The Most Compelling Video Game Storylines Ever
List Rules Only games with great narratives (graphics and gameplay not considered).
Video game stories range from the extremely simplistic to the staggeringly complex. While early games - and many contemporary ones focused on gameplay - treat the plot as a loose outline filled in by action or puzzles, some games have tried to push the boundaries and tell emotionally gripping, cinematic stories with elements of interactive control and player choices that forward the storyline.
The advent of so-called "sandbox" games, which give players more freedom in choosing how to explore the environment, which missions to embark upon and what order to progress in has also served to make games more character-driven and involving. ("Fallout 3," for example, builds up a karmic profile of the player based on decisions in how to advance through missions.) These best storyline games build on the gameplay and graphics with genuinely good stories.
Currently at the top of the list of the best video game storylines are the Mass Effect games with BioShock, The Last of Us, and Half-Life 2 all in contention for the number one spot. Gamers will also recognize other popular video game franchises, like the worlds of Kingdom Hearts, or Metal Gear Solid and Assassin's Creed, which feature twists and surprises in their storylines.
This list collects the games with the most entertaining and involving storylines. Vote for your favorite games on the list, and build your own version to add more suggestions that aren't already ranked! There is no shortage of games with amazing stories.
Genres (Video game): Action-adventure game, Survival horror
Genres (Video game): Action-adventure game
Genres (Video game): Action role-playing game, Adventure, Role-playing video game, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Genres (Video game): Shooter game, Action-adventure game, Action role-playing game, Survival horror, First-person Shooter
Genres (Video game): Action role-playing game
Genres (Video game): Shooter game, Action role-playing game, Action game, Role-playing video game, First-person Shooter
Genres (Video game): Episodic video game, Adventure, Graphic adventure game
Genres (Video game): Action-adventure game, Action role-playing game, Role-playing video game, Fantasy
Genres (Video game): Action-adventure game, Stealth game
Genres (Video game): Role-playing video game
Genres (Video game): Shooter game, Third-person Shooter, Action role-playing game, Action game, Role-playing video game
Genres (Video game): Console role-playing game, Japanese role-playing game, Role-playing video game
Genres (Video game): Action-adventure game, Action role-playing game
Genres (Video game): Shooter game, Action-adventure game, Action game, Stealth game
Genres (Video game): Shooter game, Action-adventure game, Survival horror, Action game, Adventure, + more
Genres (Video game): Third-person Shooter, Action role-playing game
Genres (Video game): Third-person Shooter, Action role-playing game
Genres (Video game): Shooter game, Action-adventure game, Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, Action role-playing game, Survival horror, + more
Genres (Video game): Action-adventure game, Action game, Beat 'em up, Stealth game
Genres (Video game): Action role-playing game, Action game, Adventure, Role-playing video game
Genres (Video game): Shooter game, Action-adventure game, Platform game, Third-person Shooter, Action game
Genres (Video game): Action-adventure game, Action role-playing game, Role-playing video game
Genres (Video game): Console role-playing game, Role-playing video game
Genres (Video game): Action-adventure game, Platform game, Action role-playing game, Survival horror, Action game, + more
Genres (Video game): Action-adventure game, Action game