3 Yrs✓#
Pixeljam
3 Yrs✓#
Some of the better stories I have played :
Control
Ghost of Tsushima
God of War (2018)
A Plague Tale Innocence
What Remains of Edith Finch
Hades
Red Dead Redemption 2
Returnal
The Forgotten City
Control
Ghost of Tsushima
God of War (2018)
A Plague Tale Innocence
What Remains of Edith Finch
Hades
Red Dead Redemption 2
Returnal
The Forgotten City
4 Yrs✓#
GemminiDrodson
4 Yrs✓#
You might have already played most of these if you play lots of games, but here's what stood out story and character wise from what I've played.
Great Story:
Life is Strange
The Last of Us I and II
What Remains of Edith Finch
Spec Ops: The Line
Firewatch
Detroit: Become Human
Heavy Rain
The Curse of Monkey Island
Horizon Zero Dawn
Decent story:
Until Dawn
Metro 2033
Alan Wake
Great Story:
Life is Strange
The Last of Us I and II
What Remains of Edith Finch
Spec Ops: The Line
Firewatch
Detroit: Become Human
Heavy Rain
The Curse of Monkey Island
Horizon Zero Dawn
Decent story:
Until Dawn
Metro 2033
Alan Wake
10 Yrs♥✓#
TheOro44
10 Yrs♥✓#
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood
Dante's Inferno
Far Cry 3
Grand Theft Auto IV
Kathy Rain
Max Payne
Spec Ops: The Line
Dante's Inferno
Far Cry 3
Grand Theft Auto IV
Kathy Rain
Max Payne
Spec Ops: The Line
4 Yrs✓#
gardenappl
4 Yrs✓#
The two games with stories on par with Deus Ex I can think of are Disco Elysium and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines. The latter is a bit of a rough gem, bit buggy and unbalanced, but if you're used to older games you should be able to handle it.
Oh, and any Metal Gear Solid game, though they may be less immersive.
Oh, and any Metal Gear Solid game, though they may be less immersive.

12 Yrs♥$✓#
Tell Tale Games: The Walking Dead is well worth anyone’s time
When I played it 7 years ago, I gave it 10/10 and my review just said “Possibly the best work of interactive storytelling I have ever experienced.”
I’ve still not got round to playing any of its sequels though.
When I played it 7 years ago, I gave it 10/10 and my review just said “Possibly the best work of interactive storytelling I have ever experienced.”
I’ve still not got round to playing any of its sequels though.
3 Yrs✓#
Solz1982
3 Yrs✓#
Plenty of games with good story - it just depends on what kind of story you are into and how you like it to be told (i.e. through exposition, experience or allegory). A few I can think of are:
- Disco Elysium (exposition and experience)
- Witcher 3 (exposition and experience)
- The Last Of Us (exposition and experience)
- Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (experience and allegory)
- Valiant Hearts: The Great War (exposition and experience)
- Journey (allegory)
- Inside (experience and allegory)
- Gris (allegory)
- Disco Elysium (exposition and experience)
- Witcher 3 (exposition and experience)
- The Last Of Us (exposition and experience)
- Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (experience and allegory)
- Valiant Hearts: The Great War (exposition and experience)
- Journey (allegory)
- Inside (experience and allegory)
- Gris (allegory)
3 Yrs✓#
Ashgazer
3 Yrs✓#
Disco Elysium
Last of us I & II
Last of us I & II
3 Yrs✓
Mathmatikal
3 Yrs✓
Hopefully you see this. But if you are in a good mental space I HIGHLY recommend “Spiritfarer” it’s an absolutely incredible experience.
