Video games that employ cinematic narratives have been among the most effective in the medium’s history.
From David Cage’s vivid worlds of Indigo Prophecy and Heavy Rain, to the picturesque adventures of Nathan Drake in the Uncharted series, we all have our favorites.
They bring some of the same emotions that real people in movies bring. Here are a few of our favorites that really throw you into something out of the movies.
11. Mafia 2Platforms: PC | PS3 | Xbox 360
Have you ever dreamt of becoming part of the mafia, but didn’t want to get busted by the cops? This open-world, third-person adventure game gives you the chance to climb through the ranks as Vito Scaletta, a fledgling Mafioso who’s trying to pay his father’s debts.
Meet with the mafia and discover your next paid mission.
The mafia has connections and can get you out of prison early…
10. Until DawnPlatforms: PS4
Discover a new nightmare in Until Dawn as you struggle with choice-based gameplay with dangerous consequences. Designed to be played multiple times, the choice mechanic can lead to the death of one or multiple characters. The game functions on an auto-save system, preventing players from restarting after making a bad decision. Good luck surviving the unknown horrors of Until Dawn.
Until Dawn uses state-of-the-art facial recognition software to display the full range of emotions that characters display.
Starring some recognizable Hollywood actors/actresses, Until Dawn has an all-star cast.
9. Rise of the Tomb RaiderPlatforms: PC | Xbox 360 | Xbox One | PS4
Travel to Kitezh, a legendary city with ties to immortality. You play as Lara Croft (duh), and explore tombs/ hubs to unearth treasure and secrets. You can play through the main campaign, however there are plenty of rewarding side missions sprinkled throughout the game. Fight by melee, firearm, or bow and arrow to kick some enemy butt in this crazy adventure game.
Captivating graphics and an engrossing story will engage you as Lara traverses the fabled landscapes.
Play as one of the strongest female protagonists in the gaming world, and kick some dude butt.
8. Bioshock InfinitePlatforms: PC | Xbox 360 | PS3
Taking place in the year 1912, you play as a former detective hired to find a woman in the flying city of Columbia. Wielding the same gameplay structure as previous Bioshock games, you can fight using weapons and kinetic powers. This first-person shooter has one of the most intricate and captivating stories of any game I’ve ever played. With choices that effect gameplay, choose wisely and overcome the government!
You can wield up to two weapons at a time, either discovering them in levels, or picking them up from defeated enemies.
Pictured is Elizabeth, your AI teammate and fated partner.
7. The Last of UsPlatforms: PS3 | PS4
Craving a post-apocalyptic game? The Last of Us stars two humans trying to survive as they traverse the U.S. after a fungal outbreak that turned many others into cannibals. This third-person survival horror has you wielding various weapons and firearms to survive the new world, and even has an online multiplayer mode. Follow Joel and Ellie on their harrowing journey, with story DLC and a fantastic soundtrack, don’t pass up on this great play.
Play as Joel and Ellie, and fall in love with the complexity of their characters.
It’s hard to decide who to trust in post-apocalyptic The Last of Us.
6. Starcraft 2Platforms: PC
Taking place four years after the Brood War, play as Terran, Zerg, and Protoss in this real time strategy game. Starcraft 2 is extremely engaging with it’s focus on micromanagement. With two additional campaigns available as expansions, you can learn more about each species while you play the game that South Korea decided to get way too good at. Find a friend that’s willing to practice with you, and train yourself to win!
Play through the story or battle opponents online.
Decide which species to play with: Protoss (pictured), Zerg, or Terran.
5. Mass Effect 2Platforms: PC | Xbox 360 | PS3
In the 22nd century, humanity’s very existence is threatened by an insect-like alien species. Mass Effect 2 stars a human soldier that is destined for death as they attempt to eliminate the alien invaders. This action RPG has been streamlined and simplified from its predecessor. This being said, gameplay additions such as regenerative abilities are balanced by a lack of ammo, making for a firm but fair experience that makes it the highest rated game in the series according to Metacritic.
Mass Effect 2’s introduction makes you wish you became an astronaut.
With an incredible storyline, Mass Effect 2 draws you in for the long haul.
4. Tekken 7Platforms: PC | Xbox One | PS4 | Arcade
This edition of this classic fighting game series shows what happens right before Heihachi and his son, Kazuya, have their final battle. With new and returning characters, Tekken 7 introduces new fighting powers and improved graphics. Without taking away from what we all know and love, the gameplay is still 1v1. Have fun kicking the crap out of your friends in Tekken 7.
The story begins with Heihachi reminiscing, leading up to his son’s will to defeat him.
With a movie-like story, who needs to go to the theatres?
3. Resident Evil 7Platforms: PC | Xbox One | PS4 | Nintendo Switch
Resident Evil 7 gets back to its roots in this installment, becoming centered on exploration more than action. For those begging RE to become more horror-based again, your prayers have been answered. Taking a different approach, RE7 uses a first-person view as well as depicting brand new characters. Although a little different than your original RE zombies, the bad guys still quell your horror addictions.
You play as Ethan, whose search for his wife leads him to a nightmarish setting.
RE gets back to basics and focuses on exploration and puzzles.
2. Gears of War 4Platforms: PC | Xbox One
Humanity has been struggling to survive, and has thus declared martial law to ‘protect’ citizens from travel and the dangers outside the city. Gears of War 4 takes place approximately 25 years after the third installment, and introduces a new threat to humanity’s survival. In this third-person shooter, weather and monsters are a huge threat and cannot be taken lightly. This experience can even be shared via co-op play to help humanity in their dark days.
Gears of War 4 begins perfectly so that it is relatively self-contained, allowing for players to start here instead of playing the whole series.
Battle incredible monsters while you try to save humanity from collapse.
1. Detroit: Become HumanPlatforms: PS4 | PC
Ever get scared that the Skynet scenario from Terminator might happen? Detroit: Become Human explores the idea that androids created by humans may become sentient one day. It’s a terrifying thought, but they couldn’t have done a better job. This game is reliant on the choices you make, and your decisions can heavily influence the course of the story. It is possible for characters to die, and the story will simply continue on as life does. With wonderful voice acting and an enthralling story, you’ll be captivated by our number one pick.
An interactive settings menu is one of the first things you’ll notice when playing this game.
Decisions heavily influence the outcome of the game, so be wary.
If you're looking for more video game reccomendations, check these articles out:
