10 Best Games Where You Need To Take Notes

Keeping track of information isn’t limited to academic settings; taking notes on various topics, including gaming experiences, is quite common.

To fully grasp some video games due to their intricate nature, it’s often beneficial to jot down information. For those aiming for an easier experience, having a pen and notepad handy is essential.

Sometimes, game notes boil down to straightforward bullet points, such as coordinates in Minecraft. However, there can also be extensive notes that seem to be an extension of the game itself, making it feel as if the game includes a small notebook.

To excel in these games, it’s essential that you jot down comprehensive notes rather than just brief ones for an easier and more seamless gaming experience.

10. Baldur’s Gate 3

Notetaking Is The D&D Experience

Anyone who’s ever played a round of Dungeons and Dragons can attest to how important note-taking is in understanding where the story is heading, as well as anticipating any surprises the Game Master might have in store. Since Baldur’s Gate 3 offers an unparalleled D&D gaming experience within video games, keeping notes while playing is simply expected.

Each player keeps track of information uniquely, yet Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) notes usually encompass crucial characters, occurrences, and specifics that the Game Master subtly integrates. In essence, anything noteworthy gets jotted down for easy reference.

As players advance into Act Two, they’ll notice that the storyline gains momentum rapidly, making some quests harder to keep track of. For instance, hints like the disclosure of The Absolute’s Chosen, or foreshadowing such as Shadowheart’s uncertainty about Shar when you choose a Selûnite Cleric, turn out to be significant. In fact, these moments become more crucial on paper than they initially seem.

Absolutely, it’s quite possible to deduce some plot twists prematurely by piecing together clues; the key distinction lies in the fact that you won’t have an uncomfortable moment of being caught off guard when the Game Master (DM) nods knowingly, indicating “I can see what you’re up to.

9. Return Of The Obra Dinn

Investigate A Ghost Ship

Occasionally, note-taking is a required aspect of your job, and given that you’re playing the role of an insurance inspector in Return of the Obra Dinn, these notes become indispensable.

In your assignment, you are required to uncover the events that transpired on the mysteriously missing ship, the Obra Dinn. Your goal includes determining the fates of the crew and identifying the cargo. Since this investigation is a game of logical reasoning, it can be more straightforward when the deductions are documented for clarity.

This game has a black-and-white design but tells a vibrant, engaging story that’s truly remarkable. It’s amazing how well everything is managed within this single-colored setting. Players can certainly play without taking notes, but having them definitely simplifies the gameplay and enhances the overall immersive experience.

The game has a simple, black-and-white aesthetic, yet it unfolds a complex, multi-hued narrative that’s truly captivating. It’s astounding how seamlessly everything is organized within this monochrome setting. Players can definitely play without keeping notes, but using them certainly makes the gameplay more straightforward and adds to the overall sense of immersion.

Undeniably, it’s a chilling experience to sift through those findings and link the dots – you’ll get a shiver down your spine.

8. Myst

Notoriously Difficult Puzzles

Occasionally, gamers find it beneficial to jot down observations about intricate riddles instead of just following the plotline. This practice becomes especially useful in challenging games like the Myst series, which are renowned for their difficulty level (and stunning aesthetics).

In this game, utilizing your notebook is similar to using it in school: it’s where you’ll find an assortment of equations, quick jottings, and miscellaneous notes.

In truth, the initial versions of the games included a pocket-sized notebook containing around twenty empty pages. The game creators foresaw that players might need to jot down notes while solving the intricate puzzles.

For this particular exercise, the specific game chosen by players isn’t crucial because the entire game series is applicable. Moreover, these games are vintage, so there won’t be any user interfaces guiding your actions; instead, you’ll need to figure things out on your own.

7. Dead Or Alive Xtreme 2

Keep Track Of The Girls

Keeping tabs on multiple characters in Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 can be quite a challenge, as you’re dealing with no less than nine distinct personalities. Regrettably, without the inclusion of microtransactions, the gameplay experience becomes noticeably longer and more laborious due to its slower pace.

To put it simply, you’ll be in charge of keeping track of all the items belonging to the girls. Over time, it will become clear that notes won’t suffice for this task. Instead, you’ll find that using a spreadsheet, perhaps Excel, would be more effective.

Completing the game at 100% on Xbox 360 is extremely challenging, so anyone determined to fully conquer it should be prepared for a prolonged effort. At one point, in-game swimsuit transactions were available as a shortcut, but since the online servers have been offline for some time now, that option is no longer viable.

To keep things organized more efficiently, it’s advisable to create an empty spreadsheet instead of using ruled notebook paper for all the people and items you need to manage regularly.

6. Outer Wilds

You Can Only Remember So Much

In Outer Wilds, players embark on an exceptionally distinctive journey, where they encounter a narrative reminiscent of Groundhog Day, but this time exploring the final moments of the universe. With only 22 minutes before everything ceases to exist, the game imposes a tight deadline that encourages players to think outside the box in their strategies.

