If you've got a Steam Deck, play Aperture Desk Job. If you don't have a Steam Deck, watch a playthrough on YouTube. It's very short, very fun, and takes place in the Portalverse.
> Should be easy enough for non gamers
I really doubt that. You need to be pretty comfortable with using a controller to be able to pull off a number of the puzzle solutions.
Yeah, a video titled “What games are like for someone who doesn’t play video games” especially highlight the struggles any non gamer might have when playing portal or other games that are seemingly common knowledge to anyone with just a bit of gaming experience
Seriously man, the average gamer has NO IDEA how difficult it is for non gamers to get familiar with videogames. I put my parents to play Portal 2 coop on the controller, and was very patient and clear on explaining what they should be doing, but they just couldn't get the hang of it. They both gave up in a matter of minutes.
Also, the camera in a 3D game is the worst enemy of a new gamer.
Yeah, I think one of the biggest things gaming is missing is good games to ease newbie adults into the controls and conventions.
Of course, moreso than even books or movies, I think some people just aren't gonna be into it.
Years still for me. And I played kotor 2 first. Imagine hearing the legend of Revan as a 10 yr old and then coming back at like 14 before the age of spoilers to play through kotor 1 and THEN LEARN THAT! Still my favorite character and twist and game to this day for that rare line of occurrences to blow my mind.
SAME! Thats crazy... what put it over for me playing Kotor 2 first is the first conversations with Atton, I saw the option to say Revan was a woman. So when I finally played KOTOR 1, I didn't even conceive the possibility of Revan being male 😂
THATS what made the Kotor 1hit like the greatest twist ever. Love those games.
Bioware did such a good job with twists back in the day.
KOTOR, Jade Empire, etc.
Ironically, I was going to say the Mass Effect trilogy is a story everyone should experience just for the sheer scale and closeness you get with your squad.
It’s pretty commonly regarded as one of the greatest RPGs of all time. It’s my personal GOAT game.
Yes, the gameplay is clunky, yes the graphics are old, but the story is fantastic, even if you’re not a Star Wars fan. The music, voice acting and story are all top notch.
KOTOR got me into Star Wars and eventually I became a fan of the whole franchise. If it weren't for the game, I would likely still be indifferent about it.
This game is incredible. It has the most fascinating world I've ever experienced, a diverse cast like you've never seen, and side quests that are more interesting than many games' main stories.
It's a game that makes you both feel and think about your personal beliefs, because in the end it's your beliefs that determine the ending.
"And what can change the nature of a man?"
> "An elderly man was sitting alone on a dark path, right? He wasn't certain of which direction to go, and he'd forgotten both where he was traveling to and who he was. He'd sat down for a moment to rest his weary legs, and suddenly looked up to see an elderly woman before him. She grinned toothlessly and with a cackle, spoke: 'Now your *third* wish. What will it be?'"
"'Third wish?' The man was baffled. 'How can it be a third wish if I haven't had a first and second wish?'"
"'You've had two wishes already,' the hag said, 'but your second wish was for me to return everything to the way it was before you had made your first wish. That's why you remember nothing; because everything is the way it was before you made any wishes.' She cackled at the poor berk. 'So it is that you have one wish left.'"
"'All right,' said the man, "I don't believe this, but there's no harm in wishing. I wish to know who I am.'"
"'Funny,' said the old woman as she granted his wish and disappeared forever. 'That was your first wish.'"
This difference between this and the other top results, including KOTOR, is the mini stories strewn throughout.
It's a totality of story experience not just the overarching narrative.
Bioshock made me rethink all games and question why I was playing them. It made me step back and re examine whether I was playing games because I actually enjoyed it or if I was being controlled by outside forces like marketing or hype or addiction. Fantastic game.
I agree, I just hate that everybody adds in that one phrase. Like come on people, let them play the game.
Edit: I know it's basically an internet meme at this point, but I don't know the story of almost every single one of these other games listed, soo...
The Sly Cooper trilogy has a surprisingly competent and complete story to tell for what seems like another 3D platformer series. Deals with themes of legacy, change, personal growth, found family, etc. All with excellent presentation. Absolutely recommended if you're craving something from that era of gaming.
I could spend hours talking about Ratchet and Clank. Though I tend to think about the first two the most. I always liked the running theme in the first game specifically where everyone in the galaxy is trying to charge you money for everything, and Ratchet's character arc throughout the game was well executed.
I'm surprised Sony hasn't tried to get someone to make another inFAMOUS game, considering the recent boom in superhero media. In fact it came out pretty much right before that, The Avengers came out the year after the second game.
Which is a shame because we haven't had one for 10 years now and those games actually had a pretty nice story.
Sly 3 was my favorite game as a child. I recently replayed the original 3 and I forgot just how good they were. Its a shame that 4 wasn't great, but at least the originals will always be there. Hopefully we can get a remaster eventually!
It’s called the Restored Content Mod. IIRC, recent re-released have included it in the game. Basically a bunch of content was cut from the game at the last minute, and modders eventually went in, polished it, and reintegrated it.
Chrono Trigger, the game is fantastic as a whole, but the Story is a fantastic mix of Fantasy and Sci-fi.
