30 Best Story Games No Gamer Should Miss in 2026
I’ve spent more than a decade playing the best story games, and I’m still a sucker for a great twist, a messy character arc, or an ending I can’t stop thinking about days later. What used to feel like long cutscenes between missions can now pull you into some genuinely emotional, weird, and unforgettable journeys.
For me, the best story games need more than just a good plot. I want characters I actually care about, pacing that keeps me hooked, worlds I want to get lost in, and at least a few moments that make me stop and go, okay, wow.
That’s what this list is about. These are the games that stuck with me because they made me feel something, question something, or just sit there after the credits thinking about what I’d just played.
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Our Top Picks: Best Story Games
The best story games are one of a kind when it comes to the plot and the intricate world mechanics. It’s like a puzzle where every piece adds up to make the big picture. Here are some titles that properly represent the true spirit of story games:
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Buy nowMarvel’s Spider-Man RemasteredA cinematic superhero adventure following Peter Parker as he balances his personal life with the fight to protect New York City
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Buy nowRed Dead Redemption 2An open-world Western adventure following Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang through a story of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption
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Buy nowBaldur’s Gate 3A choice-driven fantasy RPG where your decisions shape a sprawling adventure filled with memorable characters, difficult choices, and unexpected outcomes
Each video game in the list has a distinct story with different aspects regarding characters, the world, and in-game mechanics. Keep on reading to find out even more titles that you can’t resist but playing!
30 Best Story Games for 2026
Ready to deep-dive and find an amazing story that will knock you out of breath and leave you wanting to leave this world behind so you can get sucked into the world you just experienced? Here’s the list of 25 incredible story games.
1. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered [Best Superhero Story Game]
- Platforms
- PC, PS5
- Release Date
- 2022
- Genre
- Action-Adventure
- Best For
- Superhero Story & Open-World Web-Slinging
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Insomniac Games, Nixxes Software
- Publisher
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered puts you in the suit of an experienced Peter Parker balancing a messy personal life with his responsibilities as New York’s protector. Beyond the exhilarating web-swinging across Manhattan, the narrative delivers a deeply human story about sacrifice, mentorship, and the heavy burden of power.
The relationship between Peter and Otto Octavius forms an emotional centerpiece that feels both tragic and inevitable. With updated visuals, high-frame-rate options, and included DLC chapters, the Remastered edition stands out as one of the definitive superhero video game experiences.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered masterfully blends fluid traversal mechanics with an emotionally resonant narrative. Its portrayal of Peter Parker’s internal conflict delivers unmatched superhero drama.
Swinging through Manhattan never gets old, but it’s the heart underneath the suit that makes this adventure unforgettable.
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2. Red Dead Redemption 2 [Best Open-World Game]
- Platforms
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia
- Release Date
- 2018
- Genre
- Action-Adventure
- Best For
- Open-World Narrative Immersion
- Mode
- Single-player Multiplayer
- Developer
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher
- Rockstar Games
Red Dead Redemption 2 is the best story game with an immersive open-world game. You’ll find the most realistic snow you’ll ever encounter, AND it’s a whole experience that completely pulls you in. There’s nothing quick or convenient about Red Dead Redemption 2, and that’s a big part of what makes it so memorable. Every interaction demands patience. Every action leaves a mark. You feel the weight of it in your choices, even in how you treat your horse.
The world evolves with and around you. You’ll feel the slow burn, see townsfolk gossip about your past, watch gang members grow distant when morale drops, and hear music shift subtly depending on how much honor you’ve earned. It rewards those who stick around, and every detour gives you a new reason to stay longer.
The realism sometimes clashes with responsiveness, like looting animations can drag and traversal isn’t always snappy when you’re in a rush. But those delays are part of what makes it memorable. With a Metacritic Score of 97/100, lots of fan love, over 61 million copies sold, and praised as a “Game of a Generation” by numerous communities online, this masterwork is one hell of a story game.
Red Dead Redemption 2 sets a high benchmark with its detailed open world and deeply nuanced character arcs. Its honor system directly shapes dialogue and story outcomes and delivers unmatched narrative depth.
If you prioritize character depth over speedruns, Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the best story games you’ll find.
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3. Baldur’s Gate 3 [Best for Unmatched Player Agency]
- Platforms
- PC, Linux, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, macOS
- Release Date
- 2023
- Genre
- RPG, Turn-Based Tactical
- Best For
- Deep Player Choice & Branching Narrative
- Mode
- Single-player Multiplayer
- Developer
- Larian Studios
- Publisher
- Larian Studios
Baldur’s Gate 3 sets a new landmark for narrative freedom, placing you and your companions at the center of an intricate, sprawling story where mind flayer parasites threaten your sanity and freedom. Every single choice, roll of the dice, and dialogue branch can drastically alter the fate of entire cities and factions.
The companion characters feature some of the richest writing in modern RPG history, each carrying distinct motives, trauma, and moral boundaries. Whether playing solo or in co-op, the staggering depth of reactivity makes every single playthrough feel genuinely personal.
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers unprecedented narrative reactivity and choice-driven storytelling. Its deeply written companions and tactical combat redefine what a modern RPG can achieve.
If you want an RPG where your choices carry unmatched consequences, Baldur’s Gate 3 is an absolute masterpiece.
