Summary
A good story can be an important factor for many players, but games driven by their narrative are often focused on storytellingover innovative gameplay. As a result, while memorable, story-driven games can sometimes feel lackluster to play.
However, there are a variety of games out there that are able to offer solid gameplay alongside their narratives. Be it theinnovative puzzle solvingofDuck Detectiveor the tense action ofAlan Wake, there’s something here for everyone.
Duck Detectiveis a tongue-in-cheek adventure game with a charmingPaper Mario-esque art styleand an ensemble cast of quirky characters. The game’s distinctive voice actors, witty writing, and tightly woven mystery do much of the heavy lifting, butDuck Detectiveinnovates with its gameplay.
Duck Detectiveputs players in the shoes of its eponymous detective and, througha series of mini-games, tasks them with cracking a mysterious case. These mini-games are intuitive, thematic, and surprisingly engaging despite the lack of challenge, synergizing with the narrative and tone of the game.
Sporting a truly unique, dreamlike art-style,Bastionis an immediately impressive title driven by a simple but dramatic narrative. This story is elevated tenfold by the game’s excellent narration, injecting moments of true emotion into what would otherwise be standard action sequences.
Despiteexcelling with its world-buildingand narrative,Bastionremains a competent action game via intuitive controls and a diverse arsenal of weaponry. More importantly, many weapons are viable in any given situation, and players are given ample customization over their loadout between missions.
Undertaleisa distinctive RPGnot only for its unique approach to storytelling, but for its quirky combat system. In the game, players are tasked with solving simple puzzles and dealing with a variety of enemies, either through mercy or violence.
All of this is made engaging through a simple but diverse bullet-hell combat system that centers purely around avoiding enemy attacks. With a myriad of unique patterns,Undertaleoffers a surprisingly diverse set of combat encounters throughout its story-driven adventure. As a result, it’s able to remain a game that’s not only fun to experience, but fun to interact with.
With Remedy Entertainment’s sure hand at the wheel,Alan Wakeoffers a thrilling and surreal adventure that blends horror and action in unique ways. There’s plenty to love aboutAlan Wake’sTwin Peaks-inspired setting and surrealist horror, but the gameplay itself makes for an efficient engine beneath the hood.
Alan Wake’scombat system revolves around its fight-with-the-light mechanic, tasking players with utilizing a flashlight to weaken enemies before taking them out for good. It’s not the most complex of designs, but it provides players with a one-two punch that’s satisfying to pull off.
Despite its nature as an action roguelite,Hadescontorts its own structure to make way for a core narrative that drives the experience forward. With mechanics that blend into the game’s setting and story,Hadesis able to offer a decidedly thematic experience.
Hadesis still, at its heart, a roguelite, and players that don’t enjoy repetition are unlikely to be charmed. However, the game’s diverse arsenal of weaponry and abundance of possible builds keeps the action from becoming stale.
Tactical Breach Wizardsis a turn-based tactics game that excels with its puzzle-like level designs. However, it’s driven by an engaging narrative in a unique, urban fantasy setting, elevated by witty writing and a cast of charismatic characters.
Though its story provides a fast-paced structure, supported by stylish presentation,Tactical Breach Wizards’greatest strength is arguably its mechanical gameplay. Each combat encounter is a tight, neatly-packed experience that can often be approached in multiple ways, thanks to a generous helping of powerful abilities, environmental hazards, and unique squad members.
Dishonoredis a story-driven stealth game with open-ended level design and a distinctive Steampunk setting that’s wildly immersive. The game’s narrative is relatively simple, but it’s the presentation and delivery of its story that makes it so memorable, supported by unforgettable locations and distinctive characters. However,Dishonoredalso succeeds with its gameplay, which itself ties into the game’s narrative in a neat package.
Though perhaps a point of contention for some,Dishonoredtracks the player’s level of violence throughout the game, and those that want a remotely happy ending will have to pay close attention. Supported by a variety of weapons, items, and supernatural abilities, players are able to approach each mission in a variety of ways, not dissimilar to an immersive-sim. This results in a tremendous level of player agency that allows for a sense of control over an otherwise linear experience.
Bursting with color and lighthearted charm,Hi-Fi Rushis an exuberant adventure packed with memorable characters and exciting combat encounters. Succeeding not only with its feel-good story and charismatic cast, but also with its innovative rhythm-based action,Hi-Fi Rushis a journey to remember.
Featuring a combat system akin to character action games such asDevil May Cry,Hi-Fi Rushinjects a buoyant energy into each encounter by tasking players with playing to the beat. This synergizes with the classic combo-based gameplay thatHi-Fi Rushmakes use of, and, combined withan excellent soundtrack, results in gameplay that’s just as memorable as its heartfelt narrative.
