10 Games With Complex Narratives

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I’ve seen some complex narratives, but none quite like these three! Each of them, in their unique ways, has left me scratching my head more times than I care to remember.

In many cases, the manner in which a story is conveyed significantly contributes to the overall experience of the tale itself. This aspect is particularly noticeable in video games, where game creators meticulously design each element of the narrative that gamers encounter.

Sometimes, though, these narratives tend to be a lot more complex than first glance.

Some games, whether due to their in-game lore or gameplay mechanics, can sometimes leave players puzzled about their narratives. They may find themselves delving into additional resources to understand the story better.

There’s no denying the complexity of these tales. They are rich with depth and significance, but to uncover their hidden layers, players must be willing to delve deeper.

This article will contain spoilers for these franchises and the games within them.

10 The Legend of Zelda

Mind-Bending Timelines

In The Legend of Zelda series, its charm lies in the accessibility that allows anyone to dive into any game without prior knowledge of the backstory.

Every game might serve as someone’s initial experience with the Zelda series, as each tale is individually distinct, except for a few sequels that share some similarities.

As a gamer, I’ve always marveled at the intricacies of the Zelda series. But it was when Nintendo chose to intertwine every canonical Zelda game, as a result of the events in Ocarina of Time, that things got really interesting. Now, each game is part of a timeline that branches into three distinct narratives, offering an even richer gaming experience.

In straightforward terms, it’s remarkably chaotic, and the complexity increases as Nintendo tends to be less clear with their recent releases.

Speculating about sequels such as Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom leaves fans puzzling over their placement in the timeline, a process that often undermines the very point of maintaining a consistent narrative sequence.

As you progress through these games, the individual storylines may seem straightforward, but it isn’t until you delve into the overarching narrative that things become metatextual.

9 Detroit: Become Human

So. Many. Pathways.

Detroit: Become Human is a game centered around player choices. Each move the player makes gets recorded in a branching structure, which follows the stories of three distinct characters whose paths eventually intertwine.

The story is different depending on the choices players make, leaving open tons of replayability options and endless new dialogue. It’s incredibly thorough, encouraging exploration and fine detail.

The abundance of options available can be overpowering, yet fortunately, the gameplay remains straightforward and manageable. It’s truly remarkable to observe how the narrative branches out like a twisting tree, with certain characters having deeper backstories compared to others.

Everything seems intricately connected in such a manner that it appears simpler than its complexity might suggest, thanks largely to the sequential arrangement. If it weren’t for this sequence, discussing it would be an entirely different story.

8 Bloodborne

The Most Complex of Souls Games

Games similar to Dark Souls often stand out due to their intricate storylines and deep background, yet Bloodborne surpasses them significantly in terms of its wealth of narrative and lore.

The lore of Bloodborne is like an eldritch labyrinth, delving into a colossal cosmos hidden beyond the city of Yharnam. Initially, the game might appear compact compared to others, but once players start exploring deeper, they’ll discover just how profoundly it unfolds.

This game subtly presents intricate, sad elements that might be overlooked, giving players a chance to discover fresh insights or delve deeply into the content over several playthroughs.

Without a doubt, I find myself utterly captivated by Bloodborne, which seems to be brimming with content beyond what I could have imagined in my wildest dreams.

7 The Elder Scrolls

A Rich, Lived-In World

The Elder Scrolls series is brimming with intricate lore, boasting a wealth of characters, stories, and world-building elements. It offers an immersive experience for players who wish to delve deeply into its world, with plenty of opportunities to uncover additional details for those who seek them out.

In The Elder Scrolls series, players are often dropped into the game world with minimal introduction or guidance, yet the games are carefully constructed so that relevant information is doled out in manageable pieces as players delve deeper into the realm of Tamriel, helping them become more familiar and immersed.

In these games, there’s more than enough text to engage players for numerous hours straight. Some of it is intriguing narratives set within the game world, while other parts function like reference materials, offering insights into the game’s background information or lore.

After thoroughly studying all the resources, gamers emerge with a sense of having achieved a qualification in these games.

Although it remains uncertain as to when or even if The Elder Scrolls VI will be released at our current pace, there’s no doubt that a wealth of intriguing lore will accompany it.

6 Assassin’s Creed

Desmond Was Only The Beginning

In every installment of Assassin’s Creed, the games weave together two narratives concurrently – one set in the actual world, and another within the Animus – a device that mirrors ancestral recollections.

In simpler terms, the narratives within the Animus series are easy to understand as they follow multiple assassins across diverse historical periods and global locations. Despite these assassins encountering enigmatic ancient relics, the real-world plotline remains straightforward.

In summary, Desmond Miles, who was the main character in the first three games, ultimately sacrifices himself to protect humanity from the malevolent goddess Juno. This twist comes quite abruptly, much like it does in the game series itself.

Essentially, the tale takes a wild turn as these artifacts are employed, enabling these long-past assassins to persist in today’s era.

