Storytelling has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. The books I read as a kid, then a teen and now as an adult. The ancient stories. Myths and legends. Song lyrics, tv and film, and even video games – anything with a story I could detect and listen to, it all caught my attention.
I don’t think I really understood what gripped me about these things when I was younger, but something did. As I got older, I leaned into it, eschewing some of the more popular choices for things that resonated with me – and this is most obvious with video games.
That’s not to say I didn’t play popular games, I did, but when you think of Fifa or CoD, those weren’t for me.
What is it about video games that keeps me invested?
The genre plays a part in this. Like with my writing, I want sci-fi and fantasy games first and foremost. I’ll play others, but if I see a game in this genre, it’s going to stand out to me a lot more. It can be an action, adventure, shooter, RPG, mystery, or any other kind of game, but the setting has to appeal.
Most of all, I need a good story.
This matters because, unlike watching a film or reading a book, where I’m essentially an observer and relating to characters at various points, in a game I am the character. The choices might be scripted, the dialogue restricted, but it’s up to me what I do, and if I succeed. Yes, if certain conditions aren’t met its game over and there’s no progress.
It’s an interactive form of storytelling, and just because a game is fun to play, or a challenge is not enough to engage me. I need the story to capture me just like a book would.
Non-playable characters matter, as do their interactions
While the player character and the story around them matters, so do the supporting characters – and in most games these are non-playable characters, or NPCs. They might be there to help you, hinder you or just fill out the world, but how they react to you and each other can bring a world to life.
Some games do this better than others, and more recent titles have gone to greater lengths to make the world more vibrant, more alive, than in previous games and eras. When you know your actions will change things for these characters, it gives each choice more weight, and even if you make it in the heat of the moment, the consequences will follow you.
It’s something seen in books, but without the choice. I’ll be taking you through those consequences that I created, not that you did. The lesson, and effect, is the same when done right, though.
Video games with compelling stories
This might be controversial for some people, I’m sure. I’m not here to judge, rate, or rank video games. I’m just going to share with you some games that have compelling stories – for me. You might disagree, but that’s okay. Great, even.
While the technical aspects of storytelling are easier to judge, we are often focused on more subjective aspects, which is why some people love stories others hate. This is good, as it encourages more stories and different views, which I believe we need in our stories.
So, here are just some of games that I’ve found to have compelling stories.
The Final Fantasy series
As my favourite series of games, it’s no surprise Final Fantasy series makes the list. Some games are better than others, and while some have a vision, they don’t always deliver. That said, even the poorer games still have great qualities, and their influences can be seen in future entries.
It’s all about the story here, and the characters play a part in that. Final Fantasy VI, released on the SNES, is probably at the top of my list. It’s a huge cast of characters, and the ensemble works. You care about these characters. Struggle with them. When all hope seems lost, it’s hard to see how you can succeed. You know you will – as that’s the game, and the story – but it’s not simple.
Final Fantasy VII is iconic for many reasons, including THAT scene, but it’s a complex story that took the franchise in a new direction. It’s still well worth playing, and FFVIIR is also subtly different that both new and old players will get something from it. That’s fantastic for story over 20 years old.
I’ll finish with Final Fantasy XII, which didn’t grab me on release, but subsequent play throughs reveal probably one of the best more modern FF games. An intriguing story and fully thought-out, developed characters make this one of the best groups of characters in the series (when put together).
I could write a whole guide on each game, but you get the point.
The Mass Effect series
The recent Mass Effect Legendary Edition was the perfect chance to replay these games from start to finish, and they mostly hold up. The new changes are great quality of life fixes, and they do look much better.
From the beginning of the first game, we have a blank slate, with a choice of set backgrounds that have some impact on how other characters react to you, but it’s mostly what you say to your team and other characters that define you, and makes you invested in Shepard – and really, you’re investing in yourself, here.
Over the course of the three games, you explore the galaxy, fight enemies and prepare for an even deadlier foe on the horizon. You’ll toe both sides of morality, argue with comrades and make decisions that cost lives. Some of these are heart-wrenching – and there are consequences later in the story.
The ending was a let down on release of Mass Effect 3, and while improved, it still sucks. That said, the Citadel DLC is included and is a much better send off. Andromeda is a mixed bag, but a new Mass Effect is coming, and I’m excited.
Spider-Man & Spider-Man Miles Morales
There have been a fair few Spider-Man games over the years, and they’ve all boasted unique control systems and mechanics to make use of Spidey’s abilities. Not until Insomniac’s game did this really ring true. That game is stunning, and made me feel like I was Spider-Man.
While it was fun to web-sling through New York, drop to ground to stop a crime, dive through a crane, and so much more, the story was fantastic. It made enough use of familiar characters that I was instantly invested but mixed them up enough to be different to stop me getting bored. The game was well-paced and interrupted you with new plots and challenges at the right time.
Anyone familiar with the character will recognise where things are going early on, but maybe not in this game. The turn it takes is sharp, but inline with how the story has progressed – and how the characters would react. It’s both uplifting and crushing in equal measures throughout, so it’s a rollercoaster as wild as swinging through this version of New York.
The follow-up, Spider-Man Miles Morales, takes what works so well in Spider-Man and ups the ante. We follow a new set of characters – but with enough references and call-backs to keep us connected – and it feels like a smaller, more local story. We care about these people very quickly and my only complaint was that the game wasn’t longer.
Learning the lessons, and putting them to use
Now, I’ve only given you a small sample – there are dozens, if not hundreds of games with fantastic stories, but we’d be here forever. If you haven’t played any of these, or not for a while, jump back in. Look at the characters, and how they interact. How they develop.
Think about how this compares to your story. Are there lessons you can learn, or are there things you could teach these writers? I want to hear from you!