The Best Narrative Games for Xbox One

Update : Open Roads added at rank #9.
1

Beacon Pines (2022)

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87
Review score
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Xbox Series X Nintendo Switch PC Windows Xbox One

Dive into the mysteries of Beacon Pines, a charming yet eerie adventure where you control the fate of the story. As Luka, you'll uncover hidden truths, meet memorable characters, and explore stunning hand-drawn landscapes. With multiple endings to discover, you'll be captivated by this immersive tale filled with surprising twists.


What we like:
  • Intriguing and creative story
  • Well-developed, memorable characters
  • Multiple endings based on your choices
  • Stunning hand-drawn art
  • Engaging gameplay mechanics
What could be improved:
  • The large number of characters can be overwhelming

  • choices
  • narrative
  • visual-novel
  • mystery
  • cute
  • cozy
  • adventure
  • narration
  • exploration
  • story
  • emotional
  • colourful
  • interactive
  • horror
  • conspiracy

2

Pentiment (2022)

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91
Review score
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Xbox One Nintendo Switch j Playstation 4 Playstation 5 PC Windows Xbox Series X

Pentiment can be seen as a educational game set in the 15th century, combining point-and-click adventure with role-playing elements and a branching narrative. It follows Andreas Mahler as he tries to clear his friend's name while uncovering the secrets of a small Bavarian town.


What we like:
  • Captivating story
  • Immersive atmosphere
  • Beautiful visuals and sound
  • Interesting characters and dialogue
  • Deep RPG elements and replayability
What could be improved:
  • Limited number of puzzles which are not particularly challenging

  • historical
  • narrative
  • mystery
  • medieval
  • rpg
  • choices
  • book
  • crime
  • adventure
  • detective
  • education
  • story
  • fiction
  • stylized
  • local

3

Jusant (2023)

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84
Review score
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Xbox One Xbox Series X/s Playstation 5 PC Windows

Ascend the enigmatic tower of Jusant and uncover the echoes of a lost civilization. Immerse yourself in a serene world filled with lush biomes, master intuitive climbing mechanics, and let the haunting soundtrack elevate your adventure. Solve puzzles with your adorable companion, Ballast, and experience a story that intertwines resilience and mystery in every climb.


What we like:
  • Intuitive climbing gameplay
  • Rich, immersive environments
  • Engaging puzzles with helpful companion
  • Profound storytelling
  • Beautiful soundtrack
What could be improved:
  • Occasional collision issues
  • Some story elements are cryptic

  • vertical
  • puzzle
  • platform
  • narrative
  • controller-support
  • exploration
  • story
  • meditative
  • atmospheric
  • rock-climbing
  • relaxing
  • adventure
  • rhythm
  • mystery
  • cute

4

Venba (2023)

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82
Review score
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Xbox Series X PC Windows Xbox One Playstation 5 Xbox Series X/s Nintendo Switch

Embark on a touching journey with Venba, a heartwarming game that immerses you in the vibrant world of South Indian cuisine. Unravel a story of family, love, and self-discovery, restore lost recipes, and dive into mouthwatering dishes. With beautiful art, a delightful Tamil-inspired soundtrack, and engaging puzzles, Venba is a short but well-paced adventure waiting for you.


What we like:
  • Beautiful art and sound design
  • Heartfelt storytelling
  • Authentic representation of immigrant experience
  • Engaging gameplay with satisfying puzzles
  • Well-paced narrative
What could be improved:
  • Cooking puzzles may be too easy
  • Game length may leave players wanting more
  • Lack of touchscreen support
  • Absence of a glossary for recipes

  • narrative
  • cooking
  • 1980s
  • puzzle
  • conversation
  • visual-novel
  • emotional
  • soundtrack
  • cinematic
  • stylized
  • fiction
  • story
  • interactive
  • choices

5

Life is Strange: True Colors (2021)

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87
Review score
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Playstation 5 IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch stadia Xbox One Xbox Series X PC Windows Playstation 4

Experience a bold new era in the award-winning Life is Strange series with Life is Strange: True Colors. Uncover the shocking secrets behind your brother's death as you navigate through an emotional roller-coaster of an adventure. Harness the power of Empathy to change fate and forge deep relationships with the townsfolk. Make tough decisions, explore the vibrant town of Haven Springs, and discover your own voice. With a captivating story, unforgettable characters, and an exclusive soundtrack, this game is a must-play.