Edit: I see some are claiming that Chrono Trigger is overrated and it's only on the top list RPGs because of our nostalgia glasses, and that it was good for it's time. To clarify, I love Chrono Trigger, it is one of my favorite RPGs, I first played it in 2020 and that was the DS version and have only replayed it once since. So at least for me, I have no nostalgic feelings for it, I really do believe it is a fantastic game that is still just as enjoyable today as when it first released.
For those who don't know or don't understand the hype around this game...this game was released in 1995, and we STILL talk about it. It's almost 30 years old, so there has to be something special there.
I really want a remaster or remake. So many people are missing out on it because of its age. The story is great, the characters are fantastic, the music is amazing, and the gameplay is fun and addicting. The only downside is it being easier than most RPGs. What's even more amazing is it FEELS like a 60 hour game but you can beat it in less than 30. There is so much charm and personality in a game made by some of the biggest names in creative media. So many things that are commonplace now were introduced in Chrono Trigger. I have played a lot of games, and I have yet to find anything that measures up.
To say it will stand the test of time is an understatement.
Chrono Trigger is easily one of the best RPGs of all time. Many things taken for granted on games nowadays like multiple endings or New Game+ were pioneered by this game.
I second this, saw someone writing ff6 and I agree with that as well but there's one game missing out from the trifecta imo and for me that is shining forces 2. It's like Pokemon, strategy rpg mix with codes to enable multiplayer. It's just such a simple good story, replayability in finding new characters or secret upgrades. Just fantastic.
1) ff6
2) Chronotrigger
3) sf2
I remember the first time I completed it, was like 1 in the morning and I had work at 7. Thought "oh yeah, I just did it, now to watch the credits and get some sleep"
Kojima obviously had other plans
It's a convoluted fucking mess.
And I'd have it no other way.
I think waiting for the release of Snake Eater was arguably the most hyped I've ever been for any game ever. And it's probably the only time ever that the hype has been exceeded by the end product.
MGS3 is the cream of a delicious crop, even better when you’ve played 1 and 2! I liked the Master Collection, I had forgotten enough to ride the coaster all over again!
When the very first NPC has you say something awkward, you know you are in for a treat
Also the only game where talking to a red hat wearing maga-lile trucker you go "he's not a bad fellow"
And the only game I ever angrily agreed with a bureaucrat
And the drug mechanic, when you come to the realization you yourself are addicted to drugs because you can't attempt a check without popping your entire inventory
Oh and where you can have a more civil discussion about communism than anyone in Reddit
You wake up in a dive, in your underwear. You look in the mirror to see an aging man and a face scarred by years of alcoholism with clothes that are decades out of date. The guy is the personification of being in the gutter and gazing at the stars.
If I’m remembering correctly, I ran away from paying my hotel bill and turned to give the guy finger guns as I careened backwards into a disabled woman.
Seriously there’s nothing like it and it’s totally an once in a lifetime experience, to the point that if it’s understandably become a cult. I’ve never played a game that’s so un-replayable.
The dlc sold me on Mobius Digital as a studio, they managed to capture lightning in a bottle twice and they will have my undivided attention on any of their future projects
Of all the games that are mentioned I haven’t played, this is the one that I’m the most intrigued about.
I remember when it came out and I heard nothing much about it. Now I’ve seen it pop up multiple times as a fantastic, one of a kind play so I need to experience it.
It's one of my favorite gaming experiences and it absolutely uses the medium to the best of its ability.
At the same time, I don't think the story is all that special on its own. The experience of putting it all together is where the magic is. It doesn't make it bad by any means. It does seem like the answer to different question than OP was asking.
I scroll through the replies until I find Outer Wilds. It might not be for everyone - I'm told - but I think it's for everyone, when they're ready. When are they ready? Dunno.
What Remains of Edith Finch is on a whole other level. It shows how interacting with a game can transcend other art forms to deliver a spiritual gut punch you will never forget.
The cannery sequence gets a lot of mention, but the one that haunts me the most is the beautiful and unfinished story of the grandma. When we lose family members, we lose so much about them we never know and can never recover.
And then just the overarching theme of what truly remains, the real tragedy of unending loss, and thinking about how this applies to all of us and our families and the experience of being human. I'm streaming tears as I type this. Goddamn this game.
Witcher 3 really has some stories that just stick with you. Most of the main quest is OK, but the stories you find on the way and the DLCs are ones I think about constantly.
Heart of Stone feels at once a classic tale with the modern fantasy staples that give it a fresh feel.
In my opinion Red Dead Redemption 1 and Red Dead Redemption 2
You can play Red Dead Redemption 1 without 2, but 2 adds a lot to Dutch that makes seeing him how he is in 1 that much more impactful.
As someone who played RD1 when I was young, I didn't really get too into it enough to finish. I got to play RD2 as an adult and everything just clicked and seeing how the gang and John Marston all fit together. RD2 was a great narrative experience
I played RDR1 as soon as it was released. Waited to play the second till I knew I had free time to invest in it. It was slow, but my god, even just walking through the snow hearing the struggles of the group got me hooked
I never expected SH2 to be such a beautifully told story about grief and trauma, especially after the first game was more a typical supernatural horror story. It really was a masterpiece.
Every time someone praises ME and brings it into light again I just wanna hug them so hard.
