The Best Stories In PC Exclusive Games

Key Takeaways

PC gaming offers some of the best narratives with games like Pathologic and The Beginner’s Guide.
World of Warcraft and Half-Life 2 stand out for their immersive narratives and long-lasting impact.
Classic PC games like System Shock 2, Planescape: Torment, and Deus Ex offer deep, intricate narratives.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that these games have left a lasting impact on me. The immersive stories, the intricate worlds, and the depth of character development are elements that have kept me engaged for hours on end.

Over many years, the PC – known as the oldest and most respected gaming platform – has built a rich legacy by offering some of the finest games ever created. In terms of storytelling, this platform has consistently demonstrated its ability to nurture exceptional narratives.

Among the finest tales in computer gameplay, you’ll find engaging narratives that could range from thought-provoking examinations of existence to breaking the fourth wall with meta masterpieces, all crafted within the context of role-playing games on personal computers.

Back when they initially dropped, these games were only available for PC gamers like me. However, some of them have since made their way onto consoles too, broadening the joy they bring to even more players.

8 Pathologic

A Rampant Sickness

Initially gaining fame as a quirky cult favorite upon its 2005 release, and eventually earning a place among the cherished indie gems of the gaming community at large, the game Pathologic stands out remarkably with its inexplicable qualities. However, it is exactly these peculiarities that make it so endearing to fans worldwide.

Players step into the shoes of three interconnected characters in a small, eerie town nestled deep within the Russian countryside, where a mysterious plague has taken hold. To eradicate the plague, players must navigate through extreme challenges, face hordes of zombies and monsters that distort the norms of reality itself. It’s an intense journey, but one that is absolutely captivating and worth experiencing – especially its follow-up/overhaul version, which creates a similarly immersive atmosphere.

7 The Beginner’s Guide

A Tutorial With No Guard Rails

Instead of generally stating that “The Stanley Parable” is often considered the best game for breaking the fourth wall and bending narrative conventions, one could say: “Many people would describe ‘The Stanley Parable’ as a standout example in the genre of games that playfully challenge traditional storytelling. However, ‘The Beginner’s Guide’, though not as widely recognized by the gaming community at large, offers an emotionally resonant and creatively intricate narrative.

I, as a dedicated fan, delve into the uncharted territories of an untouched video game, crafted by a gifted designer and developer. The scattered notes penned by their comrades add to the intrigue. It doesn’t take long for things to become self-referential, creating a whirlwind of meta elements that culminate in one of the most captivating PC gaming narratives I’ve ever experienced.

6 World of Warcraft

Azeroth Unleashed

Players hold diverse views about the long-standing game “World of Warcraft“, given its nearly two decades in operation. Nevertheless, it’s challenging to overlook the significant impact its storyline has had, or the far-reaching influence it’s exerted since launch.

In essence, the epic tale of World of Warcraft follows players as they guide their characters through the perilous land of Azeroth, battling cataclysmic threats and unraveling intricate storylines spanning over decades. It’s an immersive journey that offers one of the most expansive fantasy experiences available.

5 Half-Life 2

Gordon’s Odyssey

Hardly any first-person shooter game has had as much impact as Half-Life 2, which was launched in 2004 but continues to be relevant today, with its almost identical engine being employed in popular titles such as Garry’s Mod.

In Half-Life 2, we follow Gordon Freeman’s journey in a bleak future where an alien force known as the Combine has seized control of Earth. Armed with his reliable crowbar, Gordon engages in a fierce battle against this oppressive regime, navigating through Valve’s captivating sci-fi narrative that is filled with unexpected twists and turns. The game ultimately leads to one of gaming’s most notorious yet compelling cliffhangers, and that’s not even mentioning the wildly exciting cut content it holds.

4 System Shock 2

SHODAN’s Pleasure

Immersive Sim games, such as System Shock 2, are renowned for their captivating stories since they subtly invite players to delve into every bit of incidental text and meticulously examine the game world, allowing the environment itself to carry a significant portion of the narrative burden.

In System Shock 2, players find themselves in the role of a soldier revived from cryo-sleep onboard the Von Braun spacecraft, which is now under control of the menacing AI called SHODAN in the year 2114. This game offers an outstanding blend of sci-fi, cyberpunk, and horror elements that are sure to captivate gamers who enjoy immersive sim games. With a highly praised remake of the original game already out, there’s speculation that a remake of System Shock 2 might also be in development.

3 I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream

Far From A Silent Story

Among a small selection of video games adapted from horror literature, “I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream” is derived from Harlan Ellison’s short story with the same title. The narrative revolves around a colossal computer named AM that torments the last five human survivors following Earth’s annihilation.

The video game version doesn’t merely follow the book, but substantially enriches it through Ellison’s personal contributions. This results in a tale that could potentially surpass the original, delving profoundly into the pasts of each character and creating a complex narrative that maintains the emotional intensity of the original, yet adds even more layers of depth.

2 Planescape: Torment

Excavate The Heavens And Hells

Many contemporary role-playing game enthusiasts have found joy in CRPGs, particularly Baldur’s Gate 3. However, longtime aficionados often praise 1999’s Planescape: Torment as the cream of the crop in this genre, pushing the boundaries of Dungeons & Dragons world further than any game had ever done before.

Players assume the role of The Nameless One, a character suffering from amnesia who navigates through the various realms of the D&D universe alongside an assorted group of companions. Together, they strive to recover lost memories and uncover their past identity. This journey offers a rich narrative that serves both as a philosophical exploration and a literary experience that rivals the finest novels in depth. It’s truly captivating, making it a must-play for gamers seeking an immersive storyline.

1 Deus Ex

The Immersive Sim Bible

In essence, it’s no surprise that Deus Ex surpasses System Shock 2 in terms of its influence on the immersive sim genre, given that System Shock 2 came before and helped establish this genre as a classic. However, Deus Ex has been widely acclaimed as the unrivaled masterpiece within the immersive sim genre to this day.

Gamers take control of JC Denton, an agent for a future organization in 2052 dedicated to hunting down terrorists in the midst of a deadly pandemic known as the Gray Death. The game is a masterful depiction of conspiracy thriller storytelling, weaving a story of such depth and complexity that it takes more than a few playthroughs to fully grasp the totality of it. It’s easily one of the best conspiracy thrillers ever written, and it’s still the very best game in the entire Deus Ex franchise.

2024-10-25 04:34