Story-based games have been making a comeback, following the releases of TV-based spin-offs, like “Fallout” and “The Last of Us.” Story games are video games with an immersive story that have interactive settings — a place where each character has their own story.
With summer right around the corner, here are five great story-based video games to cure your summer boredom.
“Elden Ring”
Taking heavy inspiration from “Skyrim” and novels like “The Lord of the Rings,” the game throws you into a dark fantasy world full of quests and bosses to beat. The story has depth, and matches it with an equally interesting world. The mechanics and build of the characters and monsters reminded me of characters from “Dungeons and Dragons.”
Both the 2022 Game of the Year and best game of all time, it has an awesome score that pairs alongside the challenging bosses. Because of its sheer difficulty and infinitely many possibilities, this game takes 60-150 hours to complete. The unique gameplay is unmatched, and although it tired me out at times, “Elden Ring’s” world still kept me hooked from the beginning until the end.
“Red Dead Redemption 2”
My personal favorite on this list, “Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2)” offers a world like no other. It joins an amazing cast of characters and the tragic tales of an outlaw gang in the 1800s coming to an end. “RDR2” will have you hooked from the moment you press play. Even with constant consecutive missions, there is not a single bad story in the game. Every mission offers something unique, like a shootout on horseback or an enemy camp raid full of high-octane moments that will have you on the edge of your seat.
The game’s vibrant environment really captures the American frontier and the music score delivers the perfect ambiance for the game. I spent a little over 40 hours on my first playthrough, not including side missions and other interactive activities. Every house you walk into or small town you explore has a story with unique characters you can interact with.
“Grand Theft Auto V”
This decade-old game still manages to remain super active because of how ahead of its time it is. Taking around 30 hours to complete just the main story, the game has a life you can build on the inside. As you explore a satirical reimagining of 2010’s Los Angeles, you can buy clothes, radios and property.
This game’s uniqueness derives from its three protagonists. Not only does it offer an awesome playing experience, but it also gives you three storylines to complete as you discover each character with friends and families of their own. The three lives to explore, and an extra online character that you can create, make the game worthwhile.
“Ghost of Tsushima”
Having just come to Steam, “Ghost of Tsushima” has cinematics that outmatch some movies. The enriching colors of 1200s feudal Japan blend together to create a vibrant world that you can’t find anywhere else.
The game immediately throws you into hack-and-slash scenarios that you can catch onto relatively quickly. One thing I like about the game’s mechanics is that you can choose how you want the game to play out, such as an easy smooth story or intense challenge similar to “Elden Ring.” The game has settings to cater to your experience while you play this 25-hour masterpiece.
“Fallout 4”
Following the recent hype of the TV spin-off, “Fallout 4” regained some much-deserved recognition. “Fallout 4” is an awesome looter-shooter roleplaying game (RPG) that has factions, crafting mechanics and a more realistic combat system compared to other Fallout titles.
Putting you into a post-nuclear apocalyptic world where you are finding your missing son, the game has a rather linear story. However, the world and its survivors still have a fully fledged story that averages 30 hours for a playthrough. The grind for “Fallout 4” is more creative than the other games on this list. If you like a truly open world, then I recommend this one the most.
