It’s hard to brush aside the typical PC gaming night, which tends to gravitate around shooting precision. There’s an excellent reason why PC gamers prefer one- or multi-player shooting games; you can’t beat the accuracy of the mouse.
However, from time to time, you might want something a little more. There are plenty of fun and exciting games around. But only a handful bring narrative and plot devices to a new level. What difference does it make, as a player, to pick a narrative-based game?
When it comes to agility or reflexes, you may not notice anything out of the ordinary. But, the story appeals to a different part of your brain, and you might find the experience soothing. It’s a great way to relax after a particularly complex game or to encourage your mind to think more creatively. Besides, who doesn’t like an excellent immersive experience that blows your socks off?
Trails of Cold Steel III
The Legend of Heroes series deserves a special part in any gaming library, with their first game released in the late 1980s. There are not less than fourteen different entries to the series, and The Trails of Cold Steel III is the penultimate entry as of today. If you have played any of their games, you know that they follow multiple arcs and characters with each game exploring a specific subject. The Trails of Cold Steel III focuses on the story of Rean Schwarzer. For anybody who loves the complex and involving arcs and plots, the PC release coming end of March 2020 is going to be a great excuse to find out more about your favourite characters. The sequel, Trails of Cold Steel IV was released in Japan last year, so don’t rush to finish your game because you’ll have to wait before a European release of the next one!
Death Stranding
Death Stranding is one of a kind. The critics are divided on this jewel, so it may not be your thing. The narrative is magnificent, though. If you’re after something out of the ordinary that lets you explore an open world and new concept of life and death, this is the game for you. The game is not out yet on PC, but you can follow the latest news on this anime site, which predicts the release in early June.
You’ll get to recognise familiar voices, such as Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux and Norman Reedus as you guide Sam Bridges through post-apocalyptic America. The game has received primarily positive reviews from players on the Playstation platform for its aesthetics, voice acting, and unique concept. Chances are that the PC version will be just as immersive. However, some have found the game irritating and dull. If you enjoy complex stories that disrupt your perception of the world, you’ll love Sam Bridges’s journey.
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is a fun open-world role-playing game in which you control a detective in a murder investigation. Granted, it doesn’t sound like the most entertaining game. But it is fantastic narrative work. One thing is for sure, though, you need to be happy with dialogue-heavy gameplays. You will spend a lot of time speaking and listening, but as you do, your character can skill up and manage conflicts and enemies. There is no combat per se; instead, you transition through dialogue trees to solve the murder mystery and recover your memory.
Blacksad: Under the skin
If you are familiar with the comic series Blacksad, you will appreciate this beautifully designed game. Blacksad is an anthropomorphic take on the film noir style of the 1950s. You play the role of the private investigator, John Blacksad, a black cat who adds a healthy dose of cynicism to the story. It’s not a game to everyone’s taste. Ideally, you want to check some of the comics before tackling the complex investigation.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Unless you’ve lived under a rock, you must have heard of the fantastic Red Dead series. Red Dead Redemption 2 features a beautifully detailed open-world. What earns this third entry to the Red Dead series many praises is the combination of the high-calibre story with the voice acting quality. More often than not, you’ll find yourself forgetting to play, lost in the lifelike realism of the imagery. It’s hard to think of any other terms more accurate than work of art to describe the experience. You want to play the first two entries in the series, though, to make the most of the narrative!
Are you ready to lose yourself in a story that takes you to a new world? If you want something more from your gaming experience, you need to aim for one of those beautifully crafted narrative games this year. Some of them are about to be released, so keep your eyes open for notifications! Others are already out and ready to be played. One thing is for sure; nothing can beat the satisfaction of an immersive plot!