To put it simply, those 22 minutes are filled with details that can be easy to miss, especially when you start exploring each loop and uncovering fresh discoveries. You do have an in-game log for recording information, but after visiting a planet, there’s not much motivation to use it.

Rather than the game explicitly demonstrating all the interconnections, it’s more engaging if players discover and uncover these connections on their own, observing how their choices spark different consequences throughout the galaxy.

Since players can’t recall everything at once, particularly when the timer restarts, having some pre-prepared notes is actually quite beneficial and won’t do any harm.

5. Metroid Prime

Your Notes Are Your Map

Metroidvania isn’t classified as a subgenre of puzzle games since games like Metroid and Metroid Prime are not famously difficult. However, it’s important to note that neither game offers a map or highlights areas you’ve already explored or need to visit, even after they’ve been discovered.

Since this is the case, your pen and paper can serve as a substitute for your map, becoming increasingly useful as you advance through the game and receive additional enhancements.

Navigating without knowing landmarks or directions can be extremely frustrating and annoying. Keeping notes on hand can help minimize this annoyance. Plus, it allows you to constantly update your route as you progress, which is something I wish was available in this situation.

It’s quite intriguing to ponder over how Samus manages to conserve space, given that she’s unsure of her destination on the planet.

4. Her Story

Immediately Bring Out A Pen And Paper

Employing real-life video clips in video games often leaves viewers spellbound by their lifelike authenticity. The game “Her Story” is no exception, as it bills itself as a “desktop mystery” that narrates a fictitious crime involving a woman’s vanished spouse.

In this game, you assume the role of a detective sifting through video interviews to construct the sequence of events. You’ll likely find yourself instinctively reaching for a pen and paper, and it’s advisable to go ahead and do so.

This game offers an exceptionally immersive storytelling journey that I wish more titles would emulate. It skillfully engages players, holding their attention for extended periods as the narrative unfolds layer by captivating layer. True-crime enthusiasts would find themselves utterly enthralled with the game’s climax and the notes they amassed throughout their playthrough, leaving their table resembling a genuine detective’s workspace by the end of their investigation.

In its succession, the game Telling Lies offers a distinctly novel encounter as well – unlike before, the fictional stories you construct will now be logged within your notes.

3. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

A Classic RPG Experience

Note: I used the Morroblivion mod pack for this screenshot. It’s an amazing mod, and nowadays my favorite way to play Morrowind.

As a fellow Elder Scrolls enthusiast, I must admit that newcomers have been blessed with the user-friendly nature of Skyrim, often referred to as “Elder Scrolls Training Mode” by my fiancé. However, if you dare to venture back to Morrowind, the third game in the series, you’ll quickly understand why Skyrim seems like a walk in the park compared to it.

Experience the authentic, vintage role-playing game (RPG) feel with Morrowind. Its universe is intricately detailed, giving you a tangible sensation as you explore. However, its enigmatic nature might initially confound novice players.

For instance, rather than having question marks guiding your path, you may find instructions indicating where to proceed. Add to that an ambiguous notion about your task, and it’s easy to feel disoriented or unsure of your destination.

To combat this effectively, it’s definitely wise to jot down some notes. Besides recording directions and quest information, these notes will help players monitor their inventory, skills, and other crucial aspects.

The primary method for addressing the outdated user interface of the game serves as a subtle nod to recognize the significant progress made within the series over time.

2. The Painscreek Killings

Be a Journalist, Take Notes Like a Journalist

For those new to journalism, it’s crucial to remember that notes serve as our vital connection to the facts. Good note-taking is indispensable for this profession, and it becomes even more significant if you are an investigative journalist – just like your character in The Painscreek Killings.

In your given task, an editor has entrusted you with investigating the murder of Vivian Roberts and the subsequent events that occurred within the town. Your findings may ultimately reshape the whole narrative.

Initially, you’re planning to visit the town for a straightforward inquiry, perhaps uncovering some intriguing points for your write-up. Yet, as events unfold, you’ll stumble upon secrets that have been diligently concealed.

During your exploration, jotting down notes can help you absorb more details, but it’s also crucial for keeping everything organized as you encounter various pieces of information. As you delve deeper into the intricacies of each mystery, these notes will serve as your guide and a vital connection to the facts at hand.

1. Papers, Please

So Many Border Rules

Have you ever had a job where the rules were frequently adaptive, modifying, and progressing due to ongoing events? For instance, in the game ‘Papers, Please’, your role is an immigration officer at the border, making decisions about who can enter the country. But as things get more hectic, the guidelines that determine entry also become increasingly fluid.

Keeping that thought in mind, players often find themselves dealing with a cluttered desk overflowing with assorted documents, frequently shuffling between various resources to avoid errors.

Instead of rapidly scrolling through documents with a mouse, it could be quicker (and more convenient) to jot down all the rules in a notebook, ensuring you don’t miss any footnotes added by the government. Additionally, keeping track of specific characters and organizations can be helpful, as managing your finances effectively is crucial for supporting your family.

Keeping records alongside playing can enhance both the realism and engagement in the game. It’s truly enjoyable, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved independent gaming phenomenon.

2025-04-18 17:40