In the current situation, certain individuals choose to disregard events outside the Animus, as they find managing the narrative simpler by doing so.

5 Silent Hill

What’s Connected and What’s Not?

The Silent Hill games are shrouded in mystery, especially when it comes to the overall lore.

The games often switch between focusing on a cult narrative starring Alessa Gillespie, who initiates the entire saga, and terror that delves into pure psychological horror involving the main character. For instance, James Sunderland in Silent Hill 2 (and also in the Silent Hill 2 Remake).

To this very moment, the manner in which these worlds interlink remains undefined, other than sharing the peaceful setting of a small, tranquil town.

Each game is richly layered with symbolism and hidden messages, even in its creature designs which often mirror deep-seated fears or psychological aspects. The narrative is subtly presented without much initial context, sparking players’ curiosity and prompting them to delve deeper to uncover the mysteries of their surroundings.

As I eagerly await the launch of Silent Hill F, I find myself intrigued by the mysterious veil surrounding the workings of this haunted town and the far-reaching impact of Alessa’s curse on others across the globe. Here’s hoping that future instalments will shed more light on these enigmatic aspects.

4 Five Nights at Freddy’s

The King of Insane Fan Theories

Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF) rose to fame within the independent horror genre, and its reputation grew even more with the release of the movie version. Upon initial observation, it offers a chilling experience featuring an exceptionally original gameplay concept, while the underlying narrative is presented in a straightforward manner.

It’s not until additional games are added that the plot thickens — as does the confusion.

Five Nights at Freddy’s is known for its mysterious storyline that often leaves players deciphering secrets hidden in coloring books and separate book releases.

Touching only the outer layers, there’d still be a lot left unexplored. Most of the characters might seem strange without their backgrounds, and parts of the narrative could appear confusing.

Many times, you’ll find videos that break down these games and their stories, with each video drawing tens of millions of viewers. Since there’s so much information, it can be tough for people to fit it into their schedules, making it more convenient to watch a condensed video spread over several hours instead.

3 Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II

Over 40 Years of Lore to Catch Up On

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II offers a straightforward gaming experience, making it accessible even for those not deeply versed in the extensive backstory of the game world.

For nearly four decades, Warhammer has been a mainstay, originating back in 1983. It’s gained significant recognition alongside other popular board games like Dungeons and Dragons. The richness of its storytelling is vast and diverse, extending across numerous games, books, game modules for tables, and various forms of media.

It’s fortunate that enthusiasts of Warhammer generally concur that players can dive right into Space Marine to grasp the lore, since it simplifies the absorption of the lore considerably.

As a budding gamer, there’s a whole lot more I need to learn, but this is an excellent foundation for those diving headfirst into the world of gaming.

2 Kingdom Hearts

The Ultimate Fanfiction Experience

In a captivating manner, Kingdom Hearts seems reminiscent of an imaginative fan-created tale. This unique narrative combines the beloved characters and universes of Disney and Final Fantasy. The storyline follows Sora, Donald, and Goofy on their journey to prevent the world from being consumed by darkness.

For those who haven’t played the game, that’s generally how it appears: It’s quite confusing, and many players find it overwhelming and shy away from starting. The plot becomes increasingly intricate and challenging to grasp as new games are released, making it even harder for newcomers to jump in.

This doesn’t take into account the vast array of installments in the series, spanning from spin-offs to primary editions. Managing all the complex characters and narratives within this franchise can be quite overwhelming.

Even for thorough players, there is a lot to remember and even more to forget, making following the narrative a daunting task.

1 Metal Gear

No, Seriously, What’s Going On?

Thought you could reel us in with the old “bait-and-switch-protagonist” routine, eh?

Undeniably, the Metal Gear series stands out as the most intricate collection of video games, particularly in terms of its storyline and underlying mythos.

In this intricate world of interconnected yet distinct serpents (Solid, Liquid, and Solidus), the roles of The Boss and Big Boss (also known as Naked Snake) are notable, along with another Big Boss alias Venom Snake, among other code names. It can be quite confusing to keep track of these characters.

As a devoted enthusiast, let me tell you, this narrative doesn’t just account for the characters who were thought to be deceased, but rather, it delves into the intriguing revelation that some of them are still alive! Plus, it masterfully weaves in numerous unexpected turns and twists that keep players on their toes.

The narrative of the game doesn’t follow a sequential timeline, making it challenging for newcomers to grasp the storyline as they play. Important context is frequently disclosed at a later stage in the game, which often leaves players confused or lost by that point.

It hits all the Hideo Kojima staples of being incredibly convoluted, with a narrative that is equal parts commentary, satire, comedy, and drama.

Once players figure out the puzzle, the narrative takes a sad turn, but the gameplay with its stealth and combat remains incredibly enjoyable. Fingers crossed that Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater makes it simpler for newcomers to grasp the initial storyline.

2024-11-01 17:09