The gaming world is full of various games, many of which have single-player campaigns endowed with dynamic narratives. Some are linear, some brimming with flashbacks, and some story-based games branch out into several possible endings, bestowing players with a chance to determine the flow of the story and the fate of characters. Such games are perfect for long-term entertainment for gamers that love simulating stories and solo campaigns.
Having dealt with many games of the sort, Eneba digital games marketplace recommends five PC games to enrich your free time and absorb you into a story where your decisions bear consequences that shape the narrative and its finale. All of them share common characteristics – distinct characters, engaging plot, versatile gameplay mechanics, and most of all, memorable gaming experience and high replayability value. We will try to present the games without spoiling anything, of course!
NieR: Automata
Square Enix’s NieR: Automata is one of the most dazzling sci-fi RPG games that takes players into an atmospheric world of the dark future, painted by beautifully crafted sceneries and soundtrack. Who could have thought that a story about androids and robots can be so emotional? One way or the other, the game most definitely has a high replayability value as it has 26 endings, and more can be unlocked performing certain actions throughout the campaign, so be prepared for a myriad of touching endings.
The main characters are androids 2B and 9S. In terms of combat, they supplement each other as 2B is more capable in direct combat while 9S specializes in scanning and hacking. The narrative explores the rather odd relationship between the two main characters from a psychological perspective, adding depth to the gameplay. If you happen to enjoy embarking on adventures with 2B and savouring the subtleties of intricate story-telling, then Nier: Automata has ample content to offer.
Undertale
Undertale, developed by Toby Fox, at first glance may appear like a simple 2D indie game but don’t let appearances deceive you. This action RPG game places emphasis on the choices of the player as Undertale has 3 different paths: Neutral, Genocide, and The Pacifist. The titles say it all and the choices you make certainly test your moral compass, so be careful how you thread throughout the pixeled world. And the game has a great soundtrack too if we might add.
The game is one of the most memorable titles in the gaming community that inspires nostalgia, and such distinct characters as Sans is known even to some who never tried Undertale. This is just another fine example photorealistic graphics and intricate gameplay mechanics are not necessary to have an entertaining gaming experience. This indie game with RPG elements allows you to explore three different in-game paths and endings, so there is plenty to do in the odd world of Undertale.
Far Cry 4
Ubisoft’s Far Cry series is one of the greatest franchises the studio has ever created. The titles in the series contain many elements from different genres, such as RPG, FPS, and some more. We have chosen to talk about Far Cry 4 for its distinct endings and how developers decided to handle in-game narration. The premise is rather simple – you assume the role of Ajay Ghale and soon enough find yourself entwined in political intrigues behind the scenes and now you have only one goal, and that is to take down Pagan Min.
A man vicious to the core uses his power to oppress relentlessly and that is something no moral person can allow to happen. To achieve your goals, you will shoot down and take out your enemies using stealth, but ultimately, it’s all about the decisions you make as you progress throughout the game. The way you handle the crucial parts of the narrative will result in one of the several possible endings, and then, you can replay it indefinitely to experiment with the storyline.
Resident Evil
Let’s go back further into the past, precisely the year 1996 when the Resident Evil game came out, kickstarting the entire genre of survival horror. Capcom did an outstanding job with the development of the game’s narrative as it has so many possible endings that you can replay the game several times and still find there are possibilities left to explore in terms of Chris’ and Jill’s story. Survival in the horrific world is the prime focus of the game, however, the branching narrative adds perennial charm.
Although so many years have passed and the visuals no longer live up to modern standards of gaming, Resident Evil aged like fine wine and is a splendid choice for those that love a fine narrative where your choice matters, and of course, with a pinch of jittery horror. Air saturated with a sense of impending death, atrocious creatures about, and adrenaline rush coursing through your veins at every turn – that’s Resident Evil.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Last but not least is CD Projekt Red’s pride – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, a game that concluded the famous trilogy and Geralt of Rivia’s adventures. The story takes place in the fictional world of medieval times, a world infested with monsters and vile humans that Geralt comes across in the unrelenting search for a young woman he loves as his own daughter. However, until you reach the end of the story (spoiler alert: there are multiple), on the way you will meet many distinct characters whose fate is in your hands, and your decisions result in many smaller endings.
The alluring aspect of the game is the realistic portrayal of morality – it’s rare that everything is either good or bad, sometimes you must choose the lesser evil in favour of another, and that alone is thought-provoking. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt proves that virtually interactive stories are coming to reflect the real-life choice and consequence relation, all the while being entertaining and offering hours of content to explore the branching endings to a story told over again and again, yet different each time. After all… Who doesn’t enjoy pulling the strings of fate?
