Many people consider video games as a substitute for great movies or books. There’s nothing unusual about it. Interactive story games can be more immersive than any book or film simply because you have an influence on what’s happening on your screen. 

Many of the best story-driven games let us take control of famous characters, like Sherlock Holmes or Batman. Whether you’re keen on solving crimes or saving Gotham, nothing will comprehend the joy of being in the center of the action. 

However, different stories click with different people. Many titles labeled under the best video game stories won’t appeal to everyone, and that’s understandable. That’s why we included the best interactive story games from different genres. 

Are you a fan of third-person exploration games loaded with plot twists? Or do you prefer to set your own pace in a more cinematic experience? With RoyalCDKeys, you’ll find the best games with an engaging story to suit all players’ tastes!

What Remains of Edith Finch

• Release Date: April 25, 2017
• Developer: Giant Sparrow
• Metascore: 89

We’ll start with a slow-paced title with a great story that can be completed in roughly 2 hours. What Remains of Edith Finch is one of those games known as a “walking simulator.” It means there are no weapons and no fighting whatsoever. 

You’ll be taken on a journey through the eyes of Edith Finch. While visiting her old family house, you will discover the secrets of an unknown curse, which took all of her family members. It’s a personal, tragic journey with a fantastic story and unpredictable ending. 

Each episode of the game shows the story of one of Edith’s family members. They differ in gameplay mechanics, so every episode feels like you’re playing a different game. It’s a perfect title for a single afternoon if you don’t have many hours to spare. Will you help her relive her haunted past to move on and strive for a new future? 

Find out by yourself with What Remains of Edith Finch Steam Key available at RoyalCDKeys.

Key Features

• It can be completed in a single afternoon.
• A good story with a surprising ending.
• Various gameplay mechanics.

The Wolf Among Us

• Release Date: October 14, 2013
• Developer: Telltale Games
• Metascore: 80

The truth is, any title from Telltale Games could make an appearance on this list. They’re constantly defining point-and-click adventures mixed with an interactive fiction style of gameplay. Their games almost play by themselves, but that’s not a drawback. The presented story is rewarding enough to forget about the lack of gameplay mechanics.

The game is set in a neo-noir setting full of recognizable fairytale characters. They live in 1980s New York, wearing a product known as glamour to mask their true appearance. You play as a Bigby Wolf, a big bad wolf swept up in a murder investigation on fairy tale characters. 

As for every Telltale game, the gameplay presents an overarching narrative full of dialogue choices leading to multiple endings. However, despite the presence of fairytale characters, the game is not suitable for kids. Its main story is dark, deep, violent, and sometimes disturbing.

The Wolf Among Us Steam Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

Key Features

• A bizarre but perfectly working mix of fairytale characters with a mature story.
• Every action has its consequences.
• Replayability potential.

The Walking Dead

• Release Date: October 14, 2013
• Developer: Telltale Games
• Metascore: 89

We don’t want to be repetitive, but this game is a classic among Telltale Games. The game’s story is considered the best among all of its titles. The series, plot, and characters are exceptionally written. It’s arguably better than the original comic the game is based upon. It features a roster of many characters, each with its motivations and purposes. First, you’ll take control of Lee Everett – convicted for the murder of a state senator who slept with his wife.

Later on, you’ll be walking in the shoes of a young woman named Clementine. Watching her grow and mature in front of your eyes is a pinnacle of character development. As usual, every decision you’ll make along the way will have consequences that will impact the story's narrative. 

The Walking Dead: Telltale Definitive Series Steam Key can be found on RoyalCDKeys. It’s the ultimate package with a complete storyline. 

Key Features

• A classic title from Telltale which is considered the best in their portfolio.
• Based on The Walking Dead comic series.
• Different endings based on your decisions.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• Release Date: May 19, 2015
• Developer: CD Projekt RED
• Metascore: 93

There’s hardly anyone who hasn’t heard of the Witcher franchise. The first two games were highly acclaimed for their story and setting. The third game in the series achieved new heights in terms of the storyline and its background. Even side quests are so exceptionally written they could be a part of the main storyline in other games. 

