Best Games About Finding Yourself

Best Games About Finding Yourself

Key Takeaways

  • Characters struggle through personal crises to find purpose, undergoing significant growth.
  • Emotionally engaging narratives help players invest in characters and their journeys.
  • Plot twists, self-discovery, and deep revelations enhance storytelling in video games.

As a seasoned gamer, I’ve had the pleasure of delving into some truly captivating narratives that have left indelible marks on my gaming journey. One such tale is the one where our protagonists’ true nature unfolds as the story unravels – a narrative device that adds layers of depth and intrigue to these games, making them stand out in the vast sea of video game titles.


In contemporary video games, numerous stories place emphasis on character-driven narratives, often revolving around protagonists grappling with personal crises as they navigate their future paths. This theme resonates with many players because the characters typically experience significant turmoil before ultimately discovering their goals.

Characters may discover hidden aspects of themselves or find renewed purpose for living, leading to a compelling transformation. Audiences root for these characters throughout their voyage, marveling at the changes they undergo, frequently ending up as improved individuals after an extraordinary experience.

heads-up, fellow gamers! I’m about to dive into some significant plot points from a few of my favorite games, so if you haven’t played BioShock, Disco Elysium, Final Fantasy 7, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, Knights of the Old Republic, Silent Hill 2, and The Last of Us Part 1, beware! We’re gonna delve into some serious spoilers here. Let’s explore these captivating worlds together and discuss what makes them so unforgettable.

8 Disco Elysium

A Drunk Amnesiac Learns About Himself As He Solves An Intriguing Murder

It’s challenging not to view the amnesiac detective character you control in Disco Elysium as a deeply flawed individual. He’s a self-destructive, alcoholic man who struggles internally, making his moments of competence as a detective all the more captivating, as it’s clear he carries a heavy burden beneath his bottles of booze.

At the culmination of the game, a heartfelt discussion with the virtual representation of his fiancée and the realization of being Harrier Du Bois guide him towards the right path. Gamers find themselves assisting him on this journey throughout an exceptional narrative, which showcases some of the most powerful writing found in video games.

7 Papers, Please

The Player Will Figure Out Whether Doing The Right Thing Is Worth Jeopardizing Their Family

Initially, working as an immigration officer and examining documents might appear to be the most mundane job imaginable. Yet, the political tension and heartfelt narratives found within the game “Papers, Please” transform it into a gripping experience. In this title, the protagonist must grapple with difficult decisions, often torn between prioritizing their family’s well-being or upholding their moral values.

Through this intense game, individuals will come to understand their true character as they grapple with difficult decisions, such as refusing a bribe, turning away a desperate plea for help, or risking their family’s safety in the face of financial hardship. The experience is thought-provoking and often uncomfortable, designed to challenge players’ moral compasses.

6 BioShock

Jack Learns A Lot About Himself After Meeting Andrew Ryan

Initially, Jack appears to be an unfortunate traveler who got caught up in a mishap that resulted in him investigating Rapture. But as time goes on, it becomes clear that Jack’s memories are false; he is actually Andrew Ryan’s secret son, and had been manipulated by Frank Fontaine into taking the life of the man responsible for building and maintaining the underwater city.

It’s a mind-blowing revelation that shows just how masterful BioShock‘s plot is. Thankfully, the disillusioned protagonist is able to overcome his brainwashing and take out Atlas once and for all. Whether he enjoys a happy ending or not after finding the truth about himself is dependent on the player’s actions — and whether they saved or killed the Little Sisters.

5 Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

Figuring Out Sissel’s Identity Makes For One Of The Biggest Gaming Plot Twists Of All Time

At the beginning of the story, it is believed that Sissel is dead, often mistaken for the plump man in a red suit who gets fatally wounded. However, as events unfold, certain facts seem inconsistent. Although he appears to be an ordinary human, Sissel can’t read and has no trouble seeing in the dark.

The peculiarity that he seems to suffer from memory loss, unlike other spirits, leaves him bewildered for quite some time. However, an astonishing plot revelation eventually surfaces – Sissel was actually a cat throughout! This mind-blowing twist ultimately clarifies the true nature of his existence and solidifies Ghost Trick as one of the finest narrative-focused adventures in history.

4 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

The Protagonist’s True Nature Is Tied To Your Choices & The Game’s Unfolding Story

In the game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, players assume the role of an amnesiac character, unaware of his past, who flees a ship overrun by invaders. Throughout his journey, he is joined by various companions, and as his latent Jedi abilities emerge, the truth about his identity remains hidden until later in the storyline.

As I delve deeper into this captivating game, it becomes clear that the central character is none other than the infamous Darth Revan. Rumors swirled that he had been reformed after being imprisoned and his memories erased. But as I progress, it seems that’s just part of the intricate storyline. The choice lies with me: will I ally myself with the Light Side or once again plunge into the shadows of the Dark Side? This game is undeniably one of the greatest Star Wars titles ever created.

3 Silent Hill 2

James Fights Off His Repressed Demons Before Eventually Accepting What He Did

The remade version of Silent Hill 2 serves as an outstanding introduction to the harrowing adventure of character James Sunderland. In this game, a husband embarks on a frantic quest to find his missing wife within the haunting town of Silent Hill, where he encounters enigmatic monsters and characters.

It wasn’t until much later that James discovered the horrific implications of his actions. His beloved wife, Mary, was afflicted with a debilitating illness that eroded their joy together, and in a moment of insanity, he ended her life. This tragic event haunted him, causing him to suppress the memory. Instead, his guilt took on a more sinister form: it manifested as monstrous occurrences within the town and characters who bore striking resemblances to Mary, only to meet untimely deaths that further tormented him.

2 Final Fantasy 7

Cloud’s True Origins Are Hidden Until A Pivotal Moment

Starting their journey beyond Midgar in “Final Fantasy 7”, Cloud’s recounting of the Nibelheim incidents stirs Tifa’s suspicions about his mental well-being. Following being tricked to hand over the Black Materia to Sephiroth’s genuine form, Cloud succumbs to the Lifestream and gets confused due to Mako contamination.

Following an assault from the Ultimate Weapon, which sent them tumbling into the Lifestream with Tifa, Cloud discovers he had assumed Zack’s persona after enduring harrowing experiments and witnessing this SOLDIER sacrifice himself for him. This startling revelation takes some time for Cloud to comprehend, but by the game’s conclusion, he gradually adopts his new identity.

1 The Last Of Us Part 1

Joel Finds A Purpose In Life After Getting Attached To Ellie

The Last of Us Part 1 stands out as one of the most remarkable video games ever developed, primarily due to its compelling narrative. The character Joel’s detachment stems from the tragic loss of his daughter during the initial spread of the Cordyceps infection on Outbreak Day. He becomes isolated from society and visibly uncomfortable with the task of safeguarding Ellie for the Fireflies.

Throughout this adventure, he gradually bonds with Ellie, coming to care for her as if she were his own daughter. This bond helps heal his tattered sense of humanity, but it’s not without its shadows. By the game’s conclusion, upon discovering the impending operation that would end Ellie’s life, he chooses to annihilate all Fireflies he encounters, opting to destroy all of mankind rather than part with the only individual who restored his reason for living again.

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2024-10-24 05:34