Back in the day, it seemed like video game narratives were often considered secondary—flimsy stories constructed around gameplay mechanics rather than holding their own against movies or books.
However, through persistent effort by game creators and storytellers, it has been demonstrated over time that video games are capable of delivering narratives that rival those found in esteemed media. To a large extent, this claim appears to be valid.
Over time, I’ve often wrapped up a game and pondered if my journey was truly as deep as others claim, or if I was just caught in the whirlwind of excitement and promotional buzz that enveloped it.
Perhaps it boils down to a matter of aesthetics versus content, but once we remove the unique elements that define a video game, some narratives may not be as compelling as many believe.
Let me discuss some video games with high aspirations, but which did not receive as much acclaim for their storylines as they might have.
Another option: I’d like to examine several video games that aimed for greatness in narrative, yet didn’t quite garner the praise for their stories that some people expected.
A third possibility: I want to touch on a few video games with lofty storytelling goals, but which did not receive the recognition for their narratives that they were anticipating.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
A Groundbreaking Game With a Basic Story
To tell the truth, beginning this list with a title that holds such significant weight in the gaming world feels nearly blasphemous.
Although The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time introduced remarkable gameplay advances for its era, I believe it could be seen as a fairly standard hero’s journey that’s sometimes overpraised compared to its actual merit.
The “time-leap” device introduces an interesting layer of complexity by presenting us with contrasting perspectives from young Link and grown-up Link.
However, if we contrast this narrative with later Zelda games, particularly its sequel, it seems that the storytelling is supported more by nostalgia rather than its inherent qualities.
9. God of War III
Insane Spectacle With a Messy Story
The initial God of War Trilogy showcases one stunning scene following another, with a storyline centered around violence, deceit, and vengeance.
To put it straight from a gamer’s perspective: Frankly, the narrative is a tangled web, perhaps the most convoluted I’ve encountered, but let’s zero in on one character who embodies raw fury – none other than Kratos himself.
Following the initial match, it seems as though the writers struggled to find a suitable direction for the Ghost of Sparta, largely confining his character to that of a “frequently enraged figure who indiscriminately destroys everything.
By the point when the game God of War III arrived, Kratos appeared less like an initial anti-hero and more like the main antagonist in the tale.
It seems like the Norse saga’s portrayal of a subdued, contemplative Kratos and a wave of nostalgia might be why some people are now viewing the Greek saga’s narrative as more significant than it actually is.
8. Detroit: Become Human
Big Ideas, Clumsy Execution
What I find most frustrating about David Cage’s games is their overblown sense of deepness, which often feels as heavy-handed as a sledgehammer. In this respect, Detroit: Become Human truly embodies the characteristic style of David Cage.”
This rephrased sentence maintains the original meaning while using more natural and easy-to-read language.
The storyline is intriguing, Nicholas Cage delivers an outstanding performance as Connor, and the exploration of AI suppression and civil liberties is thought-provoking.
However, despite an interesting premise, the outcome falls short due to awkward dialogue, obligatory ethical dilemmas, foreseeable plot turns, and concepts lifted directly from history lacking depth or subtlety.
The narrative isn’t exactly unpleasant, but its predictable plotline makes it feel less profound and more like an empty echo of originality.
7. Horizon Zero Dawn
A Safe and Risk-Adverse Story
Among all the items listed, this one might be the most straightforward to describe. The narrative of Horizon Zero Dawn isn’t flawed; it’s simply not as revolutionary as some people make it out to be.
The enigma of the sci-fi era, which led to the collapse of the ancient world and the continuation of robotic existence, presents an engaging foundation; however, in the long run, it follows a similar pattern as typical post-apocalyptic video games, featuring explanatory segments that also hinder the flow.
Indeed, while the narrative does feature some significant peaks, particularly in the latter part, it’s worth noting that the game seems to place undue emphasis on Aloy, which unfortunately results in a less fleshed-out supporting cast.
The narrative adheres strictly to established rules, which unfortunately dims the full potential brilliance of its core concept and setting.
6. The Last of Us Part II
A Revenge Tale That Trips Over Itself
In the eyes of some, The Last of Us Part II is hailed as an audacious and unconventional narrative that seamlessly continues the universe crafted by Naughty Dog in the original game. However, others perceive it as emotionally manipulative, lacking focus at times, and overly dark in certain aspects.
In this specific contest, I’m not participating, and in numerous aspects, I believe Neil Druckmann successfully accomplished his goals.
However, let me point out one aspect. The decision by Naughty Dog to make you empathize with a character you’re expected to dislike through gameplay doesn’t seem to work as effectively as they might have planned.
Rather than provoking a subtle exploration of vengeance and aggression, this tale primarily elicits feelings of frustration, confusion, and gratitude for its conclusion. Therefore, it certainly merits being included in this collection.
5. Red Dead Redemption
An Excellent Western With Poor Pacing
Without a doubt, I’d concede that “Red Dead Redemption” offers an enthralling Western narrative. Its lead character, John Marston, stands out as an exceptional protagonist, while its conclusion places it high on the list of gaming’s most memorable endings.
However, there’s a straightforward explanation for its inclusion on this list. A significant portion of the narrative seems like an extended sequence of chores, often made tedious due to repetitive tasks, a characteristic that has become notorious in Rockstar’s design methodology. This aspect is particularly noticeable during the second act, where the pace noticeably slows, almost coming to a halt.
In my opinion, what really saddens me about this narrative is that it doesn’t fully leverage its most powerful element – its well-crafted characters.
As much as I cherish the array of unforgettable characters this show boasts, it’s just a select few, such as Bonnie and Dutch, who truly receive the depth of development they merit. While many hail it as a narrative masterpiece, in my opinion, its character development eclipses its primary plotline.
4. Grand Theft Auto V
Sharply Written Satire With a Disjointed Narrative
Moving forward with more criticism towards Rockstar Games, it’s now Grand Theft Auto V‘s turn to face scrutiny. Although the game demonstrated exceptional skills in open-world development, its plotline was somewhat disjointed, and the trio of protagonists, despite their chaotic nature, didn’t see their character arcs fully resolved into a unified storyline.
What resonates deeply with me regarding Rockstar games is that the adventure and the unique, personal experiences a player has within the game are more significant than the narrative itself.
In a fresh and accessible manner, Grand Theft Auto V masterfully critiques capitalism and the concept of the American Dream. However, its larger storyline tends to be fragmented and confusing.
It’s a fun time, sure, but its story doesn’t deserve the same praise as its game and world design.
3. Kingdom Hearts III
A Plot Lost a Long Time Ago
Amongst the video game stories on this list, the plotline of Kingdom Hearts seems particularly complex and difficult to follow for many.
Initially, the game felt like a harmonious blend of Disney and Final Fantasy elements. However, it has evolved into a complex tangle, filled with replicas, time jumps, and an ever-increasing pile of implausible backstories.
The plotline for Kingdom Hearts III feels exceptionally disorganized and poorly executed compared to many other modern Japanese role-playing games. I’m genuinely concerned about where the story might head in future installments of the series.
It’s often argued that a complex narrative makes for a great story, but let me tell you, that’s not always the case – especially when the story is so disorganized and filled with inconsistencies that you have to completely rethink your understanding of the series every single time.
2. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
An Incoherent Grand Finale
In a simpler and more conversational style, one could say: “Hideo Kojima is known for his innovative ideas, but some people think that in Metal Gear Solid 4, he let his personal creative preferences overshadow the storyline.
The game leans heavily on storytelling rather than interactive gameplay, and while the emotional scenes pack a punch, they’re often overshadowed by lengthy explanations, complex narrative turns, and an abundance of elements catering to fans.
To this very moment, it’s challenging for me to accept the true identity of The Patriots, together with the mind-boggling, almost unbelievable turns of events that unfolded in the last two acts of the game.
To this day, I find it hard to accept who The Patriots actually were, along with the seemingly insane plot twists that occurred during the final two acts of the game.
Experiencing a profound sense of loss, realizing that our time with Solid Snake has come to an end, feels like a heavy emotional blow. Yet, I must admit, the storyline seems overly complicated and hard to follow at times.
1. BioShock Infinite
Mind-Bending, Also Mind-Numbing
Not many storylines from video games have received as much anticipation as that of BioShock Infinite; however, very few seem to withstand close examination quite as easily.
Initially, it appears as though this perspective offers a deep exploration of American exceptionalism and quantum mechanics. However, upon closer examination, it turns out to be surprisingly superficial.
1. The racial themes aren’t fully fleshed out, the plot seems inconsistent, the concept of interwoven timelines feels incomplete, and the last part of the game is so confusing that it gives me a headache. (Informal)
2. The discussion on racism lacks depth, the narrative doesn’t make sense in parts, the multiple timeline aspect seems half-baked, and the climax of the game is so puzzling that it gives me a migraine. (Slightly formal)
3. The commentary about racism needs more thought, the storyline is full of contradictions, the idea of two simultaneous timelines feels underdeveloped, and the final stage of the game is so bewildering that it makes my head spin. (Formal)
The game aspires for depth, yet ultimately feels like an amalgamation of underdeveloped concepts, bound together by captivating visuals and design.
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2025-03-26 19:10