Best written games you've played

[Alias Black]

As a long time fan of computer and video games, some of my best narrative experiences come from them. They were my gateway drug into sff, and gave life to some of my favorite characters. I'd even go as far as to say there are masterpieces in this medium that rival those on paper. Here are some of my favorites, let me know yours (limited to two, cause us gamers will just keep going on if left unchecked)

1. To The Moon

(Wikipedia article) A pretty obscure game (more like an interactive story) that has haunted me endlessly, long after I've finished it. It talks about a device operated by two scientists that creates artificial memories. The device is used on terminally ill patients to give them the illusion that they have fulfilled their dreams, and let them rest in peace.

They encounter an elderly patient who dreams of going to the moon, but doesn't remember why. The scientists delve into his memories to find the reason. Along the way, they learn more about him and his painful journey through life. A very simple premise that sets up a very powerful story.

I'd recommend this game to anyone who owns a computer, and can read.

2. Bioshock Infinite

A pretty recent game that I'm sure many have heard of. It's hard to talk about the excellent points of the story without spoilers, so this is going to sound a little thin: You are sent into the airborne utopia of Columbia to rescue a girl that has the ability to open portals to parallel timelines.

The story deals very maturely with the themes of Utopia/Dystopia, parenthood and the nature of parallel timelines that are borne from simple choices we make. I apologize for the vagueness - much of the beauty of the story comes from the shyamalan-eisque twists that appear towards the end of the game.

Will recommend to seasoned gamers, who have experience with first-person shooters and do not have motion sickness.

 

[Remedy]

You are cruel by making me choose only two!

1. Siege of Avalon - which had the tagline: "Played any good books lately?"

It played a lot like Diablo, but it had loads of reading - unfolding a proper fantasy tale where you make the decisions. Its been so long since I played it, but I remember I sunk many hours into it and got swallowed up by the story.

2. Deus Ex

Possibly my all-time favourite game. Awesome story and concept. I couldn't praise it enough.

The recent prequel, Deus Ex: Human Revolution was absolutely brilliant as well. The sequel, Deus Ex: Invisible War was poor though.

 

[Alias Black]

Definitely concur with Deus Ex and Human Revolution! I haven't played Siege of Avalon, but I'll make sure to take a look. Sounds mighty fun from your description.

 

[Remedy]

Siege of Avalon has probably dated quite a lot. I was 12 (14 years ago) when I first played it - but seeing as it was one of the first games that sprung to mind, it must have left a lasting impression.

Edit: This was Game Spy's review (the review I most agree with): "With this game's gradually revealed story of deception, treachery, and heroism, the age of good storytelling has returned. It doesn't come without a price, though -- be prepared to read. A lot."

 

[thaddeus6th]

I haven't played any of those four

1. The Last of Us.

I shan't spoil it, as it's fairly recent and has been re-released for the PS4. The plot revolves around Joel and Ellie, very much an odd couple in a horrendous post-apocalypse world. Fungal zombies have destroyed most of civilisation, and circumstances force the ageing survivor and teenage girl together.

There's great characterisation, and they both feel fully three-dimensional. Critically, the relationship between them works perfectly and develops in a natural, credible way. The game's very adult, not just in the visceral combat, but in its willingness to give real weight to the storyline. I've only played it once, and I'll probably not return to it, on the basis that the storyline was perfect the first time.


2. Vagrant Story.

I did a retro-review (it's about a decade and a half old now) on my blog: http://thaddeusthesixth.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/retro-review-vagrant-story.html

The translation from Japanese to English by Alexander Smith is staggeringly good, almost Shakespearean. There's no voice-acting (it was just before that became the norm) so instead speech bubbles are the order of the day, but the dialogue is nevertheless nigh on perfect. It's easy to understand but has a very old feel, and the blending of English with some French, German and Latin terms helps make the abandoned city that houses the game feel like part of a much wider world.


I could've named some more, but hopefully the ones I had in mind will be mentioned by other posters.

 

[Alias Black]

The Last of Us was brilliant, I was considering between it and Bioshock Infinite for my no. 2, in the end Bioshock won because it had a slightly more original premise. Ellie remains one of my favorite characters ever created in books, films and games combined. She was just so real.

I played Vagrant Story a long time ago, but never finished it. Always regretted that. Then again, it was the golden age of JRPGs, I was probably distracted by another great, FFT, Xenogears or Star Ocean (please someone talk about those haha!)

