Home Gaming FFD: What games tell the best stories?

FFD: What games tell the best stories?

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211

STORYTIME

The most important aspect to any game, no matter what Crytek would have you believe, is not the graphics. No, it’s the actual gameplay; it’s probably the most important factor in whether or not a game is enjoyable. That said, there’s something else about some games that drives me to play a great game, or even struggle through one that isn’t quite as compelling; the story.

In my old age, story is becoming more important than ever, and I’ll happily play a flawed game if its narrative drives me to do so. A game like the excellent Spec Ops: The Line (soon available for free on PlayStation Plus; play it) is built around perhaps generic third person shooter elements, but its excellent, dark and disturbing narrative makes it so much more than it rightly should be.

L.A Noire wasn’t really a great game, if we’re honest about the actual gameplay; what it had instead was a great story that made the whole thing worth playing. Of course, great stories aren’t only attached to middling games, as games like The Last of Us, Silent Hill 2, Mass Effect and BioShock can attest

But what games, in your opinion, tell the very best stories? If you say Metal Gear Solid, you’re automatically disqualified.

Last Updated: July 19, 2013

211 Comments

  1. That Super Twit

    July 19, 2013 at 10:38

    Guess I am disqualified. 😛

    Reply

    • RinceWind

      July 19, 2013 at 10:50

      lol

      Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      July 19, 2013 at 10:51

      back in your box….. be a good lad….

      Reply

      • That Super Twit

        July 19, 2013 at 10:56

        Snake taught me how to sneak out of the box.

        Reply

        • RinceWind

          July 19, 2013 at 10:57

          Thought you were gonna say closet there, trololo! 😉

          Reply

          • That Super Twit

            July 19, 2013 at 10:58

            HAHA!

        • Spathi

          July 19, 2013 at 11:07

          Hahahahha, excellent!

          Reply

    • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

      July 19, 2013 at 10:53

      Solid Snake…No Naked Snake…NO! OLD SNAKE … NOOOOOO Punished Snake NOOOOAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!! …. Big Boss??

      Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      July 19, 2013 at 10:54

      CONVOLUTED SOAP OPERA NONSENSE 😀

      Reply

      • Spathi

        July 19, 2013 at 10:57

        I play MGS games for the same reason I watch WWE, all the drama and intrigue! Not that I watch WWE… 🙂

        Reply

      • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

        July 19, 2013 at 11:05

        It’s quite easy to understand ……. said no one ever

        Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      July 19, 2013 at 13:43

      Don’t worry Super Twit…
      Metal Gear Solid Anything > Call of Duty Anything!

      Reply

  2. IceH

    July 19, 2013 at 10:39

    Best Story: Final Fantasy Series (up to part 10)
    Secret Favorite: Part 8 including Squall’s Dead (who ever played Final Fantasy 8 – get ready to get your brain ****ed http://squallsdead.com/

    Reply

    • JasonDK

      July 19, 2013 at 10:45

      Shut up! I-It’s not true! I’m not even listening anymore!

      Reply

      • RinceWind

        July 19, 2013 at 10:51

        It isn’t true, it isn’t true, repeat!

        Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      July 19, 2013 at 10:47

      NO! He is not dead! No no no!

      (FF8 was teh best!)

      Reply

    • RinceWind

      July 19, 2013 at 10:51

      Oi! Foil hat engaged!

      Reply

    • Rian Mostert

      July 19, 2013 at 14:23

      Ooh, a theory? A conspiracy? Interesting, but wait… I have to finish it first…
      Played it years ago but restarted on the final boss because a friend told me I missed Squall’s ultimate weapon… *the shame*
      -Bookmarked for later-

      Reply

      • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

        July 20, 2013 at 06:07

        Yeah one thing i hated wad at the end a lot of places were protected by s barrier so you couldn’t access them

        Reply

    • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

      July 20, 2013 at 06:05

      Haha love that theory along with Rhinoa is Ultimecia though that got debunked. But man Squalls dead hits right in the childhood. But if it is true then 8 indeed had the best story

      Reply

  3. Melasco

    July 19, 2013 at 10:40

    Mass Effect Trilogy and The Last Of Us…

    Reply

    • Ultimo_Cleric N7

      July 19, 2013 at 11:01

      Amen Garrus.