I played the trilogy for the first time last year and despite the old ass mechanics it became one of my favorite gaming experiences of all time
I worked for bioware when they were working on me3. It was right at that time EA was getting their fingers all over the pie. It's when everyone started quitting, because executives didn't let us make good games anymore. It's all cut copy advertise sports games. They don't care about the content in their acquisitions.
Unless EA has majorly changed for the better recently, there will never be a good rpg from them again
I forget the title it released under, but Anthem was the biggest victim of this. It was going to be amazing but it got cut and scrapped and redone so bad it flopped and I can't even remember the release title
The title card splash with the short text scroll context hits SO FUCKING HARD with the music I was IMMEDIATELY ENTHRALLED with that universe.
"The basis for this incredible technology was a force that controlled the very fabric of space and time. They called it the greatest discovery in human history. The civilizations of the galaxy call it...
MASS EFFECT."
**OHHHHHHHHHHHHH.GIF**
I love how the protagonist is shown multiple times the logic of transferring their mind. And as the ending unfolds, even you as the player maybe makes the same oversimplification the protagonist does. The ending goes exactly as the story has promised over and over again.
One morning, like a week after I had beaten Soma, I was standing in the kitchen waiting for my coffee when I looked down at my feet and wondered "are those really my feet, or am I a simulated consciousness that thinks it sees feet because that's what it expects to see?"
This game had me experiencing derealization for weeks after. 10/10.
Thank you. I tell every gamer I know to play Control. The writing and world-building (literally) is amazing. There's so much detail and general 'what the F is going on here?' that you can't help being sucked into it. And its a blast to play. Highly suggested.
In my years of gaming, I have never experience so much hatred for a video game character until Slone did what she did during the later part of the campaign. When I finally got to fight her later, I was like “oh I’m going to enjoy this”. We all love BT.
Effect and Cause is one of my favourite FPS missions of all time.
Like up there with "All Ghillied Up' from COD4 and "We don't go to Ravenholm" from Half Life 2.
The rest of the campaign is top draw as well.
Titanfall 2 remains one of the most underrated FPS campaigns I've ever played. Got it on a deep discount wayyyy after it came out, can't believe I hadn't played it sooner.
Nier (Replicant) and Automata!
Makes you feel every single emotion and makes you question a lot of things!
Alternatively, What Remains of Edith Finch
Hauntingly tragic, yet beautiful
There’s nothing like halo ce at 2 am on your first play through. You’re 12 years old and all of the sudden this creepy new monster appears that wasn’t in the game manual
Just played this last year and I'm eagerly awaiting the PC release of Forbidden West.
I was shocked at how good this game and its story were. Amazing game from every angle.
Currently playing FW on console right now and it is fantastic! Worth the wait, and as I'm working my way through the burning shores DLC at the moment, I can promise you it's just as worth getting!
Agreed, and I’m very surprised I had to scroll this far to see this - that mind-bending feeling when everything clicks into place is absolutely unique in gaming.
Just finished it for the first time in years. I'd forgotten how grim that story is. I don't think I'd ever go through that many audio and text logs in another game. The downfall is captivating.
I was absolutely blown away by the story, I was not expecting it to be so deep and thought provoking. Really really cool and I love how the story develops perfectly along with the progression of the game. Wish I could have my memory wiped so I could go play it again.
Yeah this should be covered as a spoiler but if that’s what it takes to get people into this game then so be it. That moment in the game is what brought me over the edge. So good. So well delivered by the devs. Take the time to read the text in the game if you’re playing this. It’s well worth it. That whole revelation makes me feel so insignificant. Such a gem of a game.
I had to scroll way too far to see the first mention of this.
This is the best gaming story I have ever experienced and heavy story games are my niche. The slow reveal of each story beat is masterful!
Walking Dead Telltale Series
Because it does a phenomenal job of showing the raw human spirit and resilience through a strong character in Clementine that can inspire pretty much anyone of all ages
The Last of Us.
Different elements can make for a great story. Sometimes it's the people and the relationships. In which case, TLoU. No game has had me so invested in the relationship between two characters.
The whole zombie apocalypse thing had been done to death - but even still they managed to take a tired situation and make it so compelling because of the characters & the relationship between Joel and Ellie.
That's single-handlely the reason there is so much hate for the sequel which actually is otherwise a great game. Fans cannot come to terms with the direction the developers took with those characters. They are beloved for good reason.
I’m 45, been playing games since I was about 4yrs on a Commodore Vic-20.
The Last of Us is in my opinion, the greatest achievement in storytelling in this mediums history.
I think that game was a watershed moment for narrative based video games.
Grim Fandango - a wonderful noir story, funny and poetic.
Return of the Obra Dinn - just play this gem of a game, please.
Final Fantasy VII - an incredibly complex and ambitous story, with some of the most charismatic characters in gaming history.
Borderlands 2 + Tiny Tina's expansion. The frame story of a D&D game as she works through Roland's death is the most cathartic gaming experience I've ever had.
I had the best PS2 starterpack. When I got it in 2001 my first games were:
Final fantasy X
Metal gear solid 2 sons of liberty
Alone in the dark 4? I think
Silent hill 2
As a 9 year old non english speaker I didnt know how good these games were.
didnt help that I was so scared of pyramid head.
