A compelling narrative can make or break a video game. Although gameplay and art direction are essential, the way a story is structured can be more. A narrative relates to story, but they aren’t the same. One might wonder, what makes a narrative compelling? Story elements like juxtaposition and metaphors can contribute to the narrative, yet it’s almost the sequence of events that is convincing.
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The PlayStation 4 is recognized for having themost story-intensive games of its generation.The console boasts the most sales for its generation as well. These games feature in-depth stories that connect with the player on multiple levels.
10Persona 5 Royal
Naturally, the main story gets convoluted since it lasts more than 100 hours.Persona 5 Royalis praised for its story and presentation—the decision to divide the story into lengthy semesters paid off. The narrative tells us that Joker is a good person at heart who was accused of a crime he didn’t commit.
We empathize with Joker during his time at Joker’s new high school. This role-playing game presents the player withdialogue choices, giving them control over the story.
9What Remains Of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finchtells a story from the perspective of Edith Finch, the protagonist of the game. Her narration sets the tone for the game, with flashbacks when Edith visits her deceased relatives' bedrooms. The intriguing narrative takes you to places that you might not have expected.
The art direction ofWhat Remains of Edith Finchis splendid, but it’s the narrative that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
8Death Stranding
This game was nominated for multiple best narrative awards. It featuresprominent actors like Norman Reedus and Mads Mikkelsen.In the game, you play as a courier who drops off supplies and attempts to connect isolated colonies to wireless communication.
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Although reviewers criticized the game for its story, it was praised for its voice acting and art direction.Death Strandingis worth playing for those interested in aunique adventure, which might be ahead of its time.
7Gone Home
It has been called afirst-person narrative exploration game,but it’s known colloquially as a walking simulator. The fact that the game features a fully explorable home is what drives the narrative. Much ofGone Homeis up for interpretation, which becomes abundantly clear before the game’s end.
Inspired by games likeDear Esther,Gone Homehas one of the most compelling narratives for a PlayStation 4 video game.
6Horizon Zero Dawn
John Gonzalez, the lead writer fromFallout: New Vegas, was the narrative director ofHorizon Zero Dawn.The game’s story is told from Aloy’s perspective, a Nora Brave and adept machine destroyer. This is thetype of game that is best played slowly.
Things like Datapoints add bits of story toHorizon Zero Dawn, so it’s worthwhile to take the time to read their text or listen to their audio. The narrative that humanity is not the dominant species in this world is unsettling yet intriguing.
5Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
TheUnchartedseries is known for having a compelling narrative told mostly from the perspective ofNathan Drake, a treasure hunter.Although the game’s writers could’ve takenUncharted 4: A Thief’s Enddown avenues like multiple endings, they wanted to tell a concrete story with definitive events.
At the same time, there are dialogue choices, but few have little importance in the overarching story.
4Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
to accurately portray Senua as a person with the condition of psychosis, mental health specialists and neuroscientists were consulted. Also, people with the condition were interviewed for the game.Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice’snarrative takes you to the “Darkness,” a place that exists in Senua’s mind, but a place she believes is real.
The narrative is compelling, and this is a game, unlike anything else out there.
The Western instant-classicRed Dead Redemption 2is a game with a compelling narrative. The game’s main character is Arthur Morgan, who we see for the bulk of the game. There is also an epilogue, which is told from theperspective of John Marston.The narrative takes you to the views of two different characters. The decision to switch perspectives throughout the game was questionable, but it allowed for a seamless transition between the twoRed Dead Redemptiongames.
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Notably, main characters were cut from the game for failing to contribute to the narrative.Red Dead Redemption 2might have looked likeGrand Theft Auto V, a game with three main playable characters, had they not made the cuts.
2God Of War
From start to finish, players are fascinated by the story ofGod of War (2018).The game does an exceptional job of depicting Kratos as a character who has gone throughdevelopments since his last game appearance.
AlthoughGod of Warhad to compete with heavyweights likeUncharted 4: A Thief’s EndandThe Last Guardian, it wound up having one of the most (if not the most) intriguing stories on PlayStation 4. The talking head Mimir teaches the player about Norse mythology and the Nine Realms as the game progresses.
1The Last Of Us: Part II
DeveloperNaughty Dog’slatest game is amasterful telling of Ellie and Abby’s stories.There is a juxtaposition contained inThe Last of Us Part II,with two contrasting main characters. Juxtaposing their qualities, the two characters are distinct from one another, yet they cross paths more than once.
The compelling narrative makes us want to progress further, despite it being one of thePlayStation 4’s longest games.