      Reply

    • DBL_ZA

      July 19, 2013 at 13:35

      I looked for a Mass Effect comment so I didn’t look like a fool posting about it. I was not disappointed

      Reply

  4. FSR

    July 19, 2013 at 10:40

    Special mention to Tomb Raider. GOTY for me thus far. Immersive, engaging, great controls… I must play it again.

    Reply

  5. Kromas

    July 19, 2013 at 10:41

    Mass Effect, Bioshock, Half Life,Last of Us.

    Reply

    • Ultimo_Cleric N7

      July 19, 2013 at 11:02

      Amen Geth

      Reply

      • Kromas

        July 19, 2013 at 11:10

        I miss Legion. 🙁

        Reply

    • Admiral Chief Groot Wors

      July 19, 2013 at 11:03

      Half Life, yeah, agreed on that one as well

      Reply

      • Kromas

        July 19, 2013 at 11:12

        Oooh and apart from the boring game play Diablo had a rather decent story. As well as Starcraft crap and KoTOR and portal …. damn quite a few I missed.

        Reply

  6. Sageville

    July 19, 2013 at 10:41

    For me, Last of Us.

    Probably the most engaging story, told perfectly.

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      July 19, 2013 at 10:43

      Wish I could try that. I enjoyed Farcry 3’s story here and there endings sucked though.
      Also I enjoyed half life 1 and 2s stories. As well as gears of war and Halo stories.

      Reply

    • Vampyre Squirrel

      July 19, 2013 at 14:33

      Fortunately (because I’d get no studying done) or Unfortunately I don’t have a PS3 to play TLoU, only an Xbox which gets really old free games (Like AC2, which I have for 2 platforms already) 🙁

      Reply

  7. Wtf101

    July 19, 2013 at 10:43

    Double Dragon. Girl kidnapped. Fisticuffs will ensue. Done!

    Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      July 19, 2013 at 10:44

      Super Mario. Princess taken. Trolling mushroom. Done!

      Reply

      • That Super Twit

        July 19, 2013 at 10:45

        Medal of Honor. Get gun. Shoot Taliban. Done.

        Reply

        • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

          July 19, 2013 at 10:46

          CoD. Copy. Paste. Done

          Reply

          • That Super Twit

            July 19, 2013 at 10:47

            OK, you win.

  8. FoxOneZA - X-Therminator

    July 19, 2013 at 10:44

    God of War, Gears of War and DmC.

    Yeah, I’m a sucker for cheese.

    Reply

  9. Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

    July 19, 2013 at 10:44

    KOTOR1 and 2, Half Life 1 and 2, Bioshock 1 and Infinite, Starcraft 1 and2

    Reply

    • That Super Twit

      July 19, 2013 at 10:44

      Half-Life was awesome!

      Reply

    • Grant Hancock

      July 19, 2013 at 10:58

      YES to all ! (except Bioshocks which I haven’t played) …

      Playing SC 1 as a kid was like being inside a movie … very immersive, and cinematics were epic! … how could that bastard Admiral leave those troops behind to die at beginning of Brood Wars !

      Reply

      • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

        July 19, 2013 at 10:59

        I know right. And Starcraft2 came back with stunning cinematics and a story that kept me playing just to see what happens!

        Reply

        • Grant Hancock

          July 19, 2013 at 11:02

          Haven’t played heart of swarm yet … but was mighty impressed they put so much effort into wings of liberty’s cinematics … Blizzard could eeeaaasily make a series of animated full length movies… would rock!

          Reply

          • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

            July 19, 2013 at 11:03

            My wife tunes me every time I play that she wishes they’d make a movie out of it

          • That Super Twit

            July 19, 2013 at 11:05

            Would be great if they could make a movie about it, and actually pull it off well.

          • Skyblue

            July 19, 2013 at 12:10

            Not the kind of tuning u were hoping for? ;-p

  10. CrasH

    July 19, 2013 at 10:45

    Semi Adventure and even some point and click.
    Guybrush Threepwood,

    Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      July 19, 2013 at 10:53

      Ah! You just reminded me!

      Myst 1 through 4! Great stories!