3 Yrs✓
yeet_gaming_69
3 Yrs✓
A plague tale: innocence
Beyond: Two souls
Cyberpunk 2077 (this one is controversial but they have improved the experience on pc alot compared to when it released. I don't know if they have fixed the console version yet)
Death stranding
Deliver us the moon
Detroit: become human
Firewatch
God of war
Hellblade: senuas sacrifice
Horizon zero dawn and horizon forbidden west (play zero dawn before forbidden west)
Life is strange and life is strange: before the storm (play life is strange: before the storm before life is strange. I do not recommend life is strange 2 and life is strange: true colors because the new games in the series have lots of virtue signaling)
Red dead redemption 2
Remember me
Road 96
Stray
The forgotten city
The last of us
The outer worlds
The walking dead: the Telltale Definitive series
Titan fall 2
Beyond: Two souls
Cyberpunk 2077 (this one is controversial but they have improved the experience on pc alot compared to when it released. I don't know if they have fixed the console version yet)
Death stranding
Deliver us the moon
Detroit: become human
Firewatch
God of war
Hellblade: senuas sacrifice
Horizon zero dawn and horizon forbidden west (play zero dawn before forbidden west)
Life is strange and life is strange: before the storm (play life is strange: before the storm before life is strange. I do not recommend life is strange 2 and life is strange: true colors because the new games in the series have lots of virtue signaling)
Red dead redemption 2
Remember me
Road 96
Stray
The forgotten city
The last of us
The outer worlds
The walking dead: the Telltale Definitive series
Titan fall 2
2 Yrs✓
greb1989
2 Yrs✓
Im about the same age as you and i kinda feel the same...I recently got into JRPGs and some games are brilliant when it comes to the story. Final Fantasy 7 remake is a masterpiece trough and trough as is Ni No Kuni Wrath of the White Witch.
If you feel more drawn to "Western" titles id suggest Assassin's Creed, especially the earlier ones a amazing when it comes to the story in my book. Ezio Collection, Black Flag, Rogue etc are wonderful games.
If you feel more drawn to "Western" titles id suggest Assassin's Creed, especially the earlier ones a amazing when it comes to the story in my book. Ezio Collection, Black Flag, Rogue etc are wonderful games.
9 Yrs✓#
CerosTheSkyPirate
9 Yrs✓#
Age of Decadence - Turn-Based RPG that allows you to choose your own path in a setting that explores concepts of histories, empires, and the decay they inevitably face.
Bastion - Action/Adventure game about rebuilding a broken world; phenomenal music that also at times adds to the worldbuilding, pathos and themes of the story.
Beginner's Guide - First-Person minimalist game about a developer trying to reconnect with an old friend.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch - An interactive movie that analyzes and deconstructs concepts of freewill, determinism, video games, etc. - only playable on Netflix though.
Blue Blood - Turn-Based RPG/Puzzle/Adventure game about revenge and regrets.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons - Puzzle/Adventure game that tells a coming-of-age story through gameplay mechanics.
Citizen Sleeper - Turn-Based Dice/Story driven RPG about living life on a space colony.
Dragon Age: Origins - Real-Time with Pause RPG. Bioware's take on the likes of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. Derivative yet very well executed.
Garden's Between - Puzzle game that uses its mechanics to convey acceptance of letting go and moving on.
Gorogoa - Puzzle game about searching for enlightenment and a higher purpose.
It Takes Two - Co-Op multi-genre game from the developers of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. Also heavily relies on game mechanics and narrative married together to tell the story.
Little Inferno - Minimalist Puzzle game about burning objects. Has a very heartfelt, respectful story about gaming, moving on, and appreciating what came before to move forward in life.
No-one Has to Die - Browser Puzzle/Sci-Fi game. No spoilers, just play.
Perfect Vermin - Short, terrifying and sad horror game about illness.
Red Dead Redemption (Original) - Great revenge tale that also explores the "Death of the West", free will, government encroachment, etc.
Silent Hill 2 - A game with the body of a monster hiding a soul of pure platinum. An absolute must play. Go in blind if you can.
Stanley Parable - First-Person minimalist satire and exploration on video games.
To The Moon - Beautiful tale about regrets and reminiscence.
