Video games aren’t just about leveling up or shooting stuff anymore. Some of them tell stories that hit you right in the gut. Like, I’ve played a lot of games—probably too many—but every now and then, a few stand out as truly good story games. And I don’t mean just “cool gameplay” or “awesome graphics.” I’m talking real-deal storytelling that makes you sit there and just… think. Here are six best video game stories, some potentially among the best story mode games, that totally blew my mind—and might just blow yours too.
Best Video Game Stories That Totally Blow Your Mind
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
So, this one hit different. You’re Arthur Morgan, a weathered outlaw rolling through the last days of the Wild West. Things are changing—fast. The Van der Linde gang, your crew, is falling apart, and lawmen are closing in. I remember feeling this constant sadness while playing, even when nothing major was happening. The story’s slow on purpose, but that’s what makes it feel real. You see Arthur grow. Or break. Or maybe both at once. One moment you’re camping under the stars with your gang; the next, you’re choosing who to save and who to let go. The game makes you care, even when it hurts.
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Released: October 26, 2018
- Where You Can Play: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S, PC
- Coolest Thing: Side quests feel just as deep as the main story. Even helping a stranger can turn into a life lesson.
2. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Ever feel like your past just won’t leave you alone? Nathan Drake does. He’s a treasure hunter who’s tried to settle down, but his long-lost brother shows up needing help. Suddenly, it’s one last adventure—and it’s massive, cementing its place among the best adventure games available. From jungles to hidden ruins, you’re always running, jumping, and fighting. Many consider it one of the best Uncharted games for blending this action with real talk. Nate’s trying to balance love, family, danger, and legacy. That’s something I didn’t expect to care about so much in this type of action-adventure game, especially compared to other games like Uncharted or even Roblox alternatives with player-crafted quests, but here we are. I ended up feeling really attached to these characters.
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Released: May 10, 2016
- Playable On: PS4 and PS5
- Why It’s Awesome: Voice acting feels so real. Like, sometimes I forgot I was playing and not watching a movie.
3. The Last of Us Part 1
Imagine the world fell apart. Like, fungus turns people into monsters, and everything goes full apocalypse. That’s where Joel and Ellie’s journey begins. Originally one of the most acclaimed exclusive ps3 games, its story is now available to even more players with Part 1. Joel’s this older guy who’s lost a lot, and Ellie’s a teenager with something special inside her—maybe even a cure. They don’t trust each other at first, but time changes that. Their bond grows strong, and honestly, some scenes made me tear up a bit. No shame. The story doesn’t hold your hand either. It’s messy. It’s complicated. It’s full of “what would you do?” moments.
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Original Date: June 14, 2013 | Remake: September 2, 2022
- Available On: PS4, PS5, and PC
- Best Part: The quiet moments. A simple conversation could hit harder than a fight.
4. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
This one’s not just superhero fun—it’s got depth too. Web-slinging through New York City, you embody both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. That’s two Spider-Men, each dealing with their own struggles. Peter’s battling a darkness inside him, literally, because of the Venom symbiote. Miles is trying to grow into his role, deal with grief, and protect the city at the same time. I loved how switching between the two gave the story layers. Big action scenes? Yeah, tons of those. But also? Some seriously emotional beats that caught me off guard.
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Release Date: October 20, 2023
- Where You Can Play: PS5, PC
- Standout Detail: Seeing two heroes’ perspectives makes the story richer and way more personal.
5. Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 isn’t just a space game. It’s a space epic. You’re Commander Shepard, leading a team of strange and awesome people from all across the galaxy. The goal is to stop the Collectors from destroying everything. What got me hooked was how every person on your ship had their own drama. You could talk to them, help them, even fall in love with some. Your choices matter big time. One wrong move and someone could die for real. I got so into it, I paused before making every decision, second-guessing myself.
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Release Date: January 26, 2010
- Available On: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S, PC
- Cool Mechanic: The dialogue system lets you shape who Shepard is. Heroic? Ruthless? Romantic? Your call.
6. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
You think you know the story, but then it surprises you. Cloud Strife, sword-wielding ex-soldier with a mysterious past, is trying to stop Sephiroth from destroying the world. Classic good versus evil, right? Kind of. This version adds so much more. Twists, alternate timelines, and emotional flashbacks. One second you’re laughing on a date with Aerith, next you’re fighting for your life. I was endlessly predicting what would ensue next. Old fans and new players both get something special here.
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release Date: February 29, 2024
- Where You Can Play: PS5, PC
- Why It Stands Out: It mixes nostalgia with surprises. Even if you know the original, you don’t know what’s coming.
These six games don’t just entertain. They make you feel. Whether it’s the dusty trail of the Wild West, a crumbling zombie world, outer space, or a city full of heroes, these stories stay with you. I’ve had moments where I had to put down the controller and just sit in silence. That’s how deep they go, marking them as candidates for some of the best story games of all time.
If you haven’t played them yet, now’s your chance. I promise—these aren’t just games. They’re experiences. They tell stories better than some books I’ve read, and that’s saying something. So yeah… pick one of these games with the best story. Press start. And get ready to feel everything.
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