      Reply

  11. Warren Ross

    July 19, 2013 at 10:45

    A man after my own man-parts! *ahem*

    Some favourites story-telling games that I can think of:

    Grim Fandango
    Knights of the Old Republic
    Mass Effect Trilogy (especially 2)
    System Shock 2
    Bioshock (original + Infinite)
    Star Control 2
    Fallout
    Planescape: Torment
    Gabriel Knight
    Beneath a Steel Sky
    Loom
    Red Dead Redemption

    And an honourable mention to my favourite early Sierra games: King’s Quest 2+3, Space Quest 1+2, Police Quest 1 and Quest for Glory 1+2+3

    Erm…I’m sure there must be more…brain…dry…

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Groot Wors

      July 19, 2013 at 11:01

      Grim Fandango was awesome.
      KotOR as well
      etc etc

      You have a list of WIN there

      Reply

      • That Super Twit

        July 19, 2013 at 11:05

        I still have my copy of Grim Fandango ^_^

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief Groot Wors

          July 19, 2013 at 11:07

          WIN!

          Reply

          • That Super Twit

            July 19, 2013 at 11:10

            Glottis was a funny character.

        • Vampyre Squirrel

          July 19, 2013 at 12:01

          “Good enough for government work” is my favorite quote from the game 😛

          Reply

        • Vampyre Squirrel

          July 19, 2013 at 12:42

          So do I lol

          Reply

    • Skyblue

      July 19, 2013 at 11:02

      Nice list there bud. Some oldies which had awesome stories and gameplay:

      Almost every Lucas Arts game pre ’95
      Shadowrun (Megadrive)
      Earthworm Jim (Megadrive)
      Jungle Strike (Megadrive)
      Flashback
      Castlevania IV: Bloodlines (SNES)
      Chrono Trigger
      The Legend of Zelda (NES)
      The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)
      Landstalker

      BAM for old school!

      Reply

      • That Super Twit

        July 19, 2013 at 11:03

        +100 upvotes for you if i could.

        Reply

      • CrasH

        July 19, 2013 at 11:10

        Earthworn Jim… soo many memories.
        Princess-whats-her-name, Phycrow, For Pete’s Sake and always, the Cow

        Reply

      • Warren Ross

        July 19, 2013 at 11:50

        Yeah! Flashback was great, and its sequel Fade To Black was also pretty cool from a narrative perspective. I played “A Link to the Past” on my GB-Color, first Zelda game ever. 🙂

        Speaking of Zelda, The Wind Waker was pretty good, although the overall plot was generic Zelda stuff.

        Reply

  12. CrasH

    July 19, 2013 at 10:49

    Also forgot Diablo 2 with LOD add-on and Warcraft series and The old Dune 2 and Red Alert and Tiberian wars. So even stradigy used to have good stories at some point

    Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      July 19, 2013 at 10:51

      Red Alert 2 story was sweet 🙂

      Reply

      • CrasH

        July 19, 2013 at 10:52

        You’re just remebering the parts that had tanya in it?

        Reply

        • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

          July 19, 2013 at 10:54

          Who me??? NEVER! Ok maybe the story wasn’t great but the epic cinematics made me wana play. So it counts as story

          Reply

      • HvR

        July 19, 2013 at 10:59

        RA1’s story was better (available for R22 on PS+ BTW).

        Oscar worthy acting.

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief Groot Wors

          July 19, 2013 at 11:09

          Love it!

          Reply

  13. Umar Kiiroi Senk?

    July 19, 2013 at 10:51

    The best stories are told through emotion and subtlety. For example how Joel touches his watch when speaking to Ellie , which shows in which way he cares for her. Maybe it’s the tone of a Rapture citizen’s voice in a journal entry . Everything should add to the overall mood and story. Not to forget music. Who can forget the somber melody that plays when Sephiroths kills Aerith. Games like Dark Souls I found to tell amazing utterly amazing stories, but only to those that seek it which is much more rewarding imo

    Reply

    • RinceWind

      July 19, 2013 at 10:54

      My office is leaking like a fucked washing machine, but what you just said warms my heart! Don’t forget Secret of Mana, Lost Odyssey’s ending (cry).

      Reply

      • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

        July 19, 2013 at 10:57

        I be glad 🙂 and man, obviously LO … Ahh, what a nice topic

        Reply

        • RinceWind

          July 19, 2013 at 10:58

          Hey man, you ever play Legend of Gia? I actually want to weep with nostalgia now!

          Reply

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            July 19, 2013 at 11:00

            Illusion of Gaia?