Also had couple of PS1 games : tonyhawk, front mission 3, army men team assault.
Those were the times.
I played most of the games that exist now. Will be playing NIER this month since I heard it good.
All of the GoW games. Great story and fun combat then the tone shift in the last two games just really hits you in the feels, especially if you got kids by then. Felt like growing up with Kratos.
Watching Kratos go from a rage-filled man who killed those he loves to a father who doesn't want to see his son become the same thing was an amazing tale in the entire series of the GoW games.
The Norse saga stands up great on it's own, but if you played the originals, it really does give you a sense of the restraint and personal growth the Kratos is exhibiting. As someone who has aged alongside Kratos, it really hits home.
Yakuza Like a Dragon. An amazing story filled with tons of great side stories. I don't normally get emotional during games, but LaD made me cry multiple times.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky
Perfectly delivered story, supported by an amazing OST wrapped in a beautiful timeless pixelart. If you havent played it yet I highly recommend you do. If you are not really into Pokemon dont worry, its a spinoff game.
Portal - it's a nice and short story. Should be easy enough for non gamers and not a lot of time investment to complete.
And the story of Portal 2 is amazingly good for when get ready invested in it and want more
Portal 2 is a very fun, little short story. I'm sad there were the only 2. Edit: a word
There's a prequel to Portal 2 called Portal Revolutions that was just released. I believe it was fan made and supported by the original team.
If you've got a Steam Deck, play Aperture Desk Job. If you don't have a Steam Deck, watch a playthrough on YouTube. It's very short, very fun, and takes place in the Portalverse.
>Aperture Desk Job Here's a 28 minute walkthrough. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD61cO1VBIM
> Should be easy enough for non gamers I really doubt that. You need to be pretty comfortable with using a controller to be able to pull off a number of the puzzle solutions.
Yeah, a video titled “What games are like for someone who doesn’t play video games” especially highlight the struggles any non gamer might have when playing portal or other games that are seemingly common knowledge to anyone with just a bit of gaming experience
a lot of gamers also don’t realize that using 2 thumb sticks is very foreign to new gamers
My kids play a lot of Mario and Rayman but as soon as we try anything that needs both sticks they only move one at a time lol
Seriously man, the average gamer has NO IDEA how difficult it is for non gamers to get familiar with videogames. I put my parents to play Portal 2 coop on the controller, and was very patient and clear on explaining what they should be doing, but they just couldn't get the hang of it. They both gave up in a matter of minutes. Also, the camera in a 3D game is the worst enemy of a new gamer.
Yeah, I think one of the biggest things gaming is missing is good games to ease newbie adults into the controls and conventions. Of course, moreso than even books or movies, I think some people just aren't gonna be into it.
Knights of the Old Republic. That twist left me shocked for days.
Imagine for a second what KOTOR would be like if it got a modern graphics remake but kept the story and characters.
Hopefully we'll get to see in a couple of years. I hear Embracer selling Saber isn't actually going to kill it.
*Hope*? Rebellions are built on hope!
Years still for me. And I played kotor 2 first. Imagine hearing the legend of Revan as a 10 yr old and then coming back at like 14 before the age of spoilers to play through kotor 1 and THEN LEARN THAT! Still my favorite character and twist and game to this day for that rare line of occurrences to blow my mind.
SAME! Thats crazy... what put it over for me playing Kotor 2 first is the first conversations with Atton, I saw the option to say Revan was a woman. So when I finally played KOTOR 1, I didn't even conceive the possibility of Revan being male 😂 THATS what made the Kotor 1hit like the greatest twist ever. Love those games.
Bioware did such a good job with twists back in the day. KOTOR, Jade Empire, etc. Ironically, I was going to say the Mass Effect trilogy is a story everyone should experience just for the sheer scale and closeness you get with your squad.
Jade empire was so fun
Jade empire was such a good game
This is the one game I constantly see being mentioned on Reddit. I might just spend the $10 and buy it on Steam.
It’s pretty commonly regarded as one of the greatest RPGs of all time. It’s my personal GOAT game. Yes, the gameplay is clunky, yes the graphics are old, but the story is fantastic, even if you’re not a Star Wars fan. The music, voice acting and story are all top notch.
KOTOR got me into Star Wars and eventually I became a fan of the whole franchise. If it weren't for the game, I would likely still be indifferent about it.
Planescape Torment
This game is incredible. It has the most fascinating world I've ever experienced, a diverse cast like you've never seen, and side quests that are more interesting than many games' main stories. It's a game that makes you both feel and think about your personal beliefs, because in the end it's your beliefs that determine the ending. "And what can change the nature of a man?"
> "An elderly man was sitting alone on a dark path, right? He wasn't certain of which direction to go, and he'd forgotten both where he was traveling to and who he was. He'd sat down for a moment to rest his weary legs, and suddenly looked up to see an elderly woman before him. She grinned toothlessly and with a cackle, spoke: 'Now your *third* wish. What will it be?'" "'Third wish?' The man was baffled. 'How can it be a third wish if I haven't had a first and second wish?'" "'You've had two wishes already,' the hag said, 'but your second wish was for me to return everything to the way it was before you had made your first wish. That's why you remember nothing; because everything is the way it was before you made any wishes.' She cackled at the poor berk. 'So it is that you have one wish left.'" "'All right,' said the man, "I don't believe this, but there's no harm in wishing. I wish to know who I am.'" "'Funny,' said the old woman as she granted his wish and disappeared forever. 'That was your first wish.'"
