Highlights
- The Last of Us Part 2 presents a daring and nuanced story that resonates with gamers who appreciate narrative depth.
- Those who enjoyed Part 2 may also love other story-heavy games like God of War Ragnarok, A Plague Tale, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
- Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, Days Gone, Red Dead Redemption 2, and The Witcher 3 also offer engaging narratives.
Regardless of the massive controversy that has plagued The Last of Us Part 2 since its release, there’s no denying that the story is pretty daring and resonates with people who appreciate the narrative that Naughty Dog strove to integrate into this title. Now that the toxic discourse surrounding this game has died down, players can enjoy this game for what it is and check out Ellie and Abby’s story, which is told in a nuanced and interesting manner.
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Those who loved The Last of Us Part 2 and want to check out more games in the same vein will love other such story-heavy titles that touch upon the same themes that are just as cinematic, if not more. These games feature amazing narratives that will capture the player’s attention in much the same way as Joel and Ellie’s adventures have.
Updated August 16, 2024, by Vlad Mazanko: Even years after its release, The Last of Us Part 2 remains a landmark in narrative-driven gaming, setting a standard that many studios aspire to reach. Since then, numerous games have introduced their own nuanced, cinematic stories, featuring well-written characters that feel genuinely alive and emotionally resonant. As such, this list has been updated to include more recent story-heavy titles that excel in delivering emotional and engaging narratives, filled with intriguing characters and set in dark, dangerous worlds that heighten the stakes and deepen the impact of the story.
11
God Of War Ragnarok
A Compelling Narrative Centered Around The End Of The World
Most people were disappointed that the new iteration of God of War would end with the second game. They felt that the potential of this narrative could’ve set the stage for another trilogy of excellent action-adventure games that are a blast to play through. In a way, this is a good problem to have, since people clearly loved Ragnarok so much that the only negative they can bring up is that the game ended way too quickly.
The narrative chops of this game are heightened extensively, with the stakes being upped by a hefty margin. After Odin was built up in the first game, trying to tackle this malevolent god and stop him from carrying out his heinous acts makes for a great time. As the story develops, Atreus and Kratos’ bond deepens as the father-son duo becomes closer than ever before.
10
A Plague Tale: Requiem
An Emotional And Gut-Wrenching Step Forward Over Its Predecessor
A Plague Tale: Requiem is a game clearly inspired by The Last of Us series, particularly in its narrative focus. It features a duo of characters with a similar dynamic — an older sister protecting her younger brother — who must endure and survive the dangers of their world. With its strong emphasis on cinematic storytelling, intense character interactions, a brutal and dark setting, impressive visuals, and a deeply moving story, A Plague Tale is not just a game to play; it is an emotional journey that will tug at the players’ heartstrings.
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While A Plague Tale: Requiem is an excellent sequel, it’s highly recommended to start with A Plague Tale: Innocence for those looking to experience the full story. Both games closely follow similar narrative themes and feature many characters who appear throughout the series. Moreover, the first game offers a vital introduction to the protagonists, Amicia and Hugo de Rune, whose emotional moments elevate the experience of the sequel.
9
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Playing As Two Different Web-Crawlers Is A Lot Of Fun
After the immense success of Marvel’s Spider-Man, fans wondered how the sequel would up the ante for the two web crawlers who were poised to play a major role in the events to come. From the very opening of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, it was clear that Insomniac Studios would move things in a new, fresh direction that would titillate players to no end.
This makes Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 one of the best games featuring everyone’s favorite webhead, with Peter’s dark side showing as the Venom symbiote slowly takes hold of him. Watching him come to grips with this newfound aggression before letting it go and tacking the symbiote in its purest form makes for an amazing ending to one of the best stories ever told in a Spider-Man game.
8
Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden
A Character-Driven Adventure With Plenty Of Hard-Hitting Moral Choices
With traversal and combat reminiscent of the modern God of War games, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden places a strong emphasis on its lead characters, Red and Anthea, as well as the various people they encounter on their journey through the harsh Frontier. The story in Banishers is dark, layered, and filled with tough moral choices that have unpredictable outcomes, providing both thrills and thought-provoking moments between the game’s quieter scenes. As Red, players often face moral dilemmas, weighing the well-being of strangers against their personal desires and goals.
One of the game’s strengths is the flexibility it offers. Players can choose to focus on a personal adventure with minimal distractions or dive deep into side quests, exploration, and combat. In short, Banishers allows each player to tailor their experience based on their interests and how they want to engage with the game’s world.
7
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
A Well-Told Side Story Focused On Chloe And Nadine
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy is a great side story featuring two strong women from the series who get their time to shine in this amazing title. Chloe and Nadine are excellent characters who players will have a great time with as they explore new areas and embark on another adventure for the ages.
