RPGs With Deepest Stories – Investment Policy

Many video games now have stories that are just as captivating as those you’d find on television. These compelling narratives are often found in adventure games where the story takes center stage, such as games made by Telltale or Supermassive Games (especially for horror fans). A recent example is Dispatch. While these games offer excellent stories and choices, role-playing games (RPGs) often provide a deeper sense of immersion and more sophisticated ways to tell a story.

I’ve always loved RPGs because they just do so much more than other games. Things like being able to really shape the story and create a character that’s totally your own are amazing. Honestly, they offer a level of freedom and depth that even the most story-focused adventure games can’t match. It’s like they give you so much more to play with!

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Bloody And Full Of Heart

In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, you play as both Geralt and Ciri, primarily following Geralt’s journey to find Ciri in a vast, open world. Throughout the game, your choices in conversations and interactions – both in the main story and side quests – have a real impact on the outcome. Playing as a Witcher, a monster hunter, means facing difficult choices with lasting consequences, as life is rarely simple.

I’ve found that even choices that seem right can have awful consequences – like saving a monster only to have it destroy a whole village later. It really makes you feel the weight of your decisions, and combined with the intense combat, it pulls you right into the game. And if you’re into sci-fi, you should definitely check out CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 too!

Baldur’s Gate 3

Tell Your Story

Okay, so in Baldur’s Gate 3, I basically get to build my character exactly how I want right from the start – everything from how they look to their race and class. Or, if I’m feeling lazy, I can pick a pre-made one. But the cool thing is, the game really changes based on the choices I make. Like, early on, I could even decide to help some bad guys wipe out a whole village if I wanted, and that would actually affect how the story goes. It’s wild, and it’s all up to me!

Throughout the game, you’ll meet companions who reveal more about their pasts as you get to know them, enriching the overall story. Every player’s experience will be unique, creating a personalized narrative, and sharing those stories with friends is a key part of the enjoyment.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Branching Friendships

In Fire Emblem: Three Houses, you begin by choosing one of three nations – Golden Deer, Blue Lions, or Black Eagles – to join. This determines which leader and other characters will fight alongside you. While your main choices are largely set after this initial decision, you can still build relationships with any of your teammates, adding another layer to the experience.

Between big battles, players in this tactical RPG will have downtime to chat with their team. While the overall story isn’t as expansive as some others, the three separate campaigns each have a unique feel. This makes players feel more invested in the war-torn world than in many other Fire Emblem games, and story-focused games in general.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Never Give Up

While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offers few choices – mainly deciding on the ending and a limited selection of romantic interests – it tells a powerfully moving story of redemption through a skillful blend of humor and drama. The game centers around Expedition 33’s quest to permanently defeat The Paintress and prevent the genocide of their people, which is based on age.

Honestly, the world in this game is rough. It feels like every year, things get worse for the people living there, which really makes you want to step up and be a hero – way more than in a lot of other RPGs I’ve played. And the story isn’t just a simple ‘good guys vs. bad guys’ thing, thankfully. There are some serious twists and turns that keep you guessing, and it’s cool how things aren’t always black and white.

Undertale

Not All Monsters Are Scary

Okay, so as someone who’s played a lot of RPGs, Undertale really stands out. Most turn-based games are all about fighting monsters, leveling up, and moving on. You can do that in Undertale, but honestly, it leads to a pretty dark story. If you go around killing everything, the game basically proves the monsters right – that humans are the bad guys. It’s a different experience because it makes you think about your choices, and going the violent route actually makes for what most people consider a ‘bad’ ending.

Players aren’t always forced to fight; they can often talk their way out of battles, even with bosses, which can lead to a more peaceful outcome. This RPG really makes you consider the consequences of your choices, and its storytelling approach is truly unique.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

More Story Than RPG

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a story-driven game, but it presents its narrative in a unique way. You’ll play as different characters across various time periods, all connected to a future war with mechs, invaders, and the potential end of humankind. The game unfolds through chapters focused on individual characters, and solving the mysteries within each one will ultimately reveal the bigger picture.

The game features battles, but they’re not overly challenging – they mainly serve to move the story forward. Fans love the game’s beautiful art style, but the unexpected plot twist is another major reason why it’s so memorable. It’s a surprise most players won’t anticipate, which really makes the game stand out.

Disco Elysium

Roll The Dice

Disco Elysium is a game heavily focused on storytelling, and it might not feel like a traditional RPG at first. However, unlike many games where your choices simply change the story, Disco Elysium uses your character’s skills and random dice rolls to determine what happens. For instance, if you have strong combat skills, successfully punching or shooting a character is more likely to go as planned.

If a character is weak in combat or lacks skills, things could easily go wrong. The game determines how players handle characters and situations based on their stats and dice rolls, similar to a tabletop role-playing game set in a dark, futuristic world. However, for fans of detective games, Disco Elysium offers a sense of control even when chaos unfolds.

The Banner Saga

The Norse Oregon Trail

The Banner Saga unfolds across three games, where your choices in earlier episodes impact what happens next. It blends the overland travel and resource management of games like The Oregon Trail with the strategic, turn-based battles of Final Fantasy Tactics. The story centers on a group of people journeying across a harsh land, fleeing oppression and a growing evil.

Between turn-based battles, players will make choices that impact their resources and how their characters behave. The combat is difficult, demanding careful planning. Every decision you make shapes the story, which is consistently bleak, even when things seem good. While it’s a grim experience, sticking with it can be rewarding for those who push through.

2026-01-22 11:35