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4. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 [Best Emotional Modern RPG]
- Platforms
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date
- 2025
- Genre
- Turn-Based RPG
- Best For
- Emotional Storytelling & Character-Driven RPGs
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Sandfall Interactive
- Publisher
- Kepler Interactive
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has one of the strongest RPG premises in years. Every year, the mysterious Paintress paints a new number, and everyone of that age disappears. When the number reaches 33, Gustave and the rest of Expedition 33 set out to stop her before their time runs out.
What really makes the story work is the cast. The game gives its characters enough quiet moments, grief, humor, and awkwardness that the bigger twists actually land. And while the story gets pretty heavy, the turn-based combat keeps things active with real-time dodges, parries, counters, and aimed attacks.
The surreal Belle Époque-inspired world also helps it stand out from more familiar fantasy RPGs. It’s strange, beautiful, and constantly gives you another mystery to chase.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 features an original story built around mortality and limited time. Strong character relationships, emotional payoff, and dynamic turn-based combat with real-time defensive mechanics deliver immense impact.
It’s stylish and dramatic, but the real strength is how attached it makes you to the people at the center of the story.
More Games Like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
5. God of War [Best Mythological Adventure]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4
- Release Date
- 2018
- Genre
- Action-Adventure
- Best For
- Mythological Character-Driven Action
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Santa Monica Studio
- Publisher
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
The frozen wilderness of the Norse realms in God of War is harsh and unforgiving, but for Kratos, it’s the only place left to start over. God of War has never stopped evolving, from its brutal PlayStation 2 debut to its introspective Norse reboot. I’ve been along for the entire bloodstained ride. What started as a rage-fueled action series transformed into something far more complex.
So, it turned on its heels a bit and became a character study about fatherhood, grief, and breaking the cycle. I LOVED that. The early games are Greek tragedy turned spectacle, with Kratos tearing through Olympus in a flurry of chained blades.
But it’s the later entries that truly surprised me. Seeing him age, hesitate, change, and guide his son without falling back into old patterns hit harder than any boss fight.
God of War uses Norse mythology as emotional architecture to present a mature narrative on fatherhood and breaking generational cycles. Kratos stands out as one of gaming’s most layered protagonists.
There’s real meaning threaded through the destruction in this game, and few series have carried so much emotional momentum across generations. God of War still stands as a benchmark for how to mix raw action with real heart.
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6. Black Myth: Wukong [Best for Mythological Action]
- Platforms
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date
- 2024
- Genre
- Action RPG
- Best For
- Mythological Action & Visually Stunning Boss Battles
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Game Science
- Publisher
- Game Science
Black Myth: Wukong draws heavily from classical Chinese mythology and the 16th-century novel Journey to the West. As the Destined One, you embark on a perilous trek across breathtaking landscapes filled with ancient spirits, formidable yaoguai, and legendary gods.
The narrative unfolds through subtle environmental storytelling, animated vignettes, and rich lore entries that provide fresh depth to familiar mythic figures. Paired with fluid staff combat and spell transformations, it brings epic Eastern fantasy to life like never before.
Black Myth: Wukong captures the grandeur of Eastern mythology through incredible visual fidelity and dynamic boss encounters. Its lore-rich narrative respects its source material while creating a modern action RPG masterpiece.
Experience a visually stunning journey that merges mythic storytelling with exhilarating action combat.
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7. The Last of Us Part I [Best Post-apocalyptic Survival Story]
- Platforms
- PC, PS5
- Release Date
- 2022
- Genre
- Action-Adventure
- Best For
- Post-Apocalyptic Character Drama
- Mode
- Single-player Multiplayer
- Developer
- Naughty Dog
- Publisher
- Sony Computer Entertainment
The Last of Us Part I hit harder than I expected. Not just because of the clickers and the gunfights, but because Joel and Ellie’s relationship burrowed into me. I played the PS5 version late at night, headphones on, and the silence between lines was louder than most game soundtracks. The world has collapsed, but what really hurts is watching people cling to whatever they have left: grief, guilt, hope, and each other.
Combat felt claustrophobic. You count bullets by instinct. Stealth isn’t a style choice because you need it to survive. And when it breaks, you fight with whatever’s in reach. The 2022 remake updated lighting and facial animations, which made already rough scenes feel even more raw.
Accessibility options are insane in scope, and I respect Naughty Dog for that. The game scored 89 on Metacritic and shipped over 2 million units post-remake despite early PC performance issues.
The Last of Us Part I is among the best story games that offer relentless story momentum paired with high-stakes survival gameplay. Its unforgettable character development creates emotional stakes that resonate long after you stop playing.
Get The Last of Us Part I and find out what you’re really capable of when there’s nothing left to lose.
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8. Detroit: Become Human [Best Branching Narrative]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4
- Release Date
- 2018
- Genre
- Interactive Drama
- Best For
- Branching Choices & Morality
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Quantic Dream
- Publisher
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, Quantic Dream
Detroit: Become Human traces the lives of three androids: Kara, Connor, and Markus. You follow their stories as they awaken to consciousness and confront systemic oppression. Your decisions shift the narrative: dialogue, political movements, alliances, and public reactions.
A character might die early, but the story continues through another model. I traced different arcs where protests escalate, or peace holds, sometimes within the same chapter. It’s cool to see Quantic Dream’s inclusion of branching storylines (flowchart) after you’ve finished a chapter. There, you get a hint of something other players might have unlocked, and you missed.
By the end of 2024, it exceeded 11 million sales worldwide, and it’s the most successful title from Quantic Dream to date.
Detroit: Become Human excels in branching storytelling where character deaths reroute narrative paths instead of cutting them off. Its flowchart system highlights how moral choices shape the android uprising.
