The Best Narrative Games

Update : The Expanse: A Telltale Series added at rank #12.
1

Pentiment (2022)

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87
Review score
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Xbox One Xbox Series X PC Windows

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.

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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
  • choices
  • rpg
  • book
  • crime
  • adventure
  • detective
  • story
  • fiction
  • stylized
  • local
  • education

2

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

3

Before Your Eyes (2021)

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88
Review score
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PC Windows Mac OS Android IOS iPhone ps1 vr2 Playstation 5

Dive into 'Before Your Eyes', a deeply emotional narrative adventure where you control the story with your blinks. Relive precious memories and uncover a heartbreaking truth in a charming world. This innovative, fully voice-acted game will immerse you in a journey about expectations and regrets. Prepare for an unforgettable experience.


What we like:
  • Genuine and immersive experience
  • Innovative blink interaction mechanic
  • Touching and well-written story
  • Beautiful visuals and exceptional voice acting
  • Surprising plot twists
What could be improved:
  • Finicky eye detection
  • Short length and small scale
  • Important dialogue can be skipped due to blinking
  • Pressure from VR headset over time

  • narrative
  • story
  • first-person
  • emotional
  • innovative
  • walking-simulator
  • interactive

4

Jusant (2023)

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

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

5

Venba (2023)

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

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

6

Unpacking (2021)

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88
Review score
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Android IOS iPhone Xbox One PC Windows Mac OS Linux

Experience the simple joy of Unpacking in this zen-like game. Through eight house moves, you'll uncover a heartwarming story told through objects, creating an intimate connection with a character you never see. Organize your home, enjoy the beautiful soundtrack, and immerse yourself in a unique narrative journey that mirrors the ups and downs of life.


What we like:
  • Unforgettable storytelling through objects
  • Relaxing, meditative gameplay
  • Beautiful pixel-art visuals
  • Captivating soundtrack
  • Engaging puzzle-solving experience
What could be improved:
  • Game duration is quite short
  • Limited customization options

  • puzzle
  • pixel
  • book
  • story
  • relaxing
  • narrative
  • isometric
  • zen
  • achievements
  • cute

7

Mutazione (2019)

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90
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo Switch Xbox One Linux Mac OS IOS iPhone Playstation 4

Get lost in the magical world of Mutazione, a narrative-driven adventure game where you explore an island filled with quirky mutant characters and their secrets. Grow musical gardens, attend BBQs, and embark on a spiritual journey to save the community from a looming darkness. With beautiful hand-illustrated art and unpredictable twists, Mutazione is a mutant soap opera that you won't want to miss.


What we like:
  • Unique and beautiful art style
  • Relaxing music
  • Story-focused gameplay
  • Quirky and interesting characters
  • Encourages the player to slow down and relax
What could be improved:
  • Repetitive gameplay, mostly a visual novel
  • No voice acting
  • Slow parts may be boring for some players
  • Contains adult themes that may not be suitable for younger children

  • drama
  • narrative
  • supernatural
  • relaxing
  • adventure
  • walking-simulator
  • point-and-click
  • nature
  • exploration
  • fiction
  • music
  • story
  • scroller
  • bird
  • procedural

8

Sumire (2021)

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85
Review score
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PC Windows Android Mac OS IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch

In Sumire, you'll embark on a one-day journey through a picturesque Japanese village, meeting charming creatures and making choices that shape your reality. Experience a beautiful and touching story with multiple outcomes, and learn valuable life lessons in this enchanting indie narrative adventure game.


What we like:
  • Beautiful and touching story
  • Multiple possible outcomes
  • Gorgeous art style
  • Character growth
  • Valuable life lessons
What could be improved:
  • Some symbolic figures not explored
  • Grinding for achievements

  • narrative
  • choices
  • adventure
  • visual-novel
  • card
  • fiction
  • anime
  • emotional
  • colourful
  • supernatural
  • relaxing
  • collectathon
  • cute
  • interactive
  • well-paced

9

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

10

Wayward Strand (2022)

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80
Review score
Logo of Wayward Strand Screenshot of Wayward Strand Screenshot of Wayward Strand Screenshot of Wayward Strand

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.

Buy

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

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