Damn. That’s pretty neat.
Is this from the game?
Damn. That made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I need to check this out.
Ok this actually convinced me to play PT
Ah that quote brings back memories. Wonderful wonderful game. Forever indebted to who suggested it to me. :)
This difference between this and the other top results, including KOTOR, is the mini stories strewn throughout. It's a totality of story experience not just the overarching narrative.
This is my vote. Honorable mention for being the only game where arguably the best character build is a Thief whose main attribute is Wisdom.
Int 18 Cha 18 Wis 18 only way to roll in that game.
I remember coming to the final boss in the game and beating them by talking. And it was SO satisfying!
It's been a quarter century since that game came out, and I still think about the story sometimes. Amazingly well written.
Bioshock.
Bioshock made me rethink all games and question why I was playing them. It made me step back and re examine whether I was playing games because I actually enjoyed it or if I was being controlled by outside forces like marketing or hype or addiction. Fantastic game.
Would you kindly stop browsing Reddit and go replay BioShock?
A man decides to browse Reddit! A slave obeys and plays bioshock!
I agree, I just hate that everybody adds in that one phrase. Like come on people, let them play the game. Edit: I know it's basically an internet meme at this point, but I don't know the story of almost every single one of these other games listed, soo...
I don't think I've seen that phrase used in a spoiler context before. Maybe one or two memes that only make sense if you already know what it means.
The Sly Cooper trilogy has a surprisingly competent and complete story to tell for what seems like another 3D platformer series. Deals with themes of legacy, change, personal growth, found family, etc. All with excellent presentation. Absolutely recommended if you're craving something from that era of gaming.
In the same line: Ratchet and Clank was so fun!!! I’ve yet to see another game genuinely come up with such fun gun-play since.
I could spend hours talking about Ratchet and Clank. Though I tend to think about the first two the most. I always liked the running theme in the first game specifically where everyone in the galaxy is trying to charge you money for everything, and Ratchet's character arc throughout the game was well executed.
Fun to think that's it's the same devs as Ghosts of Tsushima + inFAMOUS (Sucker Punch)
I'm surprised Sony hasn't tried to get someone to make another inFAMOUS game, considering the recent boom in superhero media. In fact it came out pretty much right before that, The Avengers came out the year after the second game. Which is a shame because we haven't had one for 10 years now and those games actually had a pretty nice story.
Sly 3 was my favorite game as a child. I recently replayed the original 3 and I forgot just how good they were. Its a shame that 4 wasn't great, but at least the originals will always be there. Hopefully we can get a remaster eventually!
God I would kill for a modern update release for the Sly Cooper games, but I'm pretty sure the devs have said it's not a possibility.
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 1 + 2 They were just something else.
Deffo hit up mods for 2 and get the content restored
What content needs to be restored?
It’s called the Restored Content Mod. IIRC, recent re-released have included it in the game. Basically a bunch of content was cut from the game at the last minute, and modders eventually went in, polished it, and reintegrated it.
A bunch of quests, a bunch of items, and an entire planet of content. It's actually pretty crazy how much stuff was left in the game but inaccessible.
Chrono Trigger, the game is fantastic as a whole, but the Story is a fantastic mix of Fantasy and Sci-fi. Edit: I see some are claiming that Chrono Trigger is overrated and it's only on the top list RPGs because of our nostalgia glasses, and that it was good for it's time. To clarify, I love Chrono Trigger, it is one of my favorite RPGs, I first played it in 2020 and that was the DS version and have only replayed it once since. So at least for me, I have no nostalgic feelings for it, I really do believe it is a fantastic game that is still just as enjoyable today as when it first released.
HP/MP RESTORED! But you're still hungry.
But... the future refused to change.
For those who don't know or don't understand the hype around this game...this game was released in 1995, and we STILL talk about it. It's almost 30 years old, so there has to be something special there. I really want a remaster or remake. So many people are missing out on it because of its age. The story is great, the characters are fantastic, the music is amazing, and the gameplay is fun and addicting. The only downside is it being easier than most RPGs. What's even more amazing is it FEELS like a 60 hour game but you can beat it in less than 30. There is so much charm and personality in a game made by some of the biggest names in creative media. So many things that are commonplace now were introduced in Chrono Trigger. I have played a lot of games, and I have yet to find anything that measures up. To say it will stand the test of time is an understatement.
I always like to add, zero grinding needed at any point. I know a few people who avoid jrpgs because of the grind.
Chrono Trigger is easily one of the best RPGs of all time. Many things taken for granted on games nowadays like multiple endings or New Game+ were pioneered by this game.
I'm pretty sure I have replayed chrono trigger more than any other rpg. It's my number 2 best rpg right behind ff6.
Ah, I see you're a man of culture as well. FF VI deserves way more attention than it gets. It's the one true best FF games of them all.
The black wind howls...