Detroit: Become Human holds its weight in moral complexity, not flashy combat. You’ll get depth, introspection, future-thinking, and emotion with this title.
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9. Ghost of Tsushima [Best for Cinematic Samurai Storytelling]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, PS5
- Release Date
- 2020
- Genre
- Action-Adventure
- Best For
- Samurai Storytelling & Cinematic Open World
- Mode
- Single-player Multiplayer
- Developer
- Sucker Punch Productions
- Publisher
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
Ghost of Tsushima follows Jin Sakai, an honorable samurai forced to abandon strict tradition to save his homeland from a ruthless Mongol invasion. Set across a gorgeously rendered Tsushima Island, the narrative explores the tragic cost of war and the personal sacrifices required to protect those you love.
The central struggle between Jin’s samurai code and his emergence as the feared “Ghost” drives emotional tension with his mentor, Lord Shimura. Backed by Kurosawa-inspired cinematography and poetic environmental exploration, it delivers one of the most cinematic samurai stories in gaming.
Ghost of Tsushima weaves a powerful tale of honor versus desperation set against a breathtaking open world. Its lethal swordplay and emotional character drama create a truly unforgettable experience.
Step onto Tsushima Island and experience a deeply personal story of duty, sacrifice, and survival.
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10. Resident Evil 4 [Best for High-Tension Survival Horror and Pacing]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, PS5, PS VR2, Xbox Series X/S, iOS/macOS, Nintendo Switch 2
- Release Date
- 2023
- Genre
- Survival Horror, Action
- Best For
- Action Survival Horror & Tense Pacing
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Capcom
- Publisher
- Capcom
Resident Evil 4 reimagines the legendary 2005 survival-horror classic, following agent Leon S. Kennedy on a rescue mission to an eerie European village ruled by a sinister cult. The story balances cheesy action banter with genuine psychological dread and biological horror.
By deepening character motivations for Ashley, Luis, and Ada, the remake elevates the emotional stakes alongside its refined combat systems and intense resource management. It remains an absolute masterclass in pacing, tension, and survival storytelling.
Resident Evil 4 perfects survival-horror pacing with tight combat mechanics, memorable boss encounters, and an upgraded narrative that fleshes out classic characters.
Dive into a thrill ride that sets the gold standard for action survival-horror storytelling.
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11. Celeste [Best Precision Platformer Story]
- Platforms
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Linux, macOS, Google Stadia
- Release Date
- 2018
- Genre
- Precision Platformer
- Best For
- Emotional Storytelling & Tight Precision Platforming
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Maddy Makes Games
- Publisher
- Maddy Makes Games
Celeste follows Madeline, a young woman determined to climb the treacherous Celeste Mountain while confronting her inner anxieties and self-doubt. Across hundreds of handcrafted screens, you must master tight jumps, air-dashes, and wall-climbs. Every death drops you right back into the action instantly, making failure feel like a stepping stone rather than a penalty.
What makes the game so unforgettable is how its tough platforming mechanics mirror Madeline’s mental health struggles. Beyond its difficulty, the game offers extensive assist features, ensuring players of any skill level can enjoy the story.
By 2020, Celeste sold over 1 million copies worldwide, earning universal acclaim and winning Best Indie Game at The Game Awards.
Celeste integrates tight precision controls and instant respawns with a touching exploration of mental health. A phenomenal synth-driven soundtrack enhances every level of the climb.
Celeste stands as a brilliant reminder of how game mechanics can convey complex human emotions. You get incredible level design, a memorable soundtrack, and an uplifting journey to the summit.
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12. BioShock Infinite [Best Dystopian Shooter]
- Platforms
- PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, OS X, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2013
- Genre
- First-Person Shooter
- Best For
- Dystopian FPS with Narrative Depth
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Irrational Games
- Publisher
- 2K
High above the clouds, Columbia shines like a utopia in Bioshock Infinite – but beneath its patriotic facade lies something far more sinister. What starts as a simple rescue mission spirals into a mind-bending journey through parallel realities. The game challenges everything you think you know in one of the most engaging FPS games of all time.
The dynamic between Booker and Elizabeth is the heart of the game. Plus, Elizabeth isn’t just a tagalong character. She’s central to both the mechanics and the soul of the game. She opens rifts in space, but it’s her expressions, her reactions, and everything else that make the world feel alive.
Over 12 million copies sold, a 90+ Metacritic average, and still dissected on gaming forums to this day.
BioShock Infinite excels through Elizabeth’s AI companion design, which elevates emotional immersion. It weaves sci-fi themes with human consequences as Columbia transforms from a postcard into a prison.
BioShock Infinite leaves you unsettled in the best way. Fling yourself deep beneath this game’s rabbit hole. See how far down it truly goes.
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13. Disco Elysium – The Final Cut [Best Detective RPG]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
- Release Date
- 2019
- Genre
- RPG
- Best For
- Detective Narrative & Deep Dialogue
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- ZA/UM
- Publisher
- ZA/UM
In Disco Elysium – The Final Cut, you play a broken detective trying to solve a murder in the crumbling city of Revachol. You wake up with no memory in a trashed hostel room in Revachol, and that sets the tone: fractured and deeply human. Disco Elysium – The Final Cut strips away combat and hands you a mind full of voices. Your skills argue inside your head, your conscience questions every decision.
I played through and found myself torn apart by dialogue. Seriously. This edition adds full voice acting and political vision quests that breathe life into ideology. Critics gave it around 91 out of 100 on Metacritic, signaling near-universal praise. Steam stats estimate between 3.5 and 6.5 million players, with revenue reaching upwards of $80 million across platforms.
