Modern video games are putting more and more emphasis on storytelling, turning it into a key element of the gaming experience. A well-crafted story not only enhances player immersion but also serves as a powerful marketing tool, drawing audiences into rich and meticulously designed worlds.
While multiplayer projects and some Nintendo games still manage without complex narratives, most gamers now expect deep lore and engaging storytelling. Some developers take the art of storytelling to the extreme, creating plots that amaze with their scale and unexpected twists. Here’s a selection of the most unique and epic stories in PS5 games.
8. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth – Crime, Intrigue, and Conspiracies
The Yakuza series has always been known for its blend of dramatic crime stories and absurd mini-games. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth continues this tradition while adding a touch of restraint.
This direct sequel follows Ichiban Kasuga as he tries to adapt to life outside the yakuza. However, he soon finds himself entangled in a whirlwind of violence, religious cults, and political conspiracies on the sunny beaches of Hawaii.
7. Resident Evil 4 – Escape from Spain
The Resident Evil franchise has such a convoluted story that summarizing it is a real challenge. Among its many twists and turns, Resident Evil 4 stands out as a relatively self-contained entry in the series.
Leon Kennedy travels to a Spanish village to rescue the president’s daughter but soon finds himself battling parasite-infected villagers, grotesque mutants, and intense action sequences. This game is a prime example of how to craft a suspenseful horror experience with a cinematic touch.
6. Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion – A Corrupt Vegetable Kingdom
Games featuring conspiracies are common, but Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion takes this theme in a completely unexpected direction. This satirical adventure stars a turnip who is on the run for dodging taxes.
What starts as a simple refusal to pay bills escalates into a full-blown conflict involving shady mayoral schemes and mafia-style showdowns. Along the way, players will encounter post-apocalyptic elements, tons of humor, and some truly outrageous plot twists.
5. Genshin Impact – Political Intrigue and Elemental Powers
JRPGs are known for their complex narratives, and Genshin Impact is a shining example. This free-to-play game constantly expands its story, introducing new plot arcs through in-game events and comics.
The central conflict unfolds between seven nations, each ruled by an Archon embodying a specific element. Despite relying on classic storytelling tropes, the game delivers a grand-scale adventure with intricate lore and engaging twists.
4. Tekken 8 – Family Drama and Demonic Heritage
When characters survive being thrown into a volcano, you know the story is going to be intense. The Tekken series has always featured over-the-top narratives, and the eighth installment is no exception.
Beyond its classic fighting mechanics, the story delves into world domination struggles, genetic mutations, demonic powers, and deep personal conflicts between characters battling their inner darkness.
3. Harold Halibut – A Stop-Motion Sci-Fi Drama
Harold Halibut stands out not only for its unique claymation-style visuals but also for its heavy emphasis on storytelling. Essentially an interactive movie with minimal gameplay, the game focuses on narrative depth.
The story follows a failed mission to save humanity, which ends with a spaceship crashing into the ocean of an unknown planet. Centuries later, the protagonist—technician Harold—leads a monotonous life in an underwater colony until he encounters an alien being that changes his fate forever.
2. Doki Doki Literature Club Plus – A Romantic Horror with Meta Elements
At first glance, Doki Doki Literature Club Plus looks like a cute visual novel, but beneath its anime-style exterior lies a psychological horror experience that can truly shock players.
It’s hard to explain why this game is so unique without spoilers, but suffice it to say that it breaks the fourth wall, manipulates player expectations, and creates an unsettling sense of losing control over the game itself.
1. Alan Wake 2 – A Living Nightmare
The first Alan Wake became a cult classic due to its mysterious story, but the sequel takes narrative complexity to the next level. Alan Wake 2 doesn’t just continue the tale of a writer whose stories come to life—it expands Remedy Entertainment’s universe, linking it to Quantum Break and Control.
Players will be drawn into a psychological thriller where reality and fiction constantly intertwine, creating one of the most intricate yet gripping stories in PS5 gaming.