          • RinceWind

            July 19, 2013 at 11:01

            Sorry yes, brain not working on account of Chinese water torture dripping water

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            July 19, 2013 at 11:03

            Haha shame dude. and yeah I did, Enix made some pretty good games in the day

    • Spathi

      July 19, 2013 at 11:01

      A great story starts with great characters and the player caring for them. I felt so damn sorry for my character in DS, guy died a thousand deaths 🙂

      Reply

      • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

        July 19, 2013 at 11:02

        Felt more sorry for Sif after killing him 🙁

        Reply

        • Spathi

          July 19, 2013 at 11:03

          Yeah, I’m no PETA member but man, that isn’t cool 🙂

          Reply

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            July 19, 2013 at 11:04

            Do you know the story behind Sif?

          • Spathi

            July 19, 2013 at 11:05

            I knew it I think. Watched the “story” videos and read the lore after finishing the game as I missed a whole lot of stuff. But feel free to refresh my memory!

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            July 19, 2013 at 11:05

            Very Very sad. yeah I missed a lot of stuff too, that is what second playthroughs are for lol

          • Spathi

            July 19, 2013 at 11:08

            Played it a second time also with a new character after my PS3 YLOD on me. Still not so clued up 😀

  14. RinceWind

    July 19, 2013 at 10:53

    Secret of Mana anyone? Alan Wake? Anyone? Hello?!

    Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      July 19, 2013 at 10:54

      Dude yes! Alan Wake. Thanks for reminder!

      Reply

      • RinceWind

        July 19, 2013 at 10:55

        I was worrying that people didn’t think it AWESOME!

        Reply

        • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

          July 19, 2013 at 10:56

          It was awesome. Story line was great. Pitty the gameplay became a little tedious near the end 🙁

          Reply

          • RobbieH76

            July 19, 2013 at 11:34

            What a great end it was though….pity they DLC’ed the f&%# out of it…would’ve enjoyed to play the rest…

        • Spathi

          July 19, 2013 at 10:59

          Was the sole reason I bought my Xbox for, and worth it. Until it was released on PC… Please MS, keep your Xbox exclusives on Xbox or warn me in advance. Thanks.

          Reply

  15. Trevor Davies

    July 19, 2013 at 10:54

    I don’t think it matters what type of game tells the story. It’s the quality of the story & how it draws you into the game, makes you feel like you’re part of it & keeps you interested in playing that makes it something special.

    But if I had to choose it would be a toss up between RPG & Adventure – they both rely heavily on story to get you motivated.

    Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      July 19, 2013 at 10:55

      I meant actual titles, not genres. ;P

      Reply

      • Trevor Davies

        July 19, 2013 at 11:01

        Vampire the Masquerade – Redemption & Bloodlines, Farenheit (Indigo Prophecy), Overlord, The Bard’s Tale – all good examples not yet mentioned.

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief Groot Wors

          July 19, 2013 at 11:02

          VTIM was fun yar

          Reply

          • Trevor Davies

            July 19, 2013 at 11:08

            Redemption was a game I played purely for the story. Cos I sucked at it & cheated to give myself god mode lol.

        • Vampyre Squirrel

          July 19, 2013 at 13:09

          VTM Bloodlines was cool… story of Fahrenheit was awesome, but gameplay on keyboard and mouse sucked terribly!

          The Bard’s Tale was epic.

          Reply

      • Trevor Davies

        July 19, 2013 at 11:06

        Neverwinter Nights 2 had a good story, the companions were really cool. I was so mad/sad when I had to kill a couple.

        Reply

        • ToshZA

          July 19, 2013 at 13:38

          Actually just finished this again. Playing Mask of the Betrayer now. The story is good.

          Reply

  16. KingKappie

    July 19, 2013 at 10:55

    Pokemon the story is just hartbraking

    Reply

  17. CrasH

    July 19, 2013 at 10:55

    Max payne 1, could not stop till it was finished and although the gameplay was just brilliant at the time, the story was dark and devilish and basic but sucked me in immediatly.

    Reply

    • That Super Twit

      July 19, 2013 at 10:57

      Forgot about that one.

      Reply

    • Admiral Chief Groot Wors

      July 19, 2013 at 10:57

      Indeed, I agree

      Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      July 19, 2013 at 10:57

      Yeah, epic epic game!

      Reply

  18. Admiral Chief Groot Wors

    July 19, 2013 at 10:57

    Header WIN

    Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      July 19, 2013 at 10:58

      or FAIL. Depends on which way you view it 😉

      Reply

  19. KingKappie

    July 19, 2013 at 10:57

    on a serious note the story of black ops 1 & 2 was good

    Reply

  20. Admiral Chief Groot Wors

    July 19, 2013 at 10:58

    Mass Effect!!!