This is a RARE feat for indie storytelling. This game will not disappoint you.
Disco Elysium – The Final Cut turns dialogue into a battlefield as thoughts fight for control. Its Thought Cabinet system gives skills a voice while political vision quests lay bare how ideas fracture reality.
Disco Elysium – The Final Cut is a confrontation with yourself. Get it and see how far your detective’s conscience will take you.
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14. Heavy Rain [Best Interactive Drama]
- Platforms
- PC, PS3, PS4, PS5
- Release Date
- 2010
- Genre
- Interactive Drama, Thriller
- Best For
- Interactive Thriller Mystery
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Quantic Dream
- Publisher
- Sony Computer Entertainment, Quantic Dream
Another heavy-hitter from Quantic Dream, no surprise here. Heavy Rain is an emotional thriller. You’ll have a fill of your story game cravings here, as your decisions will affect the outcome of a murder mystery. Want agency? You’ll get to control multiple characters with all their individual stakes to consider.
I still remember gripping the controller through some of its most tense scenes, following clues while the silence made every moment feel more nerve-racking. That’s Heavy Rain at its best: uneasy and constantly making you worry about what your next choice might lead to. I felt real dread while chasing clues and real guilt when the unthinkable happened. By January 2018, Heavy Rain had sold 5.3 million units worldwide, including PS3 and PS4 versions.
It also won three BAFTA awards at the 2011 ceremony, outpacing titles like Mass Effect 2. Early reviews flagged clunky controls, but the fidelity of story and character remained praised. Honestly, this game rules.
Heavy Rain simulates panic through intense button prompts across intersecting character arcs. Its massive 2,000-page branching script ensures every decision carries real weight in this murder mystery thriller.
Heavy Rain forces you to feel deeply, and that’s what a story game is all about. Get Heavy Rain and step into a thriller that still haunts.
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15. Persona 5 Royal [Best Stylish JRPG]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2019
- Genre
- JRPG
- Best For
- Stylish Turn-Based JRPGs
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- P-Studio
- Publisher
- Sega
In Persona 5 Royal, I was immersed in a COLOSSAL JRPG. I was managing daily life, making friends, and reshaping Tokyo’s psyche from the inside out. The Phantom Thieves’ mission is layered heroism. Not exactly clear, but a crucial mission nonetheless.
You invade corrupted minds, fight, steal warped desires, and question the very idea of justice. Each Palace feels handcrafted, not just in design but in psychological weight. But outside those turn-based battles? You’re a high school student juggling exams, youth, part-time jobs, and fragile friendships. That tension between the supernatural and the mundane never lets go.
The Royal edition adds meaningful arcs, a new semester, and my favorite: the Thieves’ Den, where your story is visually tracked. Persona 5 Royal landed a 95 average on Metacritic based on 71 critic reviews, and user opinion doesn’t trail far behind, with a solid 8.7/10 rating.
In mid‑2025, Sega disclosed that Persona 5 Royal surpassed 7.25 million units sold. It outpaced every other title in the mainline Persona series.
Persona 5 Royal features satisfying dungeon puzzles echoing real-world themes paired with a soundtrack blending jazz and rebellion. New characters deepen your bonds without bloating the pacing.
Persona 5 Royal isn’t style over substance, or substance over style. It balances both masterfully. It’s one of the richest RPGs on Switch, and it’s ready for you.
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16. The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series [Best Episodic Survival Game]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Release Date
- 2019
- Genre
- Graphic Adventure
- Best For
- Episodic Survival & Emotional Bonds
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Telltale Games, Skybound Games
- Publisher
- Telltale Games, Skybound Games
You play Lee Everett, a convict turned unlikely guardian in a world overrun by the dead. The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series blends four seasons, the 400 Days DLC, and Michonne into one deeply personal saga. Every split-second decision, every failed rescue, echoes across episodes. I felt that weight most when Clementine stopped trusting me.
Some call the gameplay light since it’s mostly dialogue and timed prompts. But that intimacy is the point. It’s about becoming someone worthy of saving a child. And so by mid‑2014, over 28 million individual episodes had been sold. Across Telltale’s Walking Dead series, the games had reached roughly 80 million episode sales by 2025. Clementine is standing proud somewhere.
The Walking Dead delivers a masterclass in episodic narrative through high-stakes choices that echo across seasons. The evolving bond between Lee and Clementine provides unmatched emotional weight.
The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series will hit you in all your feels, and that is guaranteed. Experience a story that teaches survival through humanity.
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17. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II [Best Historical RPG Story]
- Platforms
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date
- 2025
- Genre
- Action RPG
- Best For
- Historical Role-Playing & Character-Driven Storytelling
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Warhorse Studios
- Publisher
- Deep Silver
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II picks up Henry’s story in 15th-century Bohemia and turns it into something much bigger than a typical medieval power fantasy. You’re not a legendary hero from the start. You’re still figuring things out, making bad calls, getting dragged into political messes, and trying to survive in a world where status actually matters.
That grounded approach is a huge part of why the story works. Conversations, reputation, clothing, and even how you behave can change how people treat you, so the role-playing feels tied directly to the narrative rather than sitting beside it. The game also gives its quieter moments plenty of room, which makes Henry’s friendships, rivalries, and personal growth feel surprisingly natural.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II provides a grounded medieval story where choices and reputation alter how NPCs treat you. Its strong character writing makes complex political drama feel personal.
