For many players, story is one of the most important aspects of a game. With the prospect of an exciting, tangled narrative fueled by emotional beats and well-written characters, such games are often compared to movies, allowing players to enjoy the best of two different entertainment worlds.
In AAA gaming, the best story-driven titles are often praised for their characters and cinematic narratives, but more often than not, other aspects of the game are equally outstanding. Below are some must-play AAA story games backed by stunning visuals and refined gameplay, as engaging to play as they are to watch.
Since this focuses on AAA games, some titles primarily praised for their story, like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 or Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, are excluded as they are considered AA games.
God of War
Reinventing the Iconic Character and His Legacy
One of the best games of its generation, God of War (2018) embodies everything great about PlayStation titles of that era. Respecting the rich legacy of the franchise while paving a bold new direction for years to come, it is a character-driven adventure done right.
Almost paralleling The Last of Us, the modern God of War reboot sends Kratos and Atreus on an unforgettable journey through a fresh mythological setting, letting players witness their bond grow stronger with each step. An incredibly cinematic and emotional story, backed by deep exploration and spectacular combat.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Perfectly Marrying Freedom With Storytelling
Red Dead Redemption 2 managed to accomplish the impossible, confidently standing among the best open-world games and character-driven story adventures alike. No matter a player’s preferred approach, RDR 2 fully delivers, growing in cult status with each passing year, as there is simply no competition for what Rockstar achieved with this one.
With a lengthy story that allows players to immerse themselves in the life of Arthur Morgan and his complex relationships with each member of the Van der Linde gang, Red Dead Redemption 2 provides an unforgettable journey capped by one of the most emotional endings in gaming.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
All Killer, No Filler
An open-world RPG done right, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt needs no introduction, standing as one of the most celebrated games of its genre for the past decade. No wonder the interest in the upcoming Witcher 4 is already through the roof, presenting a Herculean task for CD Projekt Red to at least match the series’ strengths.
From exploration to storytelling, The Witcher 3 delivers, driven by rich characters with deep backgrounds and a myriad of hand-crafted, heart-wrenching quests. Even the smallest story of a random NPC can become memorable and impactful, elevating the entire game through sheer storytelling prowess.
The Last of Us Part 1
Surpassing the Medium
No list of the best story-driven games is complete without The Last of Us titles. While the sequel offers a bolder, lengthier, and more complex narrative involving multiple perspectives, the first game is easier to recommend due to its less divisive reception among fans.
With its classic road-movie style story and refined visuals, The Last of Us Part 1 represents some of the best character-driven action-adventures available. With both Naughty Dog games recently adapted into a TV format, audiences can choose how to enjoy the narrative strengths of this influential franchise and get to know Joel, Ellie, and Abby in various interpretations.
BioShock Infinite
Almost Unreachable Bar for Story-Driven Shooters
BioShock Infinite made a real splash in 2013, praised for its mind-bending storytelling, believable characters, complex historical background, and rich moral themes. Despite a troubled production, the final release became a staple of story-driven games, solidifying Ken Levine’s visionary prowess and showing what’s possible in the medium.
Over a decade later, it remains difficult to find a game that offers such a deep and thought-provoking story, let alone an intense first-person shooter with comparable complexity. If only the original BioShock Infinite vision had been fully realized before so many elements were cut.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
For Those Craving Long-Reaching Consequences
Easily among the best gaming trilogies, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition offers a sprawling sci-fi adventure centered on Commander Shepard, who represents humanity on an intergalactic stage while leading the fight against the Reapers. All player choices and decisions carry over to the next chapter, making the Mass Effect trilogy a perfect example of a cause-and-effect narrative.
Totaling around a hundred hours of high-stakes cinematic storytelling and featuring some of the best companions and voice acting in the RPG genre, Mass Effect remains a cult classic with few titles able to match it.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
As Interesting to Play as to Watch
Ending the journey of an iconic protagonist is always a risky endeavor, yet with Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Naughty Dog pulled it off masterfully. Despite being the fourth entry, the game is also well-suited for newcomers, smoothly providing all the necessary background during its opening hours.
With sprawling real-world-inspired destinations, a roster of memorable characters with charming dynamics, and spectacular action, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is a rare gem that is as engaging to play as it is to watch, even for those who aren’t into gaming at all.
Cyberpunk 2077
Emerging From Geralt’s Shadow
While not as iconic as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt just yet, Cyberpunk 2077 grows more beloved each year thanks to the studio’s dedicated work and ongoing improvements, steadily closing the gap. To the game’s credit, its main story needs little adjustment to make an impact, while the Phantom Liberty expansion takes the narrative to new heights with richly developed characters like Solomon Reed and Song So Mi.
A one-of-a-kind cinematic and immersive first-person experience keeps players surrounded by a varied cast of lively characters, allowing them to take an active role in their heart-wrenching, often dark, stories — and perhaps even try to change their fates for the better.