    Reply

  21. Admiral Chief Groot Wors

    July 19, 2013 at 10:58

    Spec Ops – The Line

    Reply

  22. hendrik

    July 19, 2013 at 10:58

    Darksiders and Darksiders II. MGS!!!

    Reply

    • RinceWind

      July 19, 2013 at 10:59

      YES YES YES!

      Reply

  23. hendrik

    July 19, 2013 at 10:59

    O ja. Heavy Rain!

    Reply

  24. Tbone187

    July 19, 2013 at 10:59

    Stories in games are overrated in general imo….If the gameplay sucks , I wouldn’t bother…Not saying that it doesn’t add to the experience, just don’t give it more credit than it’s worth…Read a book instead for engaging storylines…

    Reply

    • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

      July 19, 2013 at 11:00

      Interactive media … you’re missing the point

      Reply

      • RinceWind

        July 19, 2013 at 11:06

        lol and yes.

        Reply

      • Tbone187

        July 19, 2013 at 11:20

        Sorry but are you suggesting that interactive media is solely link to storylines…?if so, I think you’re missing my point…turning a page on book can be regarded as interactive with your media…

        Reply

        • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

          July 19, 2013 at 11:23

          Interactive, as in interacting with the game. I am not saying it is solely based on the story but that is what separates games from any other media, you are not merely watching or reading a story , you are experiencing it and, changing it, interacting with the denizens of the game world, changing the story based on decisions….that is what i mean by interacting……………………….not flipping a page…………………….don’t be so literal

          Reply

          • Tbone187

            July 19, 2013 at 11:29

            But that’s an obvious analogy. My point is, storylines shouldn’t be held in such high regard with games…if the gameplay sucks, it doesn’t matter how great the story is…Bringing the concept of interactive media into the subject changes the discussion drastically…

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            July 19, 2013 at 11:36

            They compliment each other. LA Noire had a great story but boring gameplay, but it doesn’t mean it is a bad game. Borderlands had a little to no story … but the gameplay was amazing, each one lifts the other up. you can’t tell someone to read a book, it’s not the same, and that is why I bring up interactive media

          • Tbone187

            July 19, 2013 at 11:46

            Okay, my initial comment says that I’m not saying it doesn’t add to the experience but at the same time , it shouldn’t be given more credit than it’s owed in a gaming format…People enjoyed pacman with absolutely no storyline to speak of…

            Thing is, once again imo, avid readers enjoy engaging storylines. That’s their core reason to read. The core reason people play games is to do exactly that, play games.The storyline adds to it but isn’t the core reason in most cases.

            I cannot go thru a game with terrible gameplay mechanics just to enjoy the story… Hence why my reference to read a book instead if you want an engaging storyline…I won’t read a book either with an unappealing storyline but I can certainly play a game with awesome mechanics irrespective of it’s story…

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            July 20, 2013 at 06:02

            I understand your point now 🙂 but there are people that play for story too. Games bring a new way of telling a story than a book. But on i get what you’re saying though I think most people wouldn’t play a bad game with a good story

  25. Ultimo_Cleric N7

    July 19, 2013 at 11:01

    MASS EFFECT. The End.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Groot Wors

      July 19, 2013 at 11:02

      Indeed

      Reply

    • Admiral Chief Groot Wors

      July 19, 2013 at 11:02

      Which colour?

      Reply

      • Trevor Davies

        July 19, 2013 at 11:03

        LOL!

        Reply

      • RinceWind

        July 19, 2013 at 11:06

        You shut up!

        Reply

      • Ultimo_Cleric N7

        July 19, 2013 at 11:12

        Red. The Reapers deserved to die.

        Reply

      • RobbieH76

        July 19, 2013 at 11:28

        Green synthesis

        Reply

  26. Gustav Minnie

    July 19, 2013 at 11:04

    Monkey Island 2 😛

    Reply

    • RinceWind

      July 19, 2013 at 11:06

      Ohhh, yes!

      Reply

    • Vampyre Squirrel

      July 19, 2013 at 15:17

      And 3

      Reply

  27. Spathi

    July 19, 2013 at 11:04

    The whole Baldur’s Gate series. It was epic epic epic!

    Reply

  28. That Super Twit

    July 19, 2013 at 11:07

    Off topic, but does anyone remember this game?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemonium_%28video_game%29

    Reply

    • Spathi

      July 19, 2013 at 11:08

      I do!