If you want a story-heavy RPG where you can genuinely feel your place in the world change over time, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is one of the strongest recent picks.
Games Like Kingdom Come: Deliverance
18. The Last of Us Part II Remastered [Best Emotionally Intense Sequel]
- Platforms
- PC, PS5
- Release Date
- 2024
- Genre
- Action-Adventure
- Best For
- Gritty Emotional Storytelling
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Naughty Dog
- Publisher
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
The Last of Us Part II Remastered follows Ellie on a brutal revenge journey through Seattle, but the story quickly becomes much more complicated than simple payback. By shifting perspectives, the game forces you to spend time with characters you initially see as enemies and rethink what you’ve already experienced.
Combat is tense and personal, with limited resources and aggressive enemies, but the character writing is what really carries the game. Ellie’s grief and obsession shape almost every part of the story, while Remastered adds improved visuals, Lost Levels, developer commentary, and the No Return mode.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered challenges players by shifting perspectives across a complex revenge story. Visceral combat and powerful performances reinforce its heavy themes of consequence.
It’s an uncomfortable, emotionally heavy story that refuses to give you an easy hero or villain, which is exactly why it stays with you.
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19. Outer Wilds [Best Space Exploration Mystery]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2019
- Genre
- Action-Adventure, Mystery
- Best For
- Space Exploration & Non-Linear Puzzle Solving
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Mobius Digital
- Publisher
- Annapurna Interactive
Outer Wilds puts you in the space boots of an alien astronaut exploring a handcrafted solar system trapped in an endless 22-minute time loop. Every 22 minutes, the loop resets almost everything you’ve physically done. What carries forward is your knowledge, so discovering how the solar system works becomes the game’s real progression system.
Armed only with a translator, a signalscope, and a scout launcher, your goal is to translate ancient Nomai text and figure out why the solar system keeps dying. There are no skill trees, stats, or weapon upgrades here; your only real progression is knowledge.
By 2023, the game surpassed over 2 million copies sold worldwide and earned multiple Game of the Year honors, solidifying its place as a legendary indie title.
Outer Wilds rewards curiosity through knowledge-based progression in a masterfully designed, dynamic solar system. Its emotional score grounds an exceptional journey of cosmic discovery.
Outer Wilds proves that the best reward in a game isn’t a stat boost, but a profound understanding of the world around you. It is a rare, emotional masterpiece that stays with you long after the final loop.
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20. Life is Strange Remastered Collection [Best Emotional Narrative]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2022
- Genre
- Graphic Adventure
- Best For
- Emotional Choice-Based Adventures
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Deck Nine, Don't Nod Entertainment
- Publisher
- Square Enix
The heart of good games like Life is Strange lies in its characters and emotional depth. There’s a moment in Life Is Strange where Max rewinds time and everything in the room suddenly feels wrong. That’s the kind of scene that stays with you. Playing the Remastered Collection brought all that weight back. The game’s all about the space between two people who care about each other but don’t know how to say it.
You’ll have your emotions tugged as you watch characters’ pain and their difficult decisions. It’s a story about connection and consequence, and even if you know how it ends, you still want to save everyone. This remaster doesn’t try to modernize the story since it just clears the dust off so it can breathe again.
Life is Strange Remastered Collection elevates emotional agency through its time-rewind mechanic. Enhanced animations and deliberate pacing give every choice room to resonate.
Life Is Strange Remastered Collection still holds its place as one of the most intimate and affecting stories in modern gaming.
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21. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade [Best Classic JRPG]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date
- 2020 (Remake)
- Genre
- Action RPG
- Best For
- Classic JRPG Reimagined
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Square Enix Business Division 1
- Publisher
- Square Enix
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is often considered one of the greatest Final Fantasy games. I returned to Midgar and discovered it wasn’t the same story I knew. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade stretches the original Midgar segment into 30 hours of layered storytelling and real-time battling.
The Yuffie DLC adds vertical combat and fresh side activities and makes old locations feel new! Critics averaged around 86–88 on Metacritic across platforms, and I suppose it checked out for broad approval for narrative and visual upgrades.
Some users report limited customization tools on the PC version, particularly graphical settings and FPS options. While parts of the expansion can feel a little padded, the characters keep things moving, from Cloud’s unease and Aerith’s warmth to Barret’s regret.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade seamlessly blends real-time action with tactical depth. Expanded worldbuilding and thoughtful narrative additions reimagine classic moments with fresh emotional insight.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade rewrites memory and myth simultaneously. Long-time fans of this series can relive Midgar but with fresh eyes.
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22. A Plague Tale: Requiem [Best Dark Narrative Adventure]
- Platforms
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2022
- Genre
- Action-Adventure, Stealth
- Best For
- Stealth Gameplay & Dark Historical Fiction
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Asobo Studio
- Publisher
- Focus Entertainment
A Plague Tale: Requiem continues the harrowing journey of Amicia and her younger brother Hugo across 14th-century France. Desperately searching for a cure for Hugo’s dark blood curse, the siblings travel south to a vibrant Mediterranean island. However, as Hugo’s uncontrollable powers reawaken, horrifying swarms of flesh-eating rats follow in their wake, turning safe havens into absolute nightmares.
The emotional weight of protecting a terrified sibling while resorting to extreme violence hits hard. The sheer visual scale of renderable rats on screen, leaping from hundreds in the first game to hundreds of thousands here, creates an overwhelming sense of dread.
Following its release, the game quickly surpassed 1 million players within its first month, earning multiple nominations at The Game Awards for its stellar performances and narrative design.
