemented by a beautiful and serene soundtrack, making the experience even more immersive.
Red Dead Redemption 2 was nominated for Game of the Year in 2018 and is truly a timeless masterpiece.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC
Type: Paid
2) Last of us
Often described as one of the greatest video games of all time, Last of Us has set the bar in the industry for delivering a masterful story-driven experience through linear gameplay and progression. Developed by Naughty Dog, this PlayStation exclusive won Game of the Year in 2013.
The title presents a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by infected zombie-like creatures. Players take on the role of Joel Miller, the protagonist, as he guides a teenage girl named Ellie and escorts her to a safe destination. During their journey, they develop a strong bond and learn to understand each other, filling the void in each other’s lives.
Despite lacking the open-world aspect of a game like Red Dead Redemption 2, this title still offers an equally immersive and emotionally immersive experience.
Platforms: Playstation 3, Playstation 4
Type: Paid
3) Life is strange
Released by Square Enix in 2015, Life is Strange is a choice-based adventure game that allows players to choose the direction in which the story develops through their in-game decisions.
The title describes the experiences of Maxine, the main character, as she discovers she has the ability to rewind and manipulate time. She uses these skills to prevent her friend Chloe from being shot. The two friends then set out on a journey to find Chloe’s missing girlfriend Rachel, while also overcoming the problems of teenage life.
The episodic plot of Life is Strange branches into separate storylines based on the decisions of the players. This makes the story incredibly compelling because every choice has consequences.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch
Type: Paid
4) Detroit: become human
Released by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2018, Detroit: Become Human is another choice-based adventure game. It takes place in a dystopian world where androids help people in their daily activities.
Players experience the story in this game from the perspective of three different androids as they struggle with their identities in a world where they are considered subordinate objects. The choices players make determine the plot of the title, some of which have fatal consequences.
Video games like this offer the greatest level of immersion as the players are responsible for how the story develops. Detroit: Become Human relies entirely on fast-paced events and the choices the player makes, making it one of the most engaging single-player video games of the past decade.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Windows PC
Type: Paid
5) Hellblade: Senua .’s Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a dark horse on this list of storytelling video games. Released by Ninja Theory in 2018, the title follows Senua’s journey as she journeys to the realm of the underworld to save her beloved’s soul.
The story is one of love, sacrifice and redemption. During the journey, Senua is haunted by her own troubled past and challenged by Hela’s minions. Driven by the power of love, she must overcome both Hela and her own inner demons.
The story portrayed in this title is heartbreaking and encouraging at the same time. The bittersweet ending is the perfect ending to one of the most underrated video games of all time.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC, Nintendo Switch
Type: Paid
6) God of War (2018)
With the release of God of War: Ragnarok just around the corner, players will be doing themselves a favor by revisiting this 2018 Game of the Year winner.
The title is a soft reboot of the series, shifting the focus from Greek to Norse mythology. Kratos is no longer the vengeful demigod consumed by hatred, as he now has a son to care for. The dynamic between Kratos and his son Atreus is heartwarming and beneficial. Even though the journey is tough and their relationship faces challenges, they overcome all odds and grow together as father and son.
God of War is one of the best video games on the previous generation of consoles and earns its spot on the list as one of the most compelling storytelling experiences of all time.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC.
Fashion model: Paid.
7) Half-life 2
Released in 2004 by Valve, Half-Life 2 is considered one of the greatest video games of all time. Seventeen years after the events of the first game, players take on the role of Gordon Freeman as he struggles to adapt to a new futuristic dystopia.
In the story in Half-Life 2, Gordon Freeman fights the alien settlers known as the Combine. His character arc is extremely captivating as he moves from an outsider from another time to the messiah of mankind. It offers a compelling story and combines it with gameplay mechanics and visuals that were impressive for their time.
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Windows PC, Mac OS, Linux, Android
Type: Paid
8) Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Another Naughty Dog entry, the fourth installment in the Uncharted series of video games, is often considered the best in the franchise as this action-adventure title encompasses everything the series is known for.
The story of the title follows Nathan Drake, a former treasure hunter who is convinced by his brother Samuel to come out of retirement. Together, they enlist the help of Nathan’s former partner Victor and embark on a journey to find a long-lost treasure.
The relationship between the various characters is the crux of the plot here. These people struggle and grow together as the story progresses, adding a humanizing element to the game’s fast-paced action.
The title was recently re-released on the latest generation of consoles, making it an ideal title to revisit this month.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC
Type: Paid
9) Mass Effect 2
Developed by BioWare and published by EA in 2010, Mass Effect 2 is a title adored by critics and players alike. Mass Effect video games are known for their narrative and immersive world designs, and the second installment in the series represents the pinnacle of the franchise.
Players take on the role of Commander Shepard in a futuristic depiction of the galaxy, battling an invasive alien species. The title has been praised for its role-playing elements and complex characters, as well as the relationships between these characters. The interactive choices players make influence the story of the game and determine the direction of the plot.
A seamless blend of admirable storytelling, cinematography, and gameplay mechanics makes Mass Effect 2 one of the greatest role-playing video games of all time.
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows PC
Type: Paid
10) Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn, developed by Guerrilla Games and released by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2017, is one of the best action RPGs in the previous generation of consoles.
The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic depiction of the 31st century, where nature has reclaimed the land and people have resorted to a primitive and tribal way of life. Most importantly, the world is dominated by machines in the form of wild mechanical beasts.
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The protagonist, Aloy, must traverse the land to avenge her tribe, while uncovering the truth about her own past and the secrets of her world. The unique world and brilliant story in this game make it one of the most entertaining and engaging experiences. A sequel to the game was recently released, making this the ideal title to revisit before moving on to the next.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Windows PC
Type: Paid
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the opinion of the writer.
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