      Reply

    • Vampyre Squirrel

      July 19, 2013 at 15:17

      Me too!

      Reply

  29. Trevor Davies

    July 19, 2013 at 11:07

    Both Witcher games have pretty decent stories as well. The consequences of your decisions meant you really had to think about what you were doing.

    Reply

    • Vampyre Squirrel

      July 19, 2013 at 13:11

      Busy with 2… finished 1 a few times to see what differences I got depending on decisions lol

      Reply

      • ToshZA

        July 19, 2013 at 13:39

        2 was too short. Great story, and finishing it comes too soon because of it. Worth every second in game though.

        So yeah, shoud add these to my list as well.

        Reply

  30. Umar Kiiroi Senk?

    July 19, 2013 at 11:09

    Deadly premonition, GUYS PLAY THIS GAME!! Also Please support it on Steam Greenlight so it can make it’s way to PC for all y’all PC gamers

    Reply

  31. RinceWind

    July 19, 2013 at 11:10

    What about Another World? Loved that game man!

    Reply

    • Sageville

      July 19, 2013 at 12:17

      No, you’re wrong, you did not love that game.

      Reply

      • RinceWind

        July 19, 2013 at 12:25

        Eh? I loved it man!

        Reply

        • Sageville

          July 19, 2013 at 13:23

          You went too far back, next thing we’ll start discussing Police Quest and quest.

          Reply

          • RinceWind

            July 19, 2013 at 13:26

            You take that back! lol

          • Sageville

            July 19, 2013 at 13:47

            Easily confused…

          • RinceWind

            July 19, 2013 at 13:51

            Bwahahahaha! I feel you set that up, and were waiting like a spider for a fly! 0-O

          • Sageville

            July 19, 2013 at 13:56

            I worked hard for that one…

          • RinceWind

            July 19, 2013 at 13:59

            HAHAHAH! You did well, very well.

  32. DaxterZA

    July 19, 2013 at 11:11

    IMO, Games that let you make your own choices….for example the Mass Effect series and dare I say it, Black Ops 2 (Blops 2 actually had some very interesting stuff happening in the campaign!).

    Reply

  33. Eric Viljoen

    July 19, 2013 at 11:13

    I say this every single time. Advent Rising. Whyyyyy didn’t they make the sequels oh whyyyyyyy

    Reply

  34. Ultimo_Cleric N7

    July 19, 2013 at 11:14

    Ok, so I am a Mass Effect fanboy, but I guess I should list some others.
    Deus Ex – Especially HR
    Bioshock
    Starcraft 1 & 2
    Elder Scrolls
    The Last of Us
    Heavy Rain

    Reply

    • Trevor Davies

      July 19, 2013 at 11:15

      forgot all about DX!

      Reply

      • Ultimo_Cleric N7

        July 19, 2013 at 11:18

        Oh, And HALO: Reach. That was an AMAZING story line. Wow.

        Reply

        • Trevor Davies

          July 19, 2013 at 11:21

          I’ve played Halo 1 (because it came on PC) It didn’t have a bad story.

          Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      July 19, 2013 at 11:26

      Still would love to play heavy rain

      Reply

      • Hermann Schwindt

        July 19, 2013 at 19:36

        HR will get you to make hard, emotional decisions. I felt regret making some decisions on my 1st play through.

        Reply

    • RobbieH76

      July 19, 2013 at 11:30

      I believe most of us should have ME in our memories, that was seriously the best saga of anykind I’ve ever experienced, emotional highs and lows, engaging gameplay, drama,consequences, action, comedy, just absolutely the best games ever made in my opinion…

      Reply

      • Trevor Davies

        July 19, 2013 at 11:37

        “I enjoy the sight of humans on their knees. That was a joke.”

        Best AI NPC line ever.

        Reply

      • Ultimo_Cleric N7

        July 19, 2013 at 12:12

        Totally agree mate. The saga was amazing.

        Reply

    • Skyblue

      July 19, 2013 at 12:31

      The first Deus Ex was actually better than HR but each to his own. Much love for HR as well.
      Heavy Rain I couldn’t put down either but the gameplay was not exactly engrossing.

      Reply

      • Ultimo_Cleric N7

        July 19, 2013 at 12:37

        Yes its true, the first Deux Ex was revolutionary. But in terms of storyline, I do think HR is more relevant. Its the only game I can think of that could be made into a movie without changing much in the plot.