A Plague Tale: Requiem combines compelling character growth with terrifying, massive rat swarms on screen. Its versatile stealth-action gameplay creates constant tension in a dark narrative adventure.
It refuses to hold back on emotional consequences, making every victory feel hard-won. You’ll get rich narrative immersion, incredible visual spectacle, and a story that lingers long after the credits roll.
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23. Death Stranding – Director’s Cut [A Visual Masterpiece in Post-Apocalyptic World-Building]
- Platforms
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, iOS/macOS
- Release Date
- 2021
- Genre
- Action-Adventure
- Best For
- Cinematic Storytelling & Immersive World-Building
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Kojima Productions
- Publisher
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, 505 Games
Death Stranding places you in the boots of Sam Porter Bridges across a fractured, post-apocalyptic United States. Navigate a desolate frontier to reconnect isolated human settlements through the Chiral Network. By 2021, the game crossed over 5 million copies sold worldwide across PlayStation and PC, generating tens of millions in revenue.
Rather than typical combat, the environment itself becomes your primary adversary: shifting river currents, steep cliff faces, and deadly Timefall rain that ages everything it touches.
A simple delivery turns into an intense exercise in weight distribution, terrain plotting, and stamina management. It’s fascinating how Kojima Productions turned solitary logistics into a collective human experience without ever putting players directly in the same lobby.
Death Stranding makes terrain navigation deeply rewarding through innovative traversal mechanics and asynchronous multiplayer. Photorealistic Hollywood performances elevate its cinematic story of connection.
The Director’s Cut edition significantly expands the base experience by adding new story content, traversal gear, combat options, and minigames designed to make the journey smoother and more varied.
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24. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt [The Best Dark Fantasy RPG]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Release Date
- 2015
- Genre
- Action RPG
- Best For
- Dark Fantasy & Consequence-Driven RPG
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher
- CD Projekt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt hits differently when you stop playing it like an RPG and start living inside its mess. Every choice you make as Geralt of Rivia has weight in this immersive open-world game. You might slay a cursed creature only to realize later it kept the local baron from drinking himself to death. The game doesn’t mark what’s good or evil, because it just watches what you pick and shows you the fallout.
What pulled me in was how characters remembered what I said twenty hours earlier. The Bloody Baron questline is still one of the most gut-wrenching arcs I’ve ever played, and it’s optional. Entire quest chains vanish if you walk the wrong path or trust the wrong person. And that’s the thrill! It plays like a memory you could screw up.
The Game of the Year Edition also includes both expansions, and Blood and Wine could have passed for a full game on its own. The only real downside is the inventory management turns into a chore once you start hoarding gear. This game can run for 200+ hours, has 200+ Game of the Year (GOTY) awards, has 3 endings, and over 5000 mods from the community. If that doesn’t speak for itself, then I’m clueless.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt features long-term narrative consequences that dynamically reshape quest lines. It delivers remarkable emotional depth across both optional content and expansive DLCs.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Game of the Year Edition lets you find out what the world inside the game is about without explaining itself. Let the world mess with you a little.
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25. Firewatch [Best Narrative Exploration]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, OS X
- Release Date
- 2016
- Genre
- Adventure, Mystery
- Best For
- Narrative Exploration & Solitude
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Campo Santo
- Publisher
- Panic, Campo Santo
Try Firewatch if you’re a fan of plots happening in dense forests. Get immersed in Wyoming’s endless forest on screen. You’re Henry, a fire lookout assigned to the deep woods, with only a walkie-talkie connecting you to Delilah.
The more you explore, the more the landscape whispers about past mistakes and unspoken longing. A phone call changes your mood, and rustling in the trees adds depth. The game uses sensations to sharpen its emotional impact. If you’re the type who’s attentive, then you’ll tingle.
Critics praised its writing and setting, and by late 2016 it had sold over 1 million copies worldwide. It won Narrative awards at GDC and BAFTA, and pretty much got status as an emotional indie pillar. While some players note the slow pacing and simple mechanics, that restraint is part of the design.
Firewatch captures the quiet magic of isolation through sparse walkie-talkie dialogue. Its evolving relationship with Delilah builds organically against a grounded wilderness backdrop.
Firewatch lets you experience the quiet magic of solitude.
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26. NieR: Automata [Best Philosophical RPG]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2017
- Genre
- Action RPG
- Best For
- Philosophical Storytelling & Action RPG Combat
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- PlatinumGames
- Publisher
- Square Enix
NieR:Automata follows androids 2B, 9S, and A2 in a ruined world where humanity has seemingly fled to the Moon, and machines now dominate Earth. What begins as a war between androids and machines gradually turns into something much stranger, exploring identity, free will, purpose, and what it actually means to be human.
The story is designed to be replayed, but not in the usual “start again for a different ending” way. Later routes show new perspectives, reveal major pieces of the plot, and completely change how you understand earlier events. The fast PlatinumGames combat keeps things moving, while quieter moments and side quests often deliver some of the game’s strongest emotional punches.
NieR:Automata utilizes multiple playthrough routes to reveal new perspectives rather than simply repeating the plot. Its fast-paced action contrasts brilliantly with deep philosophical themes.
If you enjoy hack-and-slash games, NieR:Automata gives you plenty of fast, stylish combat, but its philosophical story and emotional character arcs are what really make it memorable.
