I am not a gamer when it comes to video games. I am that person who watches other people play to see the story of the game play out, because video games are interactive movies. And some games greatly surpass others when it comes to the storyline, so this is my list of favorite video game stories.
For a further understanding of my favorites, I am ranking them in order from least to greatest. These are all really great stories, but some stand out more than others. And obviously I do not know about every single game and every single story, so if I don’t include your absolute favorite ever, tell me to check it out nicely. So here we go.
Number 4: Until Dawn
Until Dawn, created by Sony Computer Entertainment, is an interactive horror adventure game that released at the end of August 2015. I have it as one of my favorites because, even though it’s a horror game and I hate horror, the different scenarios are interesting and the use of the butterfly effect and totems is very compelling. However, it’s towards the end because there are a couple of plot holes, although very small, and you can’t see every outcome in a single playthrough, which is great for games but annoying for a story-viewer like me.
Number 3: Assassin’s Creed
Assasin’s Creed is a series of games, starting with Assassin’s Creed in 2007 and the soon released Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate coming this month, created and published by Ubisoft. The story stretched numerous games, which is a positive or a negative depending on your own opinions. The Templar vs. Assassins plot mixed with historical eras like the American Revolution or Renaissance and beautiful graphics is a great mix for story-viewers. However, since the story stretches over numerous games, it can get stretched thin. But, Syndicate is showing a great comeback for these games, so it’s still on my favorites list.
Number 2: Tomb Raider ( 2013 reboot)
Tomb Raider is not a recent IP, and Lara Croft’s story has been done numerous times in game and film form. Now, out of all of the stories, the 2013 reboot by Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics is hands down my favorite. It follows a young Croft (who looks like an actually human instead of a plastic surgery model) on a anthropological trip of the coast of an island by Japan known as Yamati. With a cult that believes in the mystical lore of the island, Lara Croft has to fight to survive after her ship sinks in a massive storm. There is so much character growth in Lara, because she is young and naive compared to the double pistol wielding lady of the past. We get to see how she becomes the badass that she is, along with learning about the lore of the island and the crazy cult. The dialog is great (it’s written by a woman so bonus points) and the art is phenomenal. Also, the sequel comes out for the holiday season, and it looks just as good!
Number 1: The Last of Us
The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog, is a zombie survival game, which probably makes half of you audibly say “uuuuuuugggghhhh”. But here me out, the zombies are a focus, but not THE focus. The focus is on Ellie, a teenage girl, and Joel, her bodyguard/escort. In the post-apocalyptic United States, Joel must get Ellie to a revolutionary group to try to find a cure for the infection that caused the zombies. It’s a fascinating look at humans, and there really is no good or bad, just survive. The zombies are an obstacle, not a serious plot line, and it really is all about the humans and the decisions they make. It’s really interesting and was the game that got me really into the stories behind games.
What are you favorite video game stories? Share in the comments below!
I wouldn’t let my guy play The Last of Us without me, because I could not bear to miss any of the story. I often watch his games like movies, and that one is my favorite ever. He hasn’t played the side story yet because I’m not sure I’m emotionally ready to handle it, ha!
Yeah it pulls at the heart strings so definitely be prepared for that!
My all time favourite would be Warcraft III and stories revolving around Frozen Throne 🙂 First Assassin`s Creed had me hanging with open mouth
I think I prefer playing games, unless it’s terrifying – it was much more enjoyable watching Alien Isolation than it was playing it. Anyway, great list. I haven’t played Until Dawn yet, but the other three have amazing story lines.