What we like:
  • Beautiful graphics and realistic scenery
  • Engaging slice-of-life gameplay
  • Unique power to control emotions
  • Realistic portrayal of difficult topics
  • Enjoyable romance options
What could be improved:
  • Predictable plot and lack of impactful choices
  • Episodes feel rushed and underdeveloped
  • Limited character interaction after emotional moments
  • Short gameplay and shallow character relationships

  • narrative
  • episodic
  • supernatural
  • mystery
  • story
  • choices
  • drama
  • adventure
  • romance
  • local
  • puzzle
  • romantic
  • difficult

6

Wayward Strand (2022)

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80
Review score
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Xbox One Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 4 Playstation 5 Xbox Series X Xbox Series X/s

Unravel the captivating world of Wayward Strand as Casey Beaumaris, a journalist in summer 1978. Engage with a diverse cast in an airborne hospital, uncover their unique stories and piece together mysteries. With real-time narratives and multiple playthroughs, each experience is a new discovery in this immersive adventure.


What we like:
  • Beautiful art and animation style
  • Unique worldbuilding
  • Excellent voice acting
  • High replayability value
  • Relaxing atmosphere
What could be improved:
  • Slow pacing
  • Repetitive dialogue
  • No manual saving
  • Flawed gameplay mechanics

  • narrative
  • wholesome
  • cozy
  • choices
  • story
  • drama
  • emotional
  • conversation
  • real-time
  • relaxing
  • adventure
  • book
  • stylized
  • historical
  • mystery

7

The Expanse: A Telltale Series (2023)

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76
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox Series X Xbox One Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Take on the role of Camina Drummer and explore the dangerous, uncharted edges of the Belt. From scavenging wrecked ships in a zero-g environment, to combating fearsome pirates, you make the difficult choices in this latest Telltale adventure. All five episodes playable at launch!


  • narrative
  • pirates
  • sci-fi
  • zero-gravity
  • exploration
  • adventure
  • novel
  • book
  • drama
  • choices
  • rpg
  • episodic
  • politics
  • action-adventure
  • quick-time-event

8

The Forgotten City (2021)

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89
Review score
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Playstation 5 Xbox One PC Windows Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Nintendo Switch

Unravel the mysteries of The Forgotten City, a time-looping adventure set in an ancient Roman city. Engage with well-crafted characters, navigate ethical dilemmas, and uncover secrets that will keep you hooked. Despite its humble origins as a Skyrim mod, this game offers a captivating experience with multiple endings, making every decision count.


What we like:
  • Gripping story with clever twists
  • Immersive, detailed visuals
  • Strong voice performances
  • Thought-provoking themes and ethical dilemmas
  • Multiple dialogue options and quest-solving approaches
What could be improved:
  • Backtracking can be tedious
  • Limited impact of player's chosen backstory
  • Occasional slowdowns and glitches
  • Fixed map despite vast experience

  • mystery
  • narrative
  • adventure
  • rpg
  • story
  • historical
  • exploration
  • skyrim
  • combat
  • crime
  • thought-provoking
  • discovery
  • puzzle
  • first-person

9

Open Roads (2024)

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73
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Xbox One Android Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Playstation 4 PC Windows

Tess Devine and her mother, Opal, embark on a road trip adventure to explore a series of long-abandoned family properties, unearthing the past. Featuring star performances by Keri Russell (The Americans, Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker) and Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart, Uncharted 4)


  • narrative
  • mystery
  • interactive
  • story
  • adventure
  • hand-drawn
  • first-person
  • walking-simulator
  • exploration
  • walking
  • investigation
  • discovery
  • fiction
  • cinematic
  • grand

10

The Expanse: A Telltale Series - Episode 5 (2023)

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81
Review score
Logo of The Expanse: A Telltale Series - Episode 5

Playstation 4 Xbox One Xbox Series X l PC Windows Nintendo Switch Playstation 5

An epic adventure across the land and skies of Hyrule awaits in The Legend of Zelda™: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch™. The adventure is yours to create in a world fueled by your imagination.

In this sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you’ll decide your own path through the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious islands floating in the vast skies above. Can you harness the power of Link’s new abilities to fight back against the malevolent forces that threaten the kingdom?

Nintendo Switch Online members can buy a pair of Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers and redeem each one for any game in the voucher catalog—including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.


  • narrative
  • sci-fi
  • exploration
  • episodic
  • book
  • novel
  • corridor
  • politics
  • quick-time-event
  • clay
  • free-floating
  • pirates

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