The Best Narrative Games

Update : South of Midnight added at rank #35.
1

Detroit: Become Human (2018)

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97
Review score
Logo of Detroit: Become Human Screenshot of Detroit: Become Human Screenshot of Detroit: Become Human Screenshot of Detroit: Become Human

PC Windows Playstation 4

In Detroit: Become Human, you'll step into the shoes of three unique androids in a world teetering on the edge of chaos. Your choices shape an intense, branching narrative filled with moral dilemmas and life-or-death decisions. With stunning visuals and immersive storytelling, every playthrough promises a unique experience. Discover what it means to be human in this gripping game.


What we like:
  • Stunning visuals
  • Deep, immersive narrative
  • Choices significantly impact gameplay
  • Quick-time action sequences add excitement
  • Multiple endings for high replay value
What could be improved:
  • Game starts off slow
  • Main characters can be lost early on
  • Limited gameplay beyond story choices

  • narrative
  • quick-time-event
  • detective
  • interactive
  • crime
  • sci-fi
  • story
  • robots
  • futuristic
  • choices
  • violent
  • drama
  • controller-support

2

Bugsnax (2020)

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95
Review score
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Mac OS IOS iPhone Xbox Series X Xbox One Playstation 5 Playstation 4 PC Windows Nintendo Switch

Dive into the quirky world of Bugsnax! As a journalist, you'll explore the diverse Snaktooth Island, solve its mysteries, and capture 100 unique Bugsnax. With charming characters, engaging gameplay, and endless customization, you'll be captivated by this delightful adventure.


What we like:
  • Innovative creature-catching gameplay
  • Rich, immersive world with diverse biomes
  • Entertaining and distinct characters
  • Fun, fitting soundtrack
  • Engaging side quests and challenges
What could be improved:
  • None

  • puzzle
  • narrative
  • adventure
  • mystery
  • cute
  • muppet
  • story
  • first-person
  • discovery
  • colourful
  • horror
  • inventive
  • physics
  • comedy
  • controller-support

3

The Artful Escape (2021)

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94
Review score
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Xbox Series X Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Xbox One PC Windows Playstation 5

The Artful Escape is a psychedelic journey of self-discovery and creativity, following the story of a young musician trying to break out of his famous uncle's shadow. The game features simple platforming and a unique music interface, where players can create their own musical compositions. The game's beautiful visuals and uplifting story, supported by an outstanding voice cast, make it a must-play for music lovers and fans of visual novels.


What we like:
  • Gorgeous visuals,Unique music interface,Outstanding voice cast,Uplifting story
What could be improved:
  • Lack of challenging gameplay,Short game length,More of a visual novel than a traditional game

  • psychedelic
  • platform
  • sci-fi
  • narrative
  • self-discovery
  • adventure
  • rhythm
  • side-scrolling
  • music
  • aliens
  • dylan

4

Beyond a Steel Sky (2020)

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93
Review score
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Nintendo Switch IOS iPhone Mac OS Linux PC Windows Playstation 5 Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Xbox One

Beyond a Steel Sky is a thrilling cyberpunk adventure game with engaging puzzles and a fast-paced narrative that will keep you hooked. Follow Robert Foster as he tries to rescue a kidnapped child in Union City, a futuristic utopia controlled by an altruistic AI. The game features a beautifully detailed comic-book style world and plenty of humor. Unravel dark conspiracies and defeat a terrifying antagonist in this innovative and exciting adventure!


What we like:
  • Engaging storyline and characters
  • Built-in hints system
  • Great setting and world design
  • Innovative puzzle mechanics
  • Plenty of humor and nostalgia nods
What could be improved:
  • Controlling the character is clunky
  • Hacking can be repetitive
  • Lack of puzzle diversity
  • Story can be simplistic with bad pace
  • Cutscenes are too long and boring

  • cyberpunk
  • adventure
  • puzzle
  • point-and-click
  • dystopian
  • narrative
  • classic
  • sci-fi
  • thriller
  • futuristic
  • cult
  • third-person
  • hacking
  • political
  • inventory

5

Pentiment (2022)

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

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

6

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

7

Tacoma (2017)

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90
Review score
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Mac OS Linux Xbox One Playstation 4 PC Windows

Tacoma is a sci-fi narrative adventure from the creators of Gone Home. Set aboard a high-tech space station in the year 2088, explore every detail of how the station’s crew lived and worked, finding the clues that add up to a gripping story of trust, fear, and resolve in the face of disaster.


  • narrative
  • sci-fi
  • walking-simulator
  • augmented
  • story
  • exploration
  • futuristic
  • mystery
  • pause
  • augmented-reality
  • interactive
  • discovery
  • first-person

8

Life is Strange: True Colors (2021)

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

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
  • drama
  • choices
  • adventure
  • romance
  • local
  • puzzle
  • romantic
  • difficult

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

Gerda: A Flame in Winter (2022)

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89
Review score
Logo of Gerda: A Flame in Winter Screenshot of Gerda: A Flame in Winter Screenshot of Gerda: A Flame in Winter Screenshot of Gerda: A Flame in Winter

PC Windows Nintendo Switch

Walk the path of Gerda as her quiet life is turned upside down during the World War 2 occupation of her small Danish village. Choose where to go, how to act, and who to trust in this intimate narrative RPG-lite experience inspired by real life events. How far would you go to protect your loved ones?


  • world-war-2
  • narrative
  • rpg-lite
  • dice
  • war
  • rpg
  • historical
  • adventure
  • slow-paced
  • top-down
  • emotional
  • multiple-endings
  • narration
  • conversation
  • choices

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