        Reply

    • Hermann Schwindt

      July 19, 2013 at 19:34

      I played the original DX probably about 10 times. Loved the story to bits, as well as the sound track. The new one is also cool. I must mention bioshock, and must really make a plan to get Mass effect.

      Reply

  35. Admiral Chief Groot Wors

    July 19, 2013 at 11:15

    SKYRIIIIIIIIM, but not for the story, just for creating your own

    Reply

  36. Trevor Davies

    July 19, 2013 at 11:17

    Dragon Age had a decent story – including 2!

    Reply

    • Vampyre Squirrel

      July 19, 2013 at 15:19

      Agreed

      Reply

  37. Nick

    July 19, 2013 at 11:17

    Where are the Walking dead mentions…

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Groot Wors

      July 19, 2013 at 11:19

      Good point, damn, that was great!

      Reply

  38. CrasH

    July 19, 2013 at 11:18

    Forgot to mention silent hill 2, i know its a little more the atmosphere that made it great, but does atmosphere count as part of a story, cause without it, it is really a story?

    Reply

    • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

      July 19, 2013 at 11:18

      I actually think it’s a really great and personal story, Love Sh2

      Reply

  39. Admiral Chief Groot Wors

    July 19, 2013 at 11:19

    DUKE NUKEM!

    Reply

    • Trevor Davies

      July 19, 2013 at 11:19

      Hail to the king, baby!

      Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      July 19, 2013 at 11:24

      there was a story!?! *confused*

      Reply

      • Vampyre Squirrel

        July 19, 2013 at 15:20

        of course there was… i think

        Reply

  40. Admiral Chief Groot Wors

    July 19, 2013 at 11:19

    BATMAAAAAAAN AA and AC

    Reply

    • Trevor Davies

      July 19, 2013 at 11:20

      Those were not too shabby

      Reply

    • RobbieH76

      July 19, 2013 at 11:29

      Best super hero type game EVER!! EVER!!!!!!! can’t wait for origins, looks AWESOME!

      Reply

    • Hermann Schwindt

      July 19, 2013 at 19:38

      Had spent a few hours as batman, love the fighting style and the challenges.

      Reply

  41. Admiral Chief Groot Wors

    July 19, 2013 at 11:19

    METRO!!!!!

    Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      July 19, 2013 at 11:22

      Yes!

      Reply

  42. RobbieH76

    July 19, 2013 at 11:23

    ALAN WAKE!!!!!

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      July 19, 2013 at 11:24

      SHIT YOUR RIGHT! THAT WAS AN AWESOME GAME!!!!

      Reply

    • Admiral Chief Groot Wors

      July 19, 2013 at 11:25

      Glad you made it 😉

      Reply

  43. Trevor Davies

    July 19, 2013 at 11:26

    If you pay attention to it, Borderlands 1 & 2 have a pretty good story too.

    Reply

  44. Matewis Jubilai

    July 19, 2013 at 11:31

    Unless I missed it, why has nobody mentioned : Outcast! or Wing Commander IV ? Both are one gog incidently

    Reply

  45. Janneman

    July 19, 2013 at 11:38

    Chrono Trigger and my all time fav Chrono Cross

    Reply

  46. Vampyre Squirrel

    July 19, 2013 at 11:44

    Kotor1&2, Mass Effect, Elder Scrolls, The Witcher 1&2… ummm… brain stopped working again. It’s FRIDAY ok!? sheesh….

    Reply

    • Sageville

      July 19, 2013 at 14:16

      ZOMG, Bard’s Tale!!

      Memories!

      Next would be Kings/Space/Police Quest and Star Control 2. System Shock 2, Bioforge

      Reply

      • Vampyre Squirrel

        July 19, 2013 at 14:28

        Yeah I forgot about the Quest games 🙁

        System Shock 2 was an epic game, really enjoyed that

        Reply

        • Sageville

          July 19, 2013 at 14:47

          Exactly, I wonder if those games were really that awesome or they were just awesome coz it was the first time we saw that type of game.

          I’d buy SS3 if it ever came to light.

          Reply

          • Vampyre Squirrel

            July 19, 2013 at 15:11

            No idea, or it’s just because they were games to play lol

            Most frustrating part of the Quest games was… ok I need to take that item, but WTF is the “American” word for that!?!?!?

          • Sageville

            July 19, 2013 at 15:30

            – You see a door.
            “Open door”
            – The door is locked.
            “unlock the door”
            – Unlock to door with what?
            “Key”
            – I don’t understand “Key”
            “Unlock the door with key”
            – You don’t have a key.