Will: A Wonderful World - Visual Novel about being a deity that must forge paths for characters to reach destinations in life. Brilliant mechanics and story. Going in blind is a must.
Bastion - Action/Adventure game about rebuilding a broken world; phenomenal music that also at times adds to the worldbuilding, pathos and themes of the story.
Beginner's Guide - First-Person minimalist game about a developer trying to reconnect with an old friend.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch - An interactive movie that analyzes and deconstructs concepts of freewill, determinism, video games, etc. - only playable on Netflix though.
Blue Blood - Turn-Based RPG/Puzzle/Adventure game about revenge and regrets.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons - Puzzle/Adventure game that tells a coming-of-age story through gameplay mechanics.
Citizen Sleeper - Turn-Based Dice/Story driven RPG about living life on a space colony.
Dragon Age: Origins - Real-Time with Pause RPG. Bioware's take on the likes of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. Derivative yet very well executed.
Garden's Between - Puzzle game that uses its mechanics to convey acceptance of letting go and moving on.
Gorogoa - Puzzle game about searching for enlightenment and a higher purpose.
It Takes Two - Co-Op multi-genre game from the developers of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. Also heavily relies on game mechanics and narrative married together to tell the story.
Little Inferno - Minimalist Puzzle game about burning objects. Has a very heartfelt, respectful story about gaming, moving on, and appreciating what came before to move forward in life.
No-one Has to Die - Browser Puzzle/Sci-Fi game. No spoilers, just play.
Perfect Vermin - Short, terrifying and sad horror game about illness.
Red Dead Redemption (Original) - Great revenge tale that also explores the "Death of the West", free will, government encroachment, etc.
Silent Hill 2 - A game with the body of a monster hiding a soul of pure platinum. An absolute must play. Go in blind if you can.
Stanley Parable - First-Person minimalist satire and exploration on video games.
To The Moon - Beautiful tale about regrets and reminiscence.
Will: A Wonderful World - Visual Novel about being a deity that must forge paths for characters to reach destinations in life. Brilliant mechanics and story. Going in blind is a must.
4 Yrs✓#
GreenStarfish
4 Yrs✓#
If you're into visual novels, I can recommend the Ace Attorney series, the Danganronpa series and the Professor Layton series.
9 Yrs✓#
CerosTheSkyPirate
9 Yrs✓#
And speaking of which I almost forgot to mention one other recommendation: Monsters of Little Haven - Black and White visual novel. And that's all I'll say. Depressing, but well worth a play.
11 Yrs✓
FrumpleOrz
11 Yrs✓
A bunch of other people have mentioned Disco Elysium and it's well-worth mentioning again. It's probably the best story I've ever experienced in a game.
If you're willing to go a long time back, Star Control II has an excellent story with a lot of lore dumps if you're into that kind of thing. Still one of my favorite games.
If you're into third-person shooters, Spec Ops The Line had a really acclaimed story too.
If you're willing to go a long time back, Star Control II has an excellent story with a lot of lore dumps if you're into that kind of thing. Still one of my favorite games.
If you're into third-person shooters, Spec Ops The Line had a really acclaimed story too.
1 Yr✓
Hobotix
1 Yr✓
I have always appreciated the nonverbal storytelling of Journey. However, if you want something more epic, you can not go wrong with the Mass Effect trilogy; especially Mass Effect 2. The Bio Shock series is conceptually interesting and well executed in it's narrative.

