Best Story Driven

Grand Theft Auto V remains the gold standard for open-world crime games. Its sprawling Los Santos is a meticulously crafted world brimming with activities, from high-speed chases and heists to exploring diverse neighborhoods and engaging in countless side missions. The single-player campaign is a ma...

Rockstar Games' *Red Dead Redemption 2* delivers a meticulously crafted open-world experience set in the American West. The game's stunning visuals, realistic physics, and immersive storytelling create a truly unforgettable journey. Players inhabit the role of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der...

Final Fantasy VII revolutionized the JRPG genre with its groundbreaking 3D graphics (for its time) and a deeply emotional story centered around Cloud Strife and the fight against Shinra Corporation. The games materia system allows for extensive character customization, while its pre-rendered backgro...

Widely considered the pinnacle of the franchise, Yakuza 0 takes players back to late 1980s Japan. It follows the parallel lives of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima as they rise through the ranks of the yakuza underworld. The game excels in its dual-protagonist narrative, offering two distinct perspectiv...

The quintessential farming and life simulation RPG, developed solely by Eric 'ConcernedApe' Barone. Players inherit a dilapidated farm and must cultivate crops, raise animals, mine, fish, and befriend the residents of Pelican Town. Its open-ended structure offers hundreds of hours of content, includ...

Often cited as one of the best orchéstral JRPGs ever made, Final Fantasy X features a linear but deeply emotional journey. Its Active Time Battle system provides a perfect balance between strategy and pace. The game's focus on character growth and its iconic soundtrack continue to make it a must-pla...

Subnautica remains a benchmark for the survival genre, offering a breathtaking underwater world teeming with life and danger. Players must scavenge resources, craft equipment, and build underwater bases to survive the alien planet 4546B. Its compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and sense of isola...

The Walking Dead: Season One is a story-driven video game set in a post apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. It focuses on the evolving relationship between Lee Everett and Clementine as they navigate desperate circumstances. The game’s narrative emphasizes difficult choices and their lasting impac...

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a 2024 role-playing game created by Studio Zero and published by Sega. Initially announced in 2016 as Project Re:Fantasy, the title launched across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on October 11, 2024. A version for the Nintendo Switch 2 is slated fo...

A critically acclaimed precision platformer about climbing a mountain, both literally and metaphorically. Celeste's tight controls and ingenious level design present a formidable challenge, perfectly complemented by a compassionate Assist Mode that makes it accessible to all. Its narrative, dealing...

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is an action role-playing game developed by Monolith Soft for the Nintendo Switch. The title expands upon the open-world Xenoblade Chronicles series, incorporating elements from previous installments like Xenoblade Chronicles (2010) and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (2017). It serves...

Nier:Automata is a thought-provoking action RPG that blends hack and slash combat with a deeply philosophical narrative. Players control androids fighting a proxy war for humanity. The games unique combat system combines melee attacks with ranged weaponry. Its multiple endings and exploration of the...

Dragon Quest XI is a critically acclaimed role-playing game (RPG) developed and published by Square Enix. It follows the journey of a hero who must save the world from a dark force, engaging in turn-based battles, exploring vast landscapes, and interacting with a colorful cast of characters. With it...

Ever since Rakurou "Sunraku" Hizutome started to play the extremely popular virtual reality game Shangri-La Frontier, he has truly fallen in love with it. Sunraku has quickly made a big name for himself by fighting two of the seven unique, nearly unbeatable monsters, which is unthinkable for most pl...

In Good Pizza, Great Pizza, players run a pizzeria where they must fulfill unique customer orders. The game features a charming hand-drawn art style and a narrative that unfolds through interactions with quirky regulars. It balances the 'cooking' mechanicsstretching dough, adding toppingswith manage...

The King of Fighters XIII is a 2010 fighting game developed by SNK. Set after The King of Fighters XI, it features a tournament organized by Those From the Distance Land seeking to unleash the demon Orochi. This installment concludes Ash Crimson’s storyline and represents the thirteenth entry in the...

Final Fantasy IV provides a pivotal RPG experience blending tactical combat with a deeply engaging narrative. The game’s story centers on Cecil Harvey, a young prince who becomes embroiled in a conflict involving dark magic and ancient prophecies. Notable for its orchestral score and character-drive...

VIII introduced a unique orchéstral focus on romance and personal relationships within its orchéstral world. Its 'Junction' system provided deep strategic complexity, while the cinematic presentation was ahead of its time. It remains a fan favorite for its moody atmosphere and complex character dyna...

Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes was released in 2004 as an action-adventure stealth game created by Konami and Silicon Knights. It served as a remake of the original 1998 Metal Gear Solid, adapting the storyline for the GameCube platform. The project involved significant alterations to the origina...

The Burning Shores expansion for Horizon Forbidden West elevates the already stunning experience with a vibrant, volcanic archipelago. Featuring a new protagonist, Sylens, and a compelling narrative, the expansion introduces unique machines and breathtaking environments. The expansions visual fide...

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is an epic role-playing game set in a vast open world filled with diverse landscapes, engaging characters, and a deep storyline. Players embark on a journey to discover the secrets of the mythical world of Alrest, battling powerful enemies and uncovering the mysteries of the l...

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas is a first-person shooter set in Las Vegas, Nevada. The game focuses on tactical operations against a terrorist organization led by Irena Morales. It’s notable for its detailed environments and emphasis on strategic team gameplay. The title appeals to players interest...

Yakuza is an action-adventure game set in Kamurochō, a depiction of Tokyo’s Kabukicho. The narrative centers on Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza inmate investigating the theft of 10 billion yen from his clan. His release triggers a conflict within the criminal underworld following his return to activit...

Sophie offers a unique blend of whimsical exploration and deep alchemy. The game excels in its world-building and the personality of its protagonist. While it leans more into the 'crafting' side than some other entries, the or RPG elements remain strong. It is highly recommended for players who enjo...

Mortal Kombat 1 is a fighting game developed by NetherRealm Studios. It represents a foundational entry in the long-running series offering a story driven experience centered around a reimagined timeline. The title’s notable return to classic 2D beat-'em-up mechanics and expanded online features app...

Mortal Kombat X is a 2015 fighting game produced by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The tenth main title in the series, it follows events twenty-five years following Mortal Kombat (2011). High Voltage Software initially developed the Windows version, with...

Yakuza 6 serves as a major turning point for the series, featuring multiple protagonists and a more open-world feel. It offers a diverse range of gameplay styles depending on which character you choose to follow. While it received mixed reviews at launch due to its narrative structure, it remains a...

Hacker's Memory builds upon the foundation of Cyber Sleuth, delivering a refined and engaging JRPG experience. The story is captivating, featuring a compelling narrative centered around a mysterious hacker group and a protagonist with a unique connection to the digital world. The gameplay retains th...

Xenogears is a complex role-playing game developed by Square that combines turn-based combat with an intricate narrative exploring themes of memory, identity, and religion. The game’s notable use of mecha units alongside its philosophical depth and character-driven story has captivated players seeki...