Every gamer knows how well a good story contributes to a good game. A game can have great graphics, but without a story, it becomes a monotonous ride. However, regardless of the graphics of a game, a well-told story keeps players engaged and curious to find out how such a game will turn out.
Storytelling refers to the narrative structure of a game. It’s just like the inquiries which pop up when you’re about to read a novel: what sort of story is being passed across? Are the characters good enough? Does it have an appealing plot? These questions are as crucial to a video game the way they are to a book.
The narrative in a video game is essential as it ensures a gamer is immersed and actively participates in determining the outcome of the game. It supplies the game with meaning and aids the player in recognizing every step to take. What separates storytelling in a video game from a novel is, in this case, you don’t just read it; You act it- you are a part of the story. As a player, you live the complete experience, and as the main character, partake in both the setbacks and triumphs.
There are a variety of games which have told enjoyable stories, some of the very best of such games with engaging storylines include:
The Witcher 3 (2016)
The Wild Hunt was the resolution of not just the initial Witcher games, but also the classic seven-volume book by Andrzej Sapkowski. As the final adventure closed, gamers controlled the itinerant witcher, Geralt of Rivia who was entangled in a political scheme (involving kings, knights, sorcerers or sorceresses, and basically everyone searching for power); a continental war which is attached to that search and the destruction it causes for the people, together with an apocalyptic infiltration from strange creatures.
It’s quite a difficult task to single out a reason which makes the Witcher 3 story so captivating. One can partly pin it on the large, unforgettable cast of characters in the game, or partly on the extensive scope of the game, or also partly on the uneasy choices you’ll have to make during the course of the game, which determines the outcome of the game. The interweaving stories have made this game successful as they inform and impart some essential features about human nature and pass the message across to a wider audience that actively participates in the story.
Rise of the Tomb Raider (2016)
The 2016 game, Rise of the Tomb Raider continues from where the 2013 Tomb Raider game left off. In this game, Lara tries to come to terms with the unnatural forces she confronted in the first game and goes in search of the mythical city of Kitezh which has a sort of link to her father’s early passing. As she faces down an ageless sect of zealot knights and discovers the treasured secret of immortality, she accepts her role in the game which ranges across trotting through the globe in pursuit of knowledge and kicking ass in the course of her journey.
The story of this game makes it successful as it adds the right touch of danger, intrigue, and also this time around comes with more engaging puzzles that absorb every player’s curiosity. In fact, this game has been so successful that the game has been reproduced in many different versions, including the Tomb Raider video slot and Tom Raider Legends: The Board Game.
Highlander Slot
Incorporating storytelling into slots can be very difficult, since the level of animation involved is limited compared to video games, such as those already discussed previously. However, Highlander slot has succeeded as it depicts the 1986s famous movie with a similar name, in which undying warriors clash in an endless fight of the ages.
This slot game follows the same pattern of the classic movie and takes you as a player to the historical Highlands in Scotland with stormy clouds stirring with lightning hitting the reels in the slot machine game. The slot comes with a sort of classic movie poster art design. Apart from its exciting slot features, the visual aspect of the game is able to encapsulate this cult favorite movie perfectly. Highlander has become one of the most renowned slots thanks to its unique storytelling and many casinos today offer exclusive free spins bonuses on this slot.
To the Moon
To the Moon takes the players through the memories of an old man whose life has reached its end, the game features two doctors trying to piece together the mysterious events which spanned his existence. In the story, the doctors attempt to uncover the reason behind the weak old man’s death wish. The game does not feature battle systems and can be completed in a short period of time. Revealing more details of this game further could result in spoilers.
The storytelling involves a bit more communication than a visual novel. The story has made the game successful as players guide the agents in the game as they scan through the old man’s memories. The graphics are quite basic, but the success of the game can be linked to the curiosity birthed in players as they are made to collect the memories and gradually unravel the old man’s past.
Knights Chronicle
This is a role-playing game that features an in-depth and original storyline that is based on battles of tactics and an ancient life of reincarnation. The game takes you on a journey to a planet known as Garniel where players get to meet over 160 unique heroes. Among the factors which keep players engrossed in the game is the storyline, which runs through the various characters in the game.
Immortal Romance Slot
Immortal Romance is also a slot game. However, this does not hinder it from portraying its vampire-themed story. Immortal Romance features characters of Michael, Sarah, Amber, and Troy, and what makes the storyline so captivating is each of the characters has their own background stories. It involves two female human characters who are willing to fall for two male vampires. Therefore, the success of this slot not only rests on the great features such as free spins, multipliers, and a huge payout of up to €729,000 but more on the engaging storyline behind its four major characters.
Ace Attorney
The Ace Attorney sequence follows a visual novel legal drama adventure which firstly began on the Game Boy Advance in 2001. In the story, the player controls various defense attorneys in order to investigate cases, collect evidence, as well as cross-examine witnesses, for the ultimate goal of unraveling the truth. The cases last a maximum of 3 days. The story keeps you engaged as the judge determines the case based on the evidence presented by the defense attorney and prosecutor.