          • Vampyre Squirrel

            July 19, 2013 at 15:39

            Exactly… lol

  47. Willjam

    July 19, 2013 at 11:49

    Busy playing Heavy Rain. The actual gameplay has some highlights, but the QTEs and slow movement can be frustrating. Despite that I’m losing sleep because the story is so very well done and I can’t turn it off until I’m exhausted.

    Reply

  48. ToshZA

    July 19, 2013 at 12:07

    This is a tricky question. The answer isn’t a definate one, as pretty much every genre (apart from facebook / casual) has had at least one great story in a game. Some FPS have great stories, some Adventures, RPG’s, Strategy games and so on.

    What it boils down to for me, isn’t so much the genre, but the team behind the game – that makes a world of difference. You want CD Projekt Red games, for their story. You (usually) want BioWare games for their story. You don’t want Treyarch or Crytek.

    Of course, there are exceptions, and that’s just a part of life we have to deal with.

    As for the genre that usually gets stories done right, I’d have to say Adventure games. RPG’s you ask? Yeah, there are some that tell truly amazing stories, but more Adventure games get it right as a percentile (in my opinion) than RPG’s.

    Flame on.

    Reply

    • Trevor Davies

      July 19, 2013 at 13:20

      The narrator in Bastion is one of the best I’ve heard.

      Reply

      • Vampyre Squirrel

        July 19, 2013 at 15:21

        No one beats the narrator in The Bard’s Tale.

        Reply

  49. Jonah Cash

    July 19, 2013 at 12:31

    It seems that you are all forgetting about my Lara?!?!?!?! Tomb Raider had an awesome story, all the Uncharted’s, Gears of war 1-3 as a series, and off course MGS 1-4!! Come on Geoff!!

    Reply

  50. DadGamer

    July 19, 2013 at 12:48

    The Uncharted series stands out in my list… especially when looking at all three parts as a whole. For me, it felt more like an interactive movie than a regular ol’ game. Also the rather good script and even better acting created a very engaging story experience.

    Last of us takes all of this a step further. Family members have for the first time asked me to play so they can watch the story unfold 🙂

    Reply

  51. OVG

    July 19, 2013 at 13:12

    TETRIS, Those pesky Russians trying to nuke the Americans. Great story.

    Reply

    • Hermann Schwindt

      July 19, 2013 at 19:40

      ROFL

      Reply

  52. DriveMagazine

    July 19, 2013 at 13:48

    Loom. Best ever. Or Beneath a steel sky maybe. Full Throttle? Ultima 7 The Black Gate? Damn….

    A little newer than that, maybe original Far Cry… that was pretty epic. Oh and Max Payne 3.

    Reply

  53. Skoobaz

    July 19, 2013 at 13:49

    ok, Wing Commander series, Sierra online games. ( PQ, SQ, KQ ), Mass Effects, Riven,
    Far Crys

    Reply

  54. Thats_how_I_Troll

    July 19, 2013 at 14:01

    I loved the style and the actual story to reality techniques used in Call of Juarez : Gunslinger. Really enjoyed it, even though I am not a big westerns fan

    Reply

  55. hairyknees

    July 19, 2013 at 15:54

    As cliché and all it might sound, Final Fantasy VII was probably one of my all time favourite story type games.

    As my cousin put it, “I didn’t play Final Fantasy VII for the random encounters and pushing X all the time to win a battle, I played it so I could enjoy the tale.”

    More recently, Thomas Was Alone didn’t have the most revolutionary gameplay or graphics, but it was a goddam tale about blocks with personalities, and I loved it 😀

    Reply

  56. Annunaki

    July 19, 2013 at 16:23

    lol @ bush reading the book upside down , wonder if thats how he always does it

    Reply

  57. iPrimal

    July 19, 2013 at 21:56

    Absolutely loved inFamous, Fable 1, LA Noire, Gears of War (subtract the constant reminder of humanity’s doom), Assassin’s Creed 2 (Ezio’s part), the new Tomb Raider, Dead Space 1, Dante’s Inferno, Mass Effect Series, Dragon Age: Origins, Kingdom Hearts 1 &2, and Final Fantasy VIII & IX.

    I enjoy a good story.

    Reply

  58. bluegoon

    July 20, 2013 at 10:44

    Ooooh shit, just cut my finger on the edginess of that article pic.

    Reply

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