There's something special about experiencing a really deep story from a first-person perspective. It really puts you into the position of the protagonist, and every moment is on your skin, intimate and fully immersive. Of course, to tell a good story, you don't have to make a first-person game. Red Dead Redemption 2 is proof that a third-person perspective is more than good most of the time.
However, if you love the immersion that comes with first-person games, I have a few suggestions and recommendations for your next story-rich gaming experience. A lot of these are classics, some of them are underappreciated, but above all, they all come with some of the finest storytelling seen in gaming. We'll rank them loosely by how impactful the story is and the depth of immersion.
The Portal Games
A Marriage of Complex Puzzles And Environmental Storytelling
Portal's main charm and focus has always been its puzzles, but it does also come with an absolutely unforgettable story that has to be experienced to be understood. Many consider the Portal games to be a gateway to video gaming in general, and I tend to agree.
The puzzles and the manipulation of environments are the perfect way to jog anyone's mind, while you uncover the events that took place inside Aperture Science Laboratories. A strange AI is speaking to you (in both games), and the atmosphere is somewhat creepy and unsettling. It's a refreshing mystery packed with brilliant environmental storytelling that helps you piece together what happened. In the same breath, I also recommend The Talos Principle, which will appeal to players who fell in love with the Portal games.
Prey
Unravel The Lives Of Talos-I Inhabitants
If you're looking to jump into immersive sims, I recommend starting off with a more recent game, Prey, before trying old but gold titles like Deus Ex or even the System Shock Remake (or even the original). Prey is a mind-bending story of Morgan Yu, part of Talos-I's crew aboard a space station that's being overrun by Typhon enemies. Through audio logs, written clues, and even meeting a few of the remaining survivors, you start to piece together what's happened and the kind of life you led before it all went down.
Your actions actually matter, but this isn't explicitly stated, which makes things a bit exciting. The game tracks how you resolve certain situations, how you build up Morgan's skills, and what quests you complete or ignore. You roam somewhat freely through the different areas of Talos-I at some point, and it truly becomes a story that your version of Morgan Yu tells. There are countless emotional moments and characters you end up caring for, even if you never truly meet them.
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
A Spooky Mystery Walking Simulator
Walking simulators are a great place to look for great storytelling, which is why the Vanishing of Ethan Carter is here. You're a detective with a supernatural ability to see ghosts, and you've arrived in Red Creek Valley to figure out what happened to Ethan Carter. You'll piece together clues, solve puzzles, and most importantly, take in the beautiful views of the wilderness while trying to understand the details of a strange murder.
There's a bit of mild thrill and horror mixed in, so anyone allergic to horror games, beware, but it's nothing like a classic survival horror game. It's an excellent choice if you'd like your story delivered through exploration and gathering clues—and if you happen to be a true crime fan, as well.
What Remains of Edith Finch
Uncover The Stories Of The Finch Family
Edith is the last of her family. To uncover why that is, and how everyone else came to pass, it's your job to go through your family's house and experience every member's final moments. Each family member has their own perspective and personality, which adds some color and flavor to this tragic but beautiful bouquet of stories.
If you already played The Vanishing of Ethan Carter or you're just in general a fan of walking simulators that really focus on delivering a deep, emotional narrative, What Remains of Edith Finch will be right up your alley. Without spoiling too much, the story can get incredibly emotional and sad as you uncover how each generation of the Finch family is somehow connected, so make sure to have a box of tissues nearby.
Firewatch
You're Not Alone In The Wilderness
In Firewatch, you are Henry, a man with a difficult past. You take on a job at a firewatch tower in the beautiful wilderness in the hopes of getting a fresh start and clearing your mind, but as you speak with a woman called Delilah over the radio and uncover strange happenings around the park, the past comes to stare back at you in unexpected ways.
It's a thrilling story about something moving in the wild and watching you, but it's also an emotional ride where characters explore their past and present pains. Choices matter in this walking simulator, so going back for another playthrough is absolutely recommended.
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This article originally appeared on GameRant and is republished here with permission.