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Along the way, they take out numerous enemies and encounter friendly faces in a bid to prevent anything of value from falling into the wrong hands. The narrative may not have the emotional weight of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, but that shouldn’t take away from the cinematic spectacle of The Lost Legacy. The banter between the two protagonists lends life to every set piece, with the quest to stop Azav from plunging India into a civil war upping the stakes in this adventure.
6
Telltale’s The Walking Dead
Lee And Clementine’s Struggles To Survive During The Zombie Apocalypse Is Engaging
The Walking Dead is the game that catapulted Telltale to superstardom, with the story of Lee and Clementine being an emotional journey with numerous hopeful highs and devastating lows. The sheer amount of tragedy present in this tale is as harrowing as can be, with the supporting cast more than pulling its weight.
From finding Clementine to forming a group that goes through several grueling situations, Lee’s attempts to keep Clementine safe at all costs are as compelling as can be. Kenny, Ben, Lilly, and the other characters have their own struggles that Lee can help them out with, and the game peaks with a devastating conclusion that will coax many players to shed a few tears.
5
Alan Wake 2
One-Of-A-Kind Genre Mix With Brilliant And Entangled Storytelling
Alan Wake 2 is Remedy’s first true survival-horror game, and given the studio’s unique approach, players are in for a wild ride. While Alan Wake 2 might feel somewhat familiar to The Last of Us Part 2, featuring two distinct protagonists, a cinematic narrative with numerous characters, beautiful cutscenes, and engaging dialogues, it stands out as a wild blend of genres, perspectives, and even mediums. This fusion creates an experience that’s almost impossible for gamers to forget.
Although Alan Wake 2‘s narrative can be complex and challenging to follow — especially for those unfamiliar with Remedy’s past interconnected games or those who don’t pay close attention to the detective elements — the game also delves into grounded and personal themes. These moments offer just enough emotional depth and quiet reflection with the lead characters, balancing the more chaotic elements of the story.
4
Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar’s Most Emotional Game To Date
Red Dead Redemption 2 features the best narrative that Rockstar has ever integrated into a video game. Players who complained about the fact they don’t get to control John Marston from the get-go soon fell in love with Arthur’s complex character as he idolizes Dutch, only for the events surrounding them to change the dynamic of the group for good.
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The Pinkertons slowly break down Dutch and his gang, with the downfall of this charismatic leader being one of the most compelling parts of the entire game. Throughout the story, Arthur develops from a one-dimensional gangster into an empathetic human being, with some of the character’s best moments coming only when players pursue a Good Honor playthrough. In all honestly, being the good guy is what most people consider to be the intended way to play the game, with Arthur’s moments of introspection hitting even harder here.
3
Days Gone
An Open-World Zombie Action With A Strong Focus On Ragtag Characters
Days Gone
Open-World
Action
Adventure
From a gameplay standpoint, Days Gone might seem like a standard open-world game with a vast map to explore. However, for many players, the true appeal of the story lies in its characters — grounded, imperfect, and genuinely alive. Playing as biker Deacon St. John, it’s the small interactions with his old friend Boozer, his missing wife Sarah (seen in numerous flashbacks), and other supporting characters that add depth to the otherwise straightforward narrative, enriching the post-apocalyptic world with a sense of purpose.
Moreover, the world of Days Gone bears a strong resemblance to that of The Last of Us; it’s set in a post-apocalyptic America that is teeming with various undead threats. In fact, the game faced some criticism at launch for being too similar to The Last of Us. However, there are just as many differences as there are shared traits between the two, making Days Gone a distinct experience in its own right.
2
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Geralt’s Hunt To Find Ciri Is Rife With Emotional And Hard-Hitting Moments
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the greatest video games ever made, and people who feel this game is ill-fitting for fans of The Last of Us Part 2 need only play this title for a few hours to see the amazing narrative chops on display here. With the Next-Gen Update beefing this game up, players will find it even easier to get invested in Geralt’s endeavors to save Ciri.
Both the main quest and a wealth of side adventures house some incredible narratives that show just how brutal and unforgiving this world is. This makes the sparse moments of hopefulness feel all the more powerful, with Geralt’s actions in this well-written narrative dictating the ending to his tale as a witcher.
1
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
An Emotional Journey Involving Complex Characters And Unpredictable Bonds
Unlike the more personal and intimate journey of the original game, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 places its intriguing and troubled protagonist at the heart of a more expansive narrative. The story in this sequel is not only more ambitious but also involves a host of dramatic characters with complex relationships. Additionally, Hellblade 2 is far more cinematic than its predecessor, featuring some of the most spectacular and intense combat encounters that deliver adrenaline-pumping moments, almost reminiscent of The Last of Us Part 2.
As with many sequels, it’s recommended to start with Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice to fully appreciate Ninja Theory’s unique take on Norse mythology. Both games offer a focused and nuanced story that remains tightly woven without feeling overly drawn out, making for a compelling experience from start to finish.