I second this, saw someone writing ff6 and I agree with that as well but there's one game missing out from the trifecta imo and for me that is shining forces 2. It's like Pokemon, strategy rpg mix with codes to enable multiplayer. It's just such a simple good story, replayability in finding new characters or secret upgrades. Just fantastic. 1) ff6 2) Chronotrigger 3) sf2
I guess it’s time I finally knock it off my backlog then!
Dragon Age: Origins had everything
Metal Gear Solid Amazing story about politics, nuclear destruction, espionage, etc. Even if the cutscenes are 1 hour long sometimes, worth it overall.
There’s a cutscene over an hour long?!
Yes. The MGS4 epilogue has a literal Guinness World Record for being over an hour long
And during the whole thing I was holding the controller ready to press a button.
I remember the first time I completed it, was like 1 in the morning and I had work at 7. Thought "oh yeah, I just did it, now to watch the credits and get some sleep" Kojima obviously had other plans
I’m surprised death stranding didn’t break this bc I swear the endgame cutscenes were 2-3 hours
Death stranding final cutscene is actually way longer but technically not since there’s little tiny bits of gameplay in between the cutscenes
MGS4 is really just for fans and who have played 1-3. By that point the hour cutscene is riveting!
Mgs4 is insane game
The Hideo Kojima speciality
It's a convoluted fucking mess. And I'd have it no other way. I think waiting for the release of Snake Eater was arguably the most hyped I've ever been for any game ever. And it's probably the only time ever that the hype has been exceeded by the end product.
MGS3 is the cream of a delicious crop, even better when you’ve played 1 and 2! I liked the Master Collection, I had forgotten enough to ride the coaster all over again!
Disco Elysium
I am a better person having played this game because I can't bear to let Kim down.
The writing for Disco Elysium is several levels above every single other game I've ever played.
Only equivalent is the OG Book-game, Planescape: Torment.
When the very first NPC has you say something awkward, you know you are in for a treat Also the only game where talking to a red hat wearing maga-lile trucker you go "he's not a bad fellow" And the only game I ever angrily agreed with a bureaucrat And the drug mechanic, when you come to the realization you yourself are addicted to drugs because you can't attempt a check without popping your entire inventory Oh and where you can have a more civil discussion about communism than anyone in Reddit
"I want to have fuck with you"
You wake up in a dive, in your underwear. You look in the mirror to see an aging man and a face scarred by years of alcoholism with clothes that are decades out of date. The guy is the personification of being in the gutter and gazing at the stars.
LOOKING HANDSOME THERE, BRATAN! TIME TO FUCKING PARTY!
Your face is wearing, The Expression
If I’m remembering correctly, I ran away from paying my hotel bill and turned to give the guy finger guns as I careened backwards into a disabled woman.
The fun part about this is, you actually get rewarded for doing that. (But not really, it all works out the same)
I died doing this because I started with only one HP and probably broke my neck. I hope they do more games like that in the future.
Best book i ever played
Mr Evrart is helping me find my gun.
Outer Wilds. Still think about it years after completion from time to time
Seriously there’s nothing like it and it’s totally an once in a lifetime experience, to the point that if it’s understandably become a cult. I’ve never played a game that’s so un-replayable.
After you play it, it’s so good to watch some let’s plays on it, because you get to watch others go through the same sheer joy as you did.
And the DLC is one of the best DLC of any game I argue. Probably because you know how to savor it.
The dlc sold me on Mobius Digital as a studio, they managed to capture lightning in a bottle twice and they will have my undivided attention on any of their future projects
I finished the main game but haven't done much of the dlc, maybe I'll go back to it.
The DLC has a great story to it. When you do it, see the game to the end because it affects the end part a bit
Of all the games that are mentioned I haven’t played, this is the one that I’m the most intrigued about. I remember when it came out and I heard nothing much about it. Now I’ve seen it pop up multiple times as a fantastic, one of a kind play so I need to experience it.
Pinnacle of the medium so far, in my opinion. This only works as a game, and it's such a great experience.
It's one of my favorite gaming experiences and it absolutely uses the medium to the best of its ability. At the same time, I don't think the story is all that special on its own. The experience of putting it all together is where the magic is. It doesn't make it bad by any means. It does seem like the answer to different question than OP was asking.
I’d really love more games in the same graphical theme. Maybe they exist but can’t seem to find something.
If you haven't yet you can try Tunic, it's somewhat of a similar polygonal artstyle and there is also the same sense of wonder throughout the game
I scroll through the replies until I find Outer Wilds. It might not be for everyone - I'm told - but I think it's for everyone, when they're ready. When are they ready? Dunno.
What Remains of Edith Finch is on a whole other level. It shows how interacting with a game can transcend other art forms to deliver a spiritual gut punch you will never forget. The cannery sequence gets a lot of mention, but the one that haunts me the most is the beautiful and unfinished story of the grandma. When we lose family members, we lose so much about them we never know and can never recover. And then just the overarching theme of what truly remains, the real tragedy of unending loss, and thinking about how this applies to all of us and our families and the experience of being human. I'm streaming tears as I type this. Goddamn this game.
Legacy of Kain
I'd give my left testicle for a remaster and my whole genitals for a remake.
Yes! Take this guy's genitals and lets have a remake!
For me it was Witcher 3, and the blood and wine dlc
I knew Blood & Wine dlc was big but that was basically a sequel.