Your Turn To Die (Not yet complete but the three chapters are very cool; PC)
Danganronpa games (PSP, PC)
Ace Attorney games (DS, PC, 3DS)
Persona games (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) (PSP, PS2, PS3, PS4, PC soon, Switch soon)
Danganronpa games (PSP, PC)
Ace Attorney games (DS, PC, 3DS)
Persona games (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) (PSP, PS2, PS3, PS4, PC soon, Switch soon)
7 Yrs✓#
hbidoo
7 Yrs✓#
I would suggest :
Baldur's Gate 1 and 2
Life is strange
Heavy Rain
The walking dead season 1
A way out
Hellblade : Senua's sacrifice
Layers of fear
999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors
Baldur's Gate 1 and 2
Life is strange
Heavy Rain
The walking dead season 1
A way out
Hellblade : Senua's sacrifice
Layers of fear
999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors
3 Yrs✓#
snowmanepicgamer
3 Yrs✓#
I recommend you playing
The Half life series
The Bioshock series
The Portal series
The Half life series
The Bioshock series
The Portal series
5 Yrs✓#
SmilingShadows
5 Yrs✓#
Apologies in advance if I end up unintentionally parroting other peoples' suggestions here:
- The Half-Life games have fantastic worldbuilding and greatly employ subtlety in their storytelling
- Portal and Portal 2 also have great worldbuilding and some of the most consistently funny and witty dialogue ever written (especially 2)
- Shadow of the Colossus tells a magnificent wordless story
- Spec Ops: The Line tells the best story in military shooter history in a completely horrifying way
- There's nothing quite like Psychonauts and it's unique style and writing
- God of War (2018) trounces any story told by any other game in its series
If you're an anime fan and/or don't mind a bit of craziness to your stories then I'd also recommend the following:
- Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc and Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair aren't everyone's cup of tea but I promise you'll never find another series quite like this one
- The Ace Attorney games are also extremely bonkers but also highly entertaining and well-written
- Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a total cheesefest and is insanely over-the-top, but I assure you that you will never be bored during a single story beat in this game
- Lastly, The Fault Milestone games are two unbelievably underrated visual novels that deserve so much more attention than they get currently
- The Half-Life games have fantastic worldbuilding and greatly employ subtlety in their storytelling
- Portal and Portal 2 also have great worldbuilding and some of the most consistently funny and witty dialogue ever written (especially 2)
- Shadow of the Colossus tells a magnificent wordless story
- Spec Ops: The Line tells the best story in military shooter history in a completely horrifying way
- There's nothing quite like Psychonauts and it's unique style and writing
- God of War (2018) trounces any story told by any other game in its series
If you're an anime fan and/or don't mind a bit of craziness to your stories then I'd also recommend the following:
- Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc and Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair aren't everyone's cup of tea but I promise you'll never find another series quite like this one
- The Ace Attorney games are also extremely bonkers but also highly entertaining and well-written
- Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a total cheesefest and is insanely over-the-top, but I assure you that you will never be bored during a single story beat in this game
- Lastly, The Fault Milestone games are two unbelievably underrated visual novels that deserve so much more attention than they get currently
2 Yrs✓#
brnzen
2 Yrs✓#
Wandersong is a fun game with a cute story.
Hotel Dusk: Room 215 is a Nintendo DS game with a really good story.
I'm playing the Zero Escape games right now, and I'm enjoying their stories.
As others have mentioned, Ace Attorney and Professor Layton games have great stories.
Hotel Dusk: Room 215 is a Nintendo DS game with a really good story.
I'm playing the Zero Escape games right now, and I'm enjoying their stories.
As others have mentioned, Ace Attorney and Professor Layton games have great stories.
1 Yr✓
Lambdadelta
1 Yr✓
I don't really know
3 Yrs#
DeepFriedDubey
3 Yrs#
I'd recommend Ghost of Tsushima, God of War (2018), Firewatch; Diablo 4, these to me a solid games with a good story.
1 Yr✓
hollowman
1 Yr✓
This can be debatable but for games involving Story, I thought Star Ocean: The Last Hope did a great job. Plus you also said well written characters and there is tons of character development in that game. As for the actual game play, it can take awhile to get used to and be considered kind of hard at first but once you get used to it / start understanding it then it's not that bad anymore.
1 Yr#
Lilith
1 Yr#
You should try The Xenosaga series if you are looking for a great story.