It’s one of the most iconic dark-fantasy RPGs released in the past few years. If you’re looking for an adventure game similar to Skyrim, with hundreds of quests to complete and over 100 hours of gameplay – Witcher 3 is your best bet.

You’ll be playing as Geralt of Rivia, a monster slayer for hire. Your main task is to find Ciri, his foster daughter who is chased by Wild Hunt. During your journey, you’ll face a myriad of quests to complete, tough monsters to slay, and diverse, deep characters. 

The less you know about the game’s storyline and lore before playing, the better. The game will slowly unveil its secrets as you progress through the story leaving you with “just one more quest” syndrome. 

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt GOG Key is available on RoyalCDKeys. It’s a complete package will all expansions and DLCs.

Key Features

• One of the best action RPGs to date.
• Captivating, dark fantasy storyline.
• Long-term consequences of your actions result in different outcomes.

Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster

• Release Date: May 12, 2016 (PC)
• Developer: Square Enix
• Metascore: 83

Final Fantasy is another renowned franchise that originated back in the 90s. As the name suggests, it was a company’s “final fantasy” as developers were on the brink of bankruptcy when releasing the first installment of the series. And guess what, the success of the first Final Fantasy skyrocketed beyond expectations!

Every game in the series can get you hooked for hours, but Final Fantasy X is exceptional in this regard. The story is very emotional and personal – from ill-fated romance to a son’s struggle to earn his father’s approval. The main character and his companions play a significant role in the game’s narrative. 

In 2001, their complexity and storytelling aspects were groundbreaking for the era. An instant must-play for every jRPG fan out there. It’s worth pointing out a remastered version of Final Fantasy X released in 2015. It’s suitable for modern systems and enhances the graphics significantly. 

Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster Steam Key is available on RoyalCDKeys. 

Key Features

• A very personal and emotional storyline, one of the best in the series.
• A remastered version which is suitable for modern systems.
• Diverse and complex characters.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy

• Release Date: October 26, 2021
• Developer: Eidos Montreal
• Metascore: 78

It’s one of the biggest surprises on this list. No one thought an adventure game based on Marvel’s universe would be this good. Still, Guardians of the Galaxy won the Best Narrative award at the Game of the Year Awards in 2021. It means it’s one of the best games focusing on storytelling released recently.

Play as a Star Lord himself, witness the banter between your extraordinary crew and delve into the cracking sci-fi adventure! The story will make you laugh a few times along the way, and there aren’t many games that can do that. 

The characters are true to their comic and movie counterparts while being further expanded by the developers. The creativity and love put into their personalities created one of a kind experience. If you’re a fan of the Marvel universe, look no further and begin your journey through the galaxy with RoyalCDKeys and buy Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Steam Key!

Key Features

• Best narrative according to the Game of the Year Awards in 2021.
• Characters are accurate to the movies and comic counterparts.
• Groot!

Firewatch

• Release Date: February 9, 2016 
• Developer: Campo Santo
• Metascore: 81

We’re leaving the AAA games segment for a moment to focus on a more condensed experience. Firewatch is a short, first-person adventure full of beautiful landscapes and slow-paced exploration. You’ll be playing as a fire lookout named Henry, exploring the Shoshone National Forest, and uncovering a conspiracy.

The majority of dialogues in the game comes from your walkie-talkie as you’re talking with your supervisor. It’s up to you how their relationship will develop throughout the game. 

Firewatch GOG Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

Key Features

• A short, condensed story great for long evenings.
• Beautiful landscape coupled with artistic graphics.
• An original approach to a relationship with your supervisor.

Red Dead Redemption 2

• Release Date: November 5, 2019 (PC)
• Developer: Rockstar Games
• Metascore: 93

No surprise here. Red Dead Redemption 2 is already a classic and one of the best games ever created. It serves as a prequel to the events of the first game. It fits in almost every list, whether it’s about open-world games in general or great storylines. This game is a mix of everything and exceeds in doing so.