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27. To the Moon [Best Emotional Indie Game]
- Platforms
- PC, Linux, iOS, OS X, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date
- 2011
- Genre
- Adventure, RPG
- Best For
- Emotional Indie Storytelling
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Freebird Games
- Publisher
- Freebird Games
In this fantastic indie game, aka To The Moon, you go through a heart-wrenching journey that’s as emotional as it is unique. To the Moon can genuinely screw up your heart. The story starts in a sterile office, but time loops backwards through a dying man’s memories, and by the climax it can have you sobbing alone in a living room.
There’s almost no traditional gameplay, just pixel art and two doctors reconstructing a life. As you guide them through key childhood moments, you’ll feel what it means to grow old with regrets and small joys. Critics at the time praised its emotional power, and GameSpot named it Best Story of 2011 along with multiple nominations across writing and ending categories.
User sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with 96% positive from over 64,000 Steam reviews. Word of mouth helped it sell several hundred thousand units before it ever appeared in mainstream coverage. Some do point out that exploration is minimal and puzzles basic, but that omission is intentional. The story is front and center here.
To the Moon constructs an unforgettable story by replaying memories instead of relying on combat mechanics. Its emotional score and concise narrative deliver a lasting, heartfelt impact.
To the Moon rewrote what emotional storytelling in games could be. Experience it today. This is one journey that stays with you.
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28. SOMA [Best Psychological Horror]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, Xbox One, macOS, Linux, GeForce NOW, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- 2015
- Genre
- Survival Horror
- Best For
- Psychological Horror & AI Ethics
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Frictional Games, Abylight Studios
- Publisher
- Frictional Games, Abylight Studios
What sets SOMA apart from other outstanding horror games is its psychological horror. The creatures are terrifying, sure. But the deeper horror is philosophical. As I played, I kept wondering: if my body’s gone but my thoughts remain, am I still me? That question never lets go. The underwater base, PATHOS-II, is silent and oppressive, broken by flickers of past lives and corrupted minds.
What starts as survival horror slowly transforms into a story about consciousness, the soul, life, and identity. The monsters are brutal but optional. The existential dread is unavoidable. On Metacritic, SOMA holds an 85 critic average, and it has sold over 1 million copies on PC alone, with total all‑platform haul likely double that number.
Critics were fans of its soundscape and that undeniably tense atmosphere, though some of them criticized the slow pacing and awkward object puzzles. The game’s payoff and strengths are still unforgettable.
SOMA relies on creeping realization rather than jump scares, using authentic voice logs and grounded AI ethics scenarios to deliver deep psychological horror.
SOMA will rattle your nerves, but it’ll mess with your sense of self even more. It’s one of the boldest games in horror.
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29. Mass Effect 2 [The Best Sci-fi Story]
- Platforms
- PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
- Release Date
- 2010
- Genre
- Action RPG, TPS
- Best For
- Sci-fi Squad-Based RPGs
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- BioWare
- Publisher
- Electronic Arts, Microsoft Game Studios
Without question, Mass Effect 2 is one of the greatest space games ever made, throwing you into a high-stakes mission where failure means the end of humanity. Mass Effect 2 asks you to save the galaxy, and it asks who you’ll lose trying. You’ll go in thinking you’ll be ready for the stakes, but nothing prepares you for how personal they’ll feel. Every crew member has their own baggage, their own line they won’t cross.
Getting them to trust you takes time, and failing them hits harder than any death screen. It’s a game that’s ALL about consequences, and that’s why it’s on this list. BioWare made something timeless here. The Legendary Edition gave it polish, but the heart was always there.
With 3.5M+ remastered copies sold and over 320,000 Steam reviews, players still come back to see how much their decisions really cost.
Mass Effect 2 delivers unmatched sci-fi stakes where crew loyalty directly influences survival. Deep dialogue trees build authentic bonds, making every decision carry unflinching consequences.
Mass Effect 2 is an addictive story game that will keep you coming back to replay and do better.
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30. Undertale [Best Indie RPG]
- Platforms
- PC, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, OS X
- Release Date
- 2015
- Genre
- RPG
- Best For
- Pacifist RPG & Player Choice
- Mode
- Single-player
- Developer
- Toby Fox
- Publisher
- Toby Fox
What sets games like Undertale apart is the freedom they offer: the ability to choose between combat or pacifism, which allows you some feeling of agency. You enter a world of monsters where every encounter can end in a fight, a flee, or a friendship. I avoided the first 30 fights just to see what would happen. Silence speaks louder than violence here; choosing restraint opens paths that no action ever could.
Critically acclaimed, Undertale holds a 92 Metacritic score, and its community user score hovers around 8.7/10. Steam shows it has sold somewhere between 5 and 10 million copies. The game’s impact shows up in ongoing fan theory debates and speedrun categories where pacifist runs still feel fresh.
Its indie author, Toby Fox, pushed storytelling in games by letting actions speak – and in some endings, quiet restraint can even resonate more.
Undertale redefines the traditional RPG by allowing pacifist solutions that rewrite game systems and character arcs. Its multiple endings reflect the surprising power of choosing empathy over violence.
Undertale rewrote what an RPG could be. Get it and see what kindness can unlock.
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Best Story Games for PC
Let’s face it – PC gaming offers a lot of flexibility. While consoles have their perks and used to offer better graphics and performance, PC has caught up and even surpassed them in many cases, making it home to some of the greatest PC games.
