Most of us, especially non-gamers, do not often look to games as a medium of storytelling. Some of us play them to pass the time or to satisfy our primitive competitive need on a virtual platform. The truth is that games are a brilliant means of conveying a story. Its interactive characteristics make for an extremely immersive experience and because of its creatively free nature, the possibilities are endless. As such, here’s a list of six games whose potent narratives firmly stand their ground as storytelling mediums.
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Bioshock Infinite
Bioshock Infinite has one of the best narratives I have experienced, and that’s considering even books and movies, not only games. This mind-blowing first person shooter is filled with adventure and brain melting twists. By the end of it all you will find yourself in a great deal of philosophical conundrums. You play as Booker De Witt, an emotionally challenged gun-for-hire employed to retrieve a mysterious girl. But before you know it an entirely new plot starts taking over, an occurrence often seen in this game. Don’t for one moment think you know what is going on, as you will be proven wrong every time.
The Mass Effect saga
Not many game writers can conjure up a story as immersive and intriguing as the Mass Effect saga. It is engrossing to such an extent that I dare anyone to call it an alternate reality, as it seems like a natural, yet futuristic extension of human evolution. You are Commander Shepard, the greatest hero of the age and one who has defied the clutches of even death. You are facing an ancient alien threat, known as the Reapers, and you need to rally the inhabitants of the universe to stand a chance of defeating them. The game world is massive with the ability to explore an entire galaxy. The abundance and variety of vivid characters keeps it tremendously interesting and the expertly built worlds makes for a sound gaming experience.
Outlast
If you are interested in experiencing the dark depths of your fear then Outlast is the game for you — an absolutely spine-chilling horror survival game that will leave you feeling helpless and weak. You are Miles Upshur, an investigative journalist who is researching the terrifying claims of unsavoury treatment practices at Mount Massive Asylum. As you arrive at the front gate of the asylum it looks completely abandoned. But then a window lights up and a shadowy figure runs by. You eventually find your way inside and before you can even familiarise yourself with the environment, the way you came in collapses and you encounter your first pool of blood. Now trapped, you have to find your way out of Mount Massive Asylum, armed with nothing but a camcorder and will to survive. The rest you will need to experience for yourself as I am not willing to relieve the horrifying moments that follow.
Woodruff and the Schnibble of Azimuth
This is probably the most uniquely eccentric and creative story lines I’ve encountered in my years of gaming. You are Woodruff, the son of the brilliant and respected professor Azimuth. You find yourself in a post-apocalyptic world where humans have taken over a city populated by Bazooks. The game starts with Azimuth’s house being raided by the “Big Wig’s” men and Woodruff is hid in a dustbin. A device causes him to rapidly transition from child to adult. What follows is an adventure of mysteries and conspiracies in a massive world filled with a brilliant array of vibrant characters. Woodruff will keep you intrigued like no other game and is a testament of how excellently games can serve as a storytelling platform.
Alan Wake
You play as star writer, Alan Wake. You are on vacation in Bright Falls, taking some time off with your wife from the busy life of a famous horror novelist. You get everything but time to rest. Soon, your wife disappears and you find yourself trapped. What’s the only way to escape? To see your story through until the bitter end. Alan Wake is filled with unexpected plot twists and suspenseful moments. It plays like a television series with the game consisting of six episodes. Although there is a running narrative through all the episodes, each one has its own distinct storyline that will keep you pleasingly terrified throughout the game. The skilfully constructed narrative coupled with the high quality environments results in one of the best horror survival games to date.
Grim Fandango
Grim Fandango is a splendid creation and one of my all time favourites, especially considering the narrative. You are Manny Calavera, an afterlife travel agent who books people for their final trip to the Land of the Dead. There are two ways to get to the Land of the Dead: those of a pure heart receive a place on the luxurious No.9 train, a mere four-minute journey. The rest are left to continue their journey on foot. Mercedes Colomar is one such pure soul, yet she does not receive a place on the No.9. Manny decides to go and investigate and in doing so starts to unravel a massive conspiracy taking place in the afterlife. Grim Fandango has a noir atmosphere and takes much of its influence from the Aztec’s belief in the afterlife. The lengthy storyline is fascinating and is one of the best, most unique gaming narratives you may ever experience.