You play as Arthur Morgan, a Van der Linde gang member. He chose this path not because he’s a villain but because this makeshift family is all he has. During your playthrough, you’ll be torn between many decisions regarding your comrades. Will you stay loyal to your gang or choose a path of law and order? Red Dead Redemption 2 explores the fine line between survival and morality.

Combine it with realistic graphics and an accurate representation of the open-world Wild West, and you’ll get a masterpiece. It tells the tragic, individual story that changed the American West forever.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Rockstar Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

Key Features

• A masterpiece among almost every game genre.
• A believable, personal story set in a historically accurate Wild West.
• One of the best graphics to date.

Heavy Rain

• Release Date: June 24, 2019 (PC)
• Developer: Quantic Dream, Virtuos
• Metascore: 75

A murderer known as Origami Killer is responsible for the disappearance of young boys in a city engulfed by storms and neverending rain. Playing as the father of one of the missing children, you’re going to uncover the mystery behind the killer’s motives. The trained eye will notice the resemblance to David Fincher’s movie “Seven.”

Although there’s not much exploration here, it’s one of the few genuinely interactive games. It’s a mixture of quick-time events, puzzles, and dialogue selection. Every detail counts, and even a minor decision can result in different outcomes till the very end. It’s a perfect representation of a butterfly effect in storytelling. 

Heavy Rain Steam Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

Key Features

• A criminal/detective adventure set in a city plagued by neverending rain.
• Dark and engaging storyline.
• Every decision lead to various consequences, which result in different endings.

Life is Strange

• Release Date: October 20, 2015
• Developer: DONTNOD Entertainment
• Metascore: 83

Staying in the interactive storytelling department, Life is Strange is an episodic adventure focusing on two characters – Max and Chloe. As Max, you have the ability to rewind time and see the short-term consequences of your decisions. However, long-term consequences can’t be foreseen and usually lead to unpredictable events. 

It’s a story about friendship and how seemingly good decisions can affect the bonds between these two. It may sound shallow on the surface, but it’s authentic and emotional as you progress through the story. Your decisions will directly alter the course of the game.

Key Features

• A personal and complex story about friendship.
• Ability to rewind time and foresee the short-term consequences.
• One of the better interactive storytelling games on the market.

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

• Release Date: September 25, 2014
• Developer: The Astronauts
• Metascore: 82

This list wouldn’t be complete without a horror game. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter shows a story of a famous detective called Paul Prospero. He receives a fan letter from 12-year old Ethan Carter, encouraging him to visit Ethan’s hometown of Red Creek Valley, Wisconsin. Upon arrival, he discovers Ethan has gone missing, whereas Paul himself is starting to witness paranormal phenomena.

The game is set in an open world where you will investigate and solve crimes. You can use Paul’s paranormal activities to sense important objects and reassemble the timeline of events to help solve the case.

It’s a walking simulator by every means. However, what makes it stand out from the bunch is its freedom. There aren’t quest arrows, so you can walk past fundamental story elements if you’re not careful. You can even solve the game’s mysteries out of order. 

However, if you expect jump scares around every corner, this title might not be for you. It is a horror game, but it focuses more on the psychological side and what reasons lead to particular events.

Key Features

• Great psychological story with horror elements.
• Stunning graphics.
• Freedom of choice when solving cases.

Disco Elysium

• Release Date: October 15, 2019
• Developer: ZA/UM
• Metascore: 91

Many storytelling games focus on the generic theme of the battle between good and evil. A holy knight in shining armor saves the world from inevitable destruction by slaying a demon straight out of hell. On the other hand, Disco Elysium focuses on a morally gray aspect of the world.

Harry, the main protagonist, is a mix of good and bad behaviors, and it’s up to the player which path to take. Good, bad, or morally gray – every approach has pros and cons. The world around him is as complex as the detective himself. 

Nothing is black and white here, and many characters' motives are far from dull and obvious. During your playthrough, the villains you’ll encounter are exceptionally written and often as memorable as the main protagonist.

Disco Elysium GOG Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

Key Features

• A morally grey character and world.
• Exceptionally written characters.
• Strong emphasis on dialogues.