But what are the best story games PC has to offer? There are plenty, but let’s focus on five standout titles:
|
Title |
Genre |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
Action-Adventure |
Open-World Narrative Immersion |
|
|
Action-Adventure |
Post-Apocalyptic Character Drama |
|
|
Action-Adventure |
Cinematic Storytelling & Immersive World-Building |
|
|
RPG, Turn-Based Tactical |
Deep Player Choice & Branching Narrative |
|
|
Turn-Based RPG |
Emotional Storytelling & Character-Driven RPGs |
Each of these games brings something unique to the table. Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t just a great story game; it’s also one of the best co-op games on PC. These five titles are considered storytelling masterpieces in gaming, each excelling in different aspects of narrative and world-building.
With well-written characters, interactive narratives, and immersive worlds, these RPGs will keep you hooked for hours.
Best Story Games for Xbox
Nothing quite beats the feel of an Xbox controller in hand. While PC gaming has its advantages, there is nothing that quite matches the joy of playing the best story games on Xbox. The new Xbox Series X/S takes it even further with 4K resolution and super-fast load times, making it one of the top consoles on the market right now.
But let’s get to what really matters – the story games. While these are available on other platforms, Xbox gives you the best experience, especially with Game Pass. Here are five of the standout titles that are perfect for Xbox players:
|
Title |
Genre |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
Action-Adventure |
Open-World Narrative Immersion |
|
|
JRPG |
Stylish Turn-Based JRPGs |
|
|
RPG |
Detective Narrative & Deep Dialogue |
|
|
Action-Adventure, Mystery |
Space Exploration & Non-Linear Puzzle Solving |
|
|
Action RPG |
Dark Fantasy & Consequence-Driven RPG |
These five games have been featured on Game Pass at some point, so they’re incredibly accessible. Plus, Fallout 4 deserves a mention – it’s not just a story game but one of the best co-op experiences on Xbox.
Xbox’s great storage and seamless resume feature make it easy to dive back into your game. And with Xbox LIVE, you’ll stay engaged, earning achievements that highlight your skills and progress.
Xbox Live Gift Cards
Best Story Games for PlayStation
PlayStation has long been home to some of the most iconic narrative experiences in gaming. If you are looking to dive deep into incredible character arcs, cinematic world-building, and unforgettable moments, exploring the best story games on PlayStation is the perfect place to start.
From atmospheric post-apocalyptic journeys to epic mythological sagas, here are five outstanding PlayStation story games featured in this list:
|
Title |
Genre |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
The Last of Us Part I |
Action-Adventure |
Post-Apocalyptic Character Drama |
|
Action-Adventure |
Mythological Character-Driven Action |
|
|
Death Stranding – The Director’s Cut |
Action-Adventure |
Cinematic Storytelling & Immersive World-Building |
|
Detroit: Become Human |
Interactive Drama |
Branching Choices & Morality |
|
Heavy Rain |
Interactive Drama, Thriller |
Interactive Thriller Mystery |
Playing these titles on PlayStation hardware elevates the storytelling even further. With features like the DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio support, every emotional beats, environmental sound, and tense encounter pulls you deeper into the narrative than ever before.
PlayStation Gift Cards
Final Verdict: Best Story Games
There’s no single formula for a great story game. Some hit hardest through character drama, others through player choice, mystery, or the kind of ending you keep thinking about afterward. If you’re not sure where to start, these five cover very different kinds of storytelling:
|
BEST STORY GAMES |
|
|---|---|
 BUY NOW |
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered. Peter Parker’s personal struggles, his relationships with familiar faces, and his responsibility to protect New York City create a heartfelt superhero story with plenty of memorable moments. Best for: players who enjoy cinematic superhero storytelling and character-driven action. |
 |
Red Dead Redemption 2. Arthur Morgan’s story, the slow collapse of the Van der Linde gang, and the way the world reacts to your choices make it the strongest all-around pick. Best for: players seeking open-world narrative immersion and character depth. |
 |
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Its cast, themes of mortality, and big story turns make it one of the strongest newer entries on the list. Best for: RPG fans who want an emotional, turn-based story centered on limited time. |
 |
Disco Elysium – The Final Cut. If you prefer dialogue, character psychology, and a story you can really shape through your decisions, this is the one to go for. Best for: players who enjoy detective mysteries and deep dialogue-driven roleplaying. |
 |
Death Stranding – Director’s Cut. A cinematic strand-type journey across a fractured world, connecting isolated settlements through survival, atmospheric exploration, and hyper-realistic terrain traversal. Best for: players looking for cinematic sci-fi storytelling and atmospheric world-building. |
Whichever one you pick, the best story games should make you genuinely care about their characters, choices, or world – and give you something worth thinking about after you put it down.
FAQs
The best story games are Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Baldur’s Gate 3. These titles feature unforgettable narratives, deep characters, and immersive worlds that leave a lasting emotional impact.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is considered the game with the best storyline with game mechanics that feel especially immersive. The story peeks at different emotions along with an array of choices.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt delivers one of the best endings in gaming, with multiple outcomes shaped by your choices. The “Ciri becomes a Witcher” ending, where she stays with Geralt, is a fan favorite.
Final Fantasy X probably has the saddest story in gaming, as it depicts a heart-wrenching love story with an aching, sad ending. To top it off, the character Tidus’s tragic fate leaves players deeply empathizing with him.
Persona 5 Royal is among the longest story games. It offers over 100 hours of gameplay (101 hours alone for the story completion), and the Royal edition of the game adds extra story to the original JRPG, Persona 5, making it one of the longest story games of all time.
The Last of Us Part I and To the Moon deliver deeply personal narratives that linger long after the credits roll. They are widely regarded as two of the most emotional titles among the best story games ever made.