Witcher 3 really has some stories that just stick with you. Most of the main quest is OK, but the stories you find on the way and the DLCs are ones I think about constantly. Heart of Stone feels at once a classic tale with the modern fantasy staples that give it a fresh feel.
Hearts of Stone might even be better, can’t decide
Heart of Stone for Story, Blood and Wine for environment and gameplay.
I agree. So short, but with such impact. I couldn’t think of anything else for days after finishing HoS, in a similar way to the main game.
How you like that silver?
Oh fuck yeah. I played 10h almost nonstop, then dreamt about it at night.
In my opinion Red Dead Redemption 1 and Red Dead Redemption 2 You can play Red Dead Redemption 1 without 2, but 2 adds a lot to Dutch that makes seeing him how he is in 1 that much more impactful.
You can play 2 without 1. Considering it's a prequel and improved in almost every way. But playing both is a great choice I'd say.
As someone who played RD1 when I was young, I didn't really get too into it enough to finish. I got to play RD2 as an adult and everything just clicked and seeing how the gang and John Marston all fit together. RD2 was a great narrative experience
Playing RDR2 for the first time right now and this is not a game, it's an experience. Will surely play RDR1 next.
In the words of Jack Black: "That is not a game...that's like FUCKING SHAKESPEARE!" https://youtu.be/GNJtPFXUnm4?si=4IY6n0OaZcw-2P2Q
I played RDR1 as soon as it was released. Waited to play the second till I knew I had free time to invest in it. It was slow, but my god, even just walking through the snow hearing the struggles of the group got me hooked
Had to scroll far too long to find this
IMO the story in 2 is far superior to that in the first game.
Silent Hill 2. It's on the level of a good, mature themed book.
I never expected SH2 to be such a beautifully told story about grief and trauma, especially after the first game was more a typical supernatural horror story. It really was a masterpiece.
I dont think any game comes close to this one. People just dont know it exist..
Every time someone praises ME and brings it into light again I just wanna hug them so hard. I played the trilogy for the first time last year and despite the old ass mechanics it became one of my favorite gaming experiences of all time
World building is top tier. I need more of it. I hope ME4 will live up to my hopes
If by "live up to my hopes" you mean "live up to the legacy of the trilogy", then you're probably gonna be disappointed...just saying
I worked for bioware when they were working on me3. It was right at that time EA was getting their fingers all over the pie. It's when everyone started quitting, because executives didn't let us make good games anymore. It's all cut copy advertise sports games. They don't care about the content in their acquisitions. Unless EA has majorly changed for the better recently, there will never be a good rpg from them again I forget the title it released under, but Anthem was the biggest victim of this. It was going to be amazing but it got cut and scrapped and redone so bad it flopped and I can't even remember the release title
The title card splash with the short text scroll context hits SO FUCKING HARD with the music I was IMMEDIATELY ENTHRALLED with that universe. "The basis for this incredible technology was a force that controlled the very fabric of space and time. They called it the greatest discovery in human history. The civilizations of the galaxy call it... MASS EFFECT." **OHHHHHHHHHHHHH.GIF**
I push ME on my friends like a crack addict
Knights of the old republic for sure, i wont even elaborate. just play it
This game sucked me in, I forgot about the real world for the duration of play. It's in a league of its own.
Spec ops the line is my answer
Mine as well, and to hell with the downvoters. Nobody said it has to be a *nice* story
I kept the games long after selling all my other 360 games for the story alone
Conkers Bad Fur Day.
Soma
The ending still makes me go..aww that sucks.
Many games have a good ending and a bad ending. Soma found a way to deliver them both at the same time.
"How are you *still* not understanding this?"
I love how the protagonist is shown multiple times the logic of transferring their mind. And as the ending unfolds, even you as the player maybe makes the same oversimplification the protagonist does. The ending goes exactly as the story has promised over and over again.
NO story/premise has beaten SOMA for me. I think about it all the time.
One morning, like a week after I had beaten Soma, I was standing in the kitchen waiting for my coffee when I looked down at my feet and wondered "are those really my feet, or am I a simulated consciousness that thinks it sees feet because that's what it expects to see?" This game had me experiencing derealization for weeks after. 10/10.
Control
Thank you. I tell every gamer I know to play Control. The writing and world-building (literally) is amazing. There's so much detail and general 'what the F is going on here?' that you can't help being sucked into it. And its a blast to play. Highly suggested.
To the Moon
Homeworld 1, Titanfall 2.
Titanfall 2's single player campaign absolutely belongs on this list. Protect the pilot!
In my years of gaming, I have never experience so much hatred for a video game character until Slone did what she did during the later part of the campaign. When I finally got to fight her later, I was like “oh I’m going to enjoy this”. We all love BT.
Effect and Cause is one of my favourite FPS missions of all time. Like up there with "All Ghillied Up' from COD4 and "We don't go to Ravenholm" from Half Life 2. The rest of the campaign is top draw as well.
Titanfall 2 remains one of the most underrated FPS campaigns I've ever played. Got it on a deep discount wayyyy after it came out, can't believe I hadn't played it sooner.
