Some video games excel at merging fairy tale stories with captivating gameplay, and here you’ll discover which ones do it best!

Fairy tales have accompanied humanity since prehistoric times, so it’s no wonder that many creators find them inspiring in the modern era. From mythological stories to familiar tales and reimagined novels, video game developers love creating fairy tale-inspired games due to their familiar and engaging narratives. Intrigued? Then check out these top story-rich games that let you interact with your favorite fantasy!

GameReleaseGenreDeveloperVideo
The Wolf Among Us 2013-10-11 Point-and-click & Adventure Telltale Games
Brothers A Tale Of Two Sons 2013-09-03 Puzzle & Adventure Starbreeze Studios AB
Child Of Light 2014-04-29 Adventure & Platform Ubisoft Montréal
Lies Of P 2023-09-19 Role-playing (RPG) Round8 Studio
Little Misfortune 2019-09-18 Puzzle & Adventure Killmonday Games HB
Okami HD 2006-04-20 Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) Clover Studio
Alice: Madness Returns 2011-06-14 Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) Spicy Horse Games

The Wolf Among Us

Release date:2013-10-11
Genre:Point-and-click & Adventure
Developer:Telltale Games

Based on Fables comic books, The Wolf Among Us takes players to a world of fairytale characters and stories living in a modern, gritty setting.

Play as Bigby Wolf (aka, Big Bad Wolf) to solve a brutal murder case in a gloomy setting where familiar fairytale characters live in our world. In this game, every choice and the moment you make it influence the story flow, so the fate of your favorite characters lies in your hands!

You may like it because
  • It’s a gritty take on classic tales
  • Choices and the moment you make them matter
  • You can interact with your favorite characters
  • The disturbing setting makes this adventure unforgettable

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

Release date:2013-09-03
Genre:Puzzle & Adventure
Developer:Starbreeze Studios AB

Have you ever read a story about kids trying to save their ill parent by embarking on an epic adventure? That’s A Tale of Two Sons!

Control two brothers as they journey through a dangerous world inspired by Norse folklore to find the precious Water of Life and help them cure their sick father. Solve puzzles, explore a fantasy reality, and see how the adventure gets darker with each step!

You may like it because
  • You can control two brothers simultaneously
  • It’s a beautiful story about overcoming one’s limitations and fears
  • A three-hour-long adventure is perfect for a one-time session
  • It’s an unforgettable emotional experience

Child of Light

Release date:2014-04-29
Genre:Platform & Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure
Developer:Ubisoft Montréal

This game follows Aurora, a young girl from Austria in 1895, as she awakens in the fairytale land of Lemuria.

Child of Light is a role-playing game that follows Aurora as she tries to fight the Queen of the Night, who threatens the fate of Lemuria. Will she be able to regain all the stolen lights? Probably, but only with her friends’ help!

You may like it because
  • It’s a magical story featuring intriguing plot twists
  • The title combines role-playing with action
  • Beautiful graphics make it memorable
  • You can play solo or in co-op with a friend

American McGee's Alice

Release date:2000
Genre:Action
Developer:Rogue Entertainment

Here’s a little something for Alice in Wonderland fans!

Image credit: Rogue Entertainment