 

[Remedy]

And Metal Gear Solid...

 

[thaddeus6th]

Vagrant Story's ripe for a remake, though I doubt it'll happen. It was one of the first games to have proper three-dimensional areas, and [as a graphical pioneer] it's aged terribly. Plus it had its own 'trophy' system (you got achievements for killing certain bosses, killing X hundred enemies with weapon type Y and so on).

Not sure if it's on PS4 but I'm reasonably sure it could be downloaded for the PS3.

 

[Alias Black]

I liked MGS, but was never as into it as some of my pals. There's something about the spy genre that distances me from it. I had the same relationship with Splinter Cell.

 

[cyberpunkdreams]

Loads of great games with loads of great writing! The original Deus Ex, for definitely. Maybe too many others to mention. But there's one, for me, that stands in a category far and away by itself, that doesn't really brook comparison to anything else. I know others may disagree, but... Mass Effect.

Edit: with the female Shepherd, of course. Completely different experience.

 

[thaddeus6th]

I got the trilogy, and played as FemShep. Really enjoyed it, and I'll miss her from the next game. I tried a second playthrough as ManShep, but it just felt wrong (like having a female James Bond).

 

[cyberpunkdreams]

I got the trilogy, and played as FemShep. Really enjoyed it, and I'll miss her from the next game. I tried a second playthrough as ManShep, but it just felt wrong (like having a female James Bond).

Indeed. I'm actually playing it through again with exactly the same character, and really enjoying it again. Shepherd is special, no doubt about it! I read that they really made an effort to differentiate her from the male version (i.e. not just have a female voice artist read the same script), and I think that they inadvertently made a much stronger character.

 

[thaddeus6th]

Aye, I hope we get a persistent protagonist with the next games, and they find a voice actress to do the role justice. Laura Bailey could do it, I think [not that Bioware asked me ].

I probably give more weight to voice-acting than might be usual, and I think that can really help sell a story. Loghain in Dragon Age: Origins, FemShep, David Hayter as Solid Snake are all great [I'm not buying MGS5 due to Hayter's inexplicable axing from the role].

 

[cyberpunkdreams]

Shep was voiced by Jennifer Hale, who's done... pretty much everything. I was hoping that ME4 was would be a prequel and therefore still have Shep, but, alas, that would be a total cop out and would probably never happen anyway.

 

[Alias Black]

I have good memories of the Mass Effect series, and I loved the story, but the writing didn't leave a strong impression on me. Of the Bioware games, my favorite remains the Knights of the Old Republic series.

 

[Remedy]

I have good memories of the Mass Effect series, and I loved the story, but the writing didn't leave a strong impression on me. Of the Bioware games, my favorite remains the Knights of the Old Republic series.

I thought Mass Effect had terrific world-building and character-depth, but I felt the plot was lacking slightly. Stronger in the first game than the second. Definitely deserves a place here though.

KOTOR games are brilliant!

Did anyone ever play these two?



Nothing to do with game writing, I know, but I suddenly got all reminiscent...

 

[thaddeus6th]

I played the first. Felt it was so-so, to be honest. I remember reading a review which called a certain fight (with Darth Maul, I think) brilliant in terms of gameplay, but I thought it was button-mashing and little else.

 

[Remedy]

I played the first. Felt it was so-so, to be honest. I remember reading a review which called a certain fight (with Darth Maul, I think) brilliant in terms of gameplay, but I thought it was button-mashing and little else.

Yeah, I remember it as button-mashing too. The game was really buggy as well, but it had a certain charm. Good length and very loyal to the film.

 

[Alias Black]

I've never played those, my PSX collection was mostly filled with JRPGs - Chrono Cross, FF7/8/9, Xenogears, Tales of Destiny, Star Ocean, etc, etc

Since we're talking about Star Wars games in general (how we digress, but what the hell, this is a fun tangent) my votes are on Republic Commando and Jedi Knight 2. In terms of gameplay, I'll rank RC above KOTOR even, and JK2 as a close 3rd. Both of them have forgettable plots though.

 

[Remedy]

I never played Republic Commando, gameplay looks good though (I watched a short video). I remember playing loads of Jedi Knight II with my friend on PC - Great variety of weapons and play styles. Since my friend was the one who owned it, I never played the single player campaign.

Have you played The Force Unleashed? I really enjoyed the physics in that one.