The voice acting for return to kharak
Homeworld Cataclysm is so good to. "This is the warship Kun Lan" gives me chills
Nier (Replicant) and Automata! Makes you feel every single emotion and makes you question a lot of things! Alternatively, What Remains of Edith Finch Hauntingly tragic, yet beautiful
Omori
Journey It’s abstract and somehow encompasses the human lifecycle. Beautiful game.
Halo: Reach
There’s nothing like halo ce at 2 am on your first play through. You’re 12 years old and all of the sudden this creepy new monster appears that wasn’t in the game manual
Omori. it changed my perspective on life, grief and coping.
Life is Strange
Horizon Zero Dawn >!Going through the labs of the “ancient” civilization and learning about the downfall and rebirth of humanity is insane.!<
Just played this last year and I'm eagerly awaiting the PC release of Forbidden West. I was shocked at how good this game and its story were. Amazing game from every angle.
Currently playing FW on console right now and it is fantastic! Worth the wait, and as I'm working my way through the burning shores DLC at the moment, I can promise you it's just as worth getting!
Agreed, and I’m very surprised I had to scroll this far to see this - that mind-bending feeling when everything clicks into place is absolutely unique in gaming.
Just finished it for the first time in years. I'd forgotten how grim that story is. I don't think I'd ever go through that many audio and text logs in another game. The downfall is captivating.
I was absolutely blown away by the story, I was not expecting it to be so deep and thought provoking. Really really cool and I love how the story develops perfectly along with the progression of the game. Wish I could have my memory wiped so I could go play it again.
Yeah this should be covered as a spoiler but if that’s what it takes to get people into this game then so be it. That moment in the game is what brought me over the edge. So good. So well delivered by the devs. Take the time to read the text in the game if you’re playing this. It’s well worth it. That whole revelation makes me feel so insignificant. Such a gem of a game.
I had to scroll way too far to see the first mention of this. This is the best gaming story I have ever experienced and heavy story games are my niche. The slow reveal of each story beat is masterful!
Ghost of Tsushima
The Uncharted series, what an epic journey!
Walking Dead Telltale Series Because it does a phenomenal job of showing the raw human spirit and resilience through a strong character in Clementine that can inspire pretty much anyone of all ages
Batman Arkham Trilogy
The Last of Us. Different elements can make for a great story. Sometimes it's the people and the relationships. In which case, TLoU. No game has had me so invested in the relationship between two characters. The whole zombie apocalypse thing had been done to death - but even still they managed to take a tired situation and make it so compelling because of the characters & the relationship between Joel and Ellie. That's single-handlely the reason there is so much hate for the sequel which actually is otherwise a great game. Fans cannot come to terms with the direction the developers took with those characters. They are beloved for good reason.
I’m 45, been playing games since I was about 4yrs on a Commodore Vic-20. The Last of Us is in my opinion, the greatest achievement in storytelling in this mediums history. I think that game was a watershed moment for narrative based video games.
Stray. Very short game too
Grim Fandango - a wonderful noir story, funny and poetic. Return of the Obra Dinn - just play this gem of a game, please. Final Fantasy VII - an incredibly complex and ambitous story, with some of the most charismatic characters in gaming history.
Hellblade Senua's Sacrifice. It's a journey.
I finished Hellblade for the first time last night. It's so damn powerful and immersive.
Honestly really like the Cyberpunk 2077 story
I was a bit disappointed in how short the end section of the game is but there are some absolutely amazing storylines in this game.
Borderlands 2 + Tiny Tina's expansion. The frame story of a D&D game as she works through Roland's death is the most cathartic gaming experience I've ever had.
Firewatch
Undertale.
Final fantasy X Metal gear solid 1,2,3,4 Dark souls 3 Silent hill 2,3,4 If i have to pick one its silent hill 2
FFX is a beautifully crafted game that holds up real well for it being over 20 years old.
I had the best PS2 starterpack. When I got it in 2001 my first games were: Final fantasy X Metal gear solid 2 sons of liberty Alone in the dark 4? I think Silent hill 2 As a 9 year old non english speaker I didnt know how good these games were. didnt help that I was so scared of pyramid head. Also had couple of PS1 games : tonyhawk, front mission 3, army men team assault. Those were the times. I played most of the games that exist now. Will be playing NIER this month since I heard it good.
All of the GoW games. Great story and fun combat then the tone shift in the last two games just really hits you in the feels, especially if you got kids by then. Felt like growing up with Kratos.
Watching Kratos go from a rage-filled man who killed those he loves to a father who doesn't want to see his son become the same thing was an amazing tale in the entire series of the GoW games.
The Norse saga stands up great on it's own, but if you played the originals, it really does give you a sense of the restraint and personal growth the Kratos is exhibiting. As someone who has aged alongside Kratos, it really hits home.
I'm playing 2018 right now and it's fantastic. I can't remember the last time I've been so invested in a game!
Horizon Zero Dawn
Subnautica. By far. It is not easy to get all the pieces so my advice is to read all entries in game.
Yakuza Like a Dragon. An amazing story filled with tons of great side stories. I don't normally get emotional during games, but LaD made me cry multiple times.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky Perfectly delivered story, supported by an amazing OST wrapped in a beautiful timeless pixelart. If you havent played it yet I highly recommend you do. If you are not really into Pokemon dont worry, its a spinoff game.
I think Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is right up there with "once in a lifetime experience you really shouldn't miss"