Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2
Publisher: Rockstar / Developer: Rockstar San Diego
Release Date: 26th Oct 2018 (USA) / 26th Oct 2018 (UK/EU)
Available On:

Unlike so many other games, Red Dead Redemption 2 is not afraid to let its characters breathe. For such a big blockbuster, the deliberate pacing can be off-putting, but by giving you the opportunity to get to know its cast of flawed characters, the pay-off is so much sweeter. As a prequel, you can easily predict where Arthur Morgan’s story is going, but Rockstar makes you care about each and every one of the Van Der Linde gang, as it embeds you in a changing turn-of-the-century world that is both beautiful and brutal.

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NieR: Automata

NieR: Automata
NieR: Automata
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: 7th Mar 2017 (USA) / 10th Mar 2017 (UK/EU)

One of many games that deals with the subject of sentient artificial intelligence, NieR Automata’s approach couldn’t be more different to the likes of Detroit: Become Human. Essentially an open world action game, the title uses multiple playthroughs and overlapping characters to bring its story to life. It can, at times, be a slog – but stick with it right the way through to its third and final campaign, and you’ll be richly rewarded.

Marvel's Spider-Man

Marvel's Spider-Man
Marvel's Spider-Man
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment / Developer: Insomniac Games
Release Date: 7th Sep 2018 (USA) / 7th Sep 2018 (UK/EU)
Available On:

In addition to ultra fun web-slinging, versatile combat, and a gorgeous open world Manhattan, Marvel's Spider-Man also tells a surprisingly strong story. Insomniac's spin on the character sees Peter Parker struggling to keep his life together in his early twenties as his superhero duties start to get out of control. By cleverly humanising the key villains and merging them into Peter's personal life, the narrative is about as relatable and heartfelt as a superhero blockbuster can be. A highly enjoyable Spider-Man tale with some great twists and turns fans will love.

Inside

Inside
Inside
Publisher: Playdead / Developer: Playdead
Release Date: 23rd Aug 2016 (USA) / 23rd Aug 2016 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

There are plenty of theories that attempt to make sense of Inside’s story, but we like to believe it’s interpretative art, and the true meaning will differ depending on the player. This is a very dark, very thought-provoking experience, with some extremely smart puzzles and a haunting aesthetic. It’s one of the shorter games on this list, but that doesn’t make it any less essential.

Ghost of Tsushima (PS4)

Ghost of Tsushima (PS4)
Ghost of Tsushima (PS4)
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment / Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Release Date: 17th Jul 2020 (USA) / 17th Jul 2020 (UK/EU)

Ghost of Tsushima certainly doesn’t have the most in-depth story of the games on this list, but its peppered with memorable moments and more than compelling enough to keep you playing through to the end. Some touching side-quests head in unexpected directions, and Sucker Punch’s historical Japanese sandbox provides a gorgeous backdrop for all of the action that takes place. Surprisingly emotional stuff.

God of War

God of War
God of War
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment / Developer: SCE Santa Monica Studio
Release Date: 20th Apr 2018 (USA) / 20th Apr 2018 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

BOY! Who would've thought that Santa Monica Studio could claw back any personality for Kratos, the angriest character in gaming history? With Cory Barlog leading the charge, not only is the latest God of War the best in the series, but it also tells the best story of the bunch, too. Humanising Kratos by way of his more compassionate son Atreus is a stroke of genius. The Ghost of Sparta has become the most likeable he's ever been, and that's thanks to an amazing adventure filled with great characters, set-pieces, and revelatory moments.

What Remains of Edith Finch

What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive / Developer: Giant Sparrow
Release Date: 25th Apr 2017 (USA) / 25th Apr 2017 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

What Remains of Edith Finch is up there with the best in the maligned 'walking simulator' genre of narrative based adventures. Featuring several vignettes focusing on the deaths in the unfortunate Finch family, the variety in storytelling techniques is dialed up to 11. It's all held together by an absurdly well-realised house environment that creaks with character, and is a narrative tool all on its own. The melancholy story packs a real punch, and is more than worthy of a place in our list.

Horizon: Zero Dawn

Horizon: Zero Dawn
Horizon: Zero Dawn
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment / Developer: Guerrilla Games
Release Date: 28th Feb 2017 (USA) / 1st Mar 2017 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

One of the best aspects of Aloy's grand adventure across a post-post-apocalyptic America is the tale at the heart of it. We won't spoil too much just in case you've yet to play Guerrilla's open world epic, but the combination of ultra-futuristic science fiction and tribal side stories presents a very unique story among modern games. The overarching mystery of why the world is how it is drives players forward, drip feeding exposition throughout, and it's incredibly compelling stuff.

The Last Guardian

The Last Guardian
The Last Guardian
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment / Developer: Team Ico
Release Date: 6th Dec 2016 (USA) / 9th Dec 2016 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

Despite an agonisingly prolonged development period, The Last Guardian miraculously emerged as another stellar Fumito Ueda adventure. Like his other games, this tale of Trico and a young boy hits you right in the feels as you build up a wonderful relationship with the giant creature. Divisive as the game is, Trico is an incredibly well-realised AI companion, and your largely wordless trek across crumbling ruins packs real emotional punch. Somehow living up to Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, this is an essential PS4 experience.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
Publisher: SEGA / Developer: Yakuza Studio
Release Date: 17th Apr 2018 (USA) / 17th Apr 2018 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

Yakuza 6 has one of the best stories in the entire series — and that's saying a heck of a lot. Although the game focuses solely on recurring protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, Push Square's biggest man crush solidifies himself as one of the greatest characters in modern gaming with an unbelievable performance in what's supposed to be his final outing. The emotion, the drama, the mind-blowing twists — it's all here and it's absolutely gripping stuff from start to finish. The only problem is that getting the most from this narrative requires playing through at least two or three of the previous Yakuza games.