Video Game Masterpieces That Have Greater Writing Than Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is widely considered one of the greatest writers in history. Even over 400 years after his death in 1616, his plays like Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Othello are still studied in schools today. He was a master of creating memorable characters, combining humor with serious drama, and crafting stories full of unexpected twists. While his older language can sometimes be challenging, his boldness in inventing new words when needed remains unmatched.

Video games sometimes tell stories that become truly legendary. While often overlooked, a well-crafted narrative can be just as captivating as a classic play – think Shakespeare, which still resonates with audiences today. We’re having a bit of fun comparing games to Shakespeare, but it’s wonderful to recognize the talented writers behind these immersive experiences.

6. Hades

A Constantly Evolving Tale

The most successful games within a genre not only please existing fans but also attract new ones. Roguelites and roguelikes are often criticized for focusing too much on repetitive gameplay and lacking a strong story. However, Hades broke this mold. Supergiant Games built upon the compelling storytelling they’d established in games like Bastion, creating a much more immersive and engaging narrative experience.

At first, chatting with the folks back at the House of Hades seems pretty straightforward, but you quickly realize everyone has a surprisingly rich backstory. There’s even some serious romance going on – I’m talking full-blown, Shakespearean-level relationships with multiple characters! The gods who give you those awesome power-ups never miss a chance to deliver a dramatic monologue, too. And as you really get into the story and try to unlock the true ending, the family issues between Zagreus, Hades, and Persephone become super complex. What I really love is how the dialogue changes based on how you’re playing. Bosses will even comment on specific items you’re carrying! It’s just really smart and well-written, with a lot going on under the surface.

5. Pentiment

A 16th Century Murder Mystery

A good murder mystery relies on well-developed characters and plenty of clues. Small details and interesting backstories make the story truly captivating. The 2022 game Pentiment is praised for its complex plot, but it takes a unique approach: it never actually reveals who committed the murders. Players take on the role of artist Andreas Maler as he investigates unsettling crimes in a peaceful Bavarian town, working to uncover the truth alongside the character Magdalene.

Pentiment immediately stands out with its beautiful, hand-painted art style. The way scenes unfold feels like turning the pages of an old book, and the game emphasizes this with plenty of books to read and lengthy conversations with townspeople. While the historical setting might not appeal to everyone, the talented writers at Obsidian Entertainment have created a truly compelling experience. The first part of the game does a fantastic job of introducing a large cast of characters, detailing their motivations and relationships with the player character. You’re often left to piece together the truth yourself, just like the protagonist. Every character has their own perspective and secrets, making them incredibly engaging and giving the game a strong sense of classic, dramatic intrigue.

4. Disco Elysium

A Wordy Wonder Of An RPG

Many role-playing games (RPGs) focus heavily on action, offering exciting combat but often neglecting a strong story. They usually rely on brief cutscenes and conversations to move the plot forward. Disco Elysium is different. Instead of action, you’ll investigate a murder in the city of Revachol, and the story will unfold through detailed exploration and conversation. Like the game Pentiment, Disco Elysium features a lot of dialogue, and traditional RPG battles are rare. This means the writing and conversations need to be exceptionally good to keep you engaged.

That’s great news! With the latest version of the game, Final Cut, everything is fully voiced, and the voice acting is excellent. What really makes it stand out is that every character offers unique and interesting information, and you can shape conversations based on the personality you’ve created for Harry DuBois – whether he’s aggressive, quiet, or even talking to things others can’t see. For your first time playing, it’s best to avoid looking up spoilers and just enjoy the story, explore sidequests, and let the narrative unfold naturally.

3. What Remains Of Edith Finch

Investigating A Family Legacy

Though relatively short – a complete playthrough of What Remains of Edith Finch takes about three hours – the game is incredibly impactful. Every moment is meaningful as you explore the Finch family home through Edith’s perspective, learning about its inhabitants and the family’s legendary curse. It doesn’t waste any time.

Many of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays focus on difficult family dynamics, and this story does the same, beautifully. You experience the narrative through the journal of Edith Finch, now read by her son. The stories of her ancestors come to life with a touch of fantasy, told through different artistic styles and storytelling methods. For example, one memory – a weekend hunting trip – is shown as if through a home video, with narration from those who were there. Then, the story returns to Edith, who explores her family’s history while walking through their old home. The writing isn’t overly poetic; it’s realistic and conversational, which makes it even more impactful.

2. Final Fantasy 9

A Deeply Shakespearean Epic

Final Fantasy 9 was the last Final Fantasy game released on the original PlayStation, and it felt like the developers were looking back fondly at earlier games. It had a lighter, more classic style, with a strong emphasis on drama and performance. The game begins with a theatrical production by the Tantalus troupe, while a character named Vivi attempts to watch the show elsewhere. This performance was actually a disguise for Tantalus’s true mission, but with its old-fashioned language, dramatic sword fights, and references to a famous playwright, the game draws clear inspiration from the world of Shakespeare – even though it’s set long after his time and on a different planet.

This game isn’t just playful fun; it expertly balances lighthearted scenes with truly dramatic and heartbreaking moments, much like a Shakespearean play. The villains – Queen Brahne, Kuja, and Garland – are incredibly compelling and often steal the show, each with their own unique motivations that unfold as the story progresses. While they act as antagonists, they’re surprisingly complex characters with moments of vulnerability and hints of redemption. We also see strong development in Zidane and his companions (even a little with Amarant), and a powerful look at how war affects ordinary people and their ability to recover. It’s a rich, unpredictable story that tackles big themes like the meaning of life, making it a true four-disc masterpiece for the original PlayStation.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Getting To Know Geralt And Co

The best role-playing games thrive on detail. We want to become invested in the characters – the hero, their allies, and companions – learning about their stories, forming connections, and genuinely caring about their fates. We want to see how their challenging journey changes them. This same level of care should extend to the game’s world itself, with a rich history and a believable setting. These elements are what make long, immersive games so captivating, and CD Projekt Red brilliantly achieved this in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Geralt appears to be a quiet, straightforward warrior at first, but he’s actually a very complex character. As the story unfolds, we connect with him and feel sympathy for him because of the challenges he faces as a Witcher and the relationships he builds. A huge part of this is the fantastic voice acting and writing. What truly makes the game special, though, are the memorable characters you meet along the way – from the playful Dandelion to the troubled Bloody Baron, each person feels real and adds depth to the world.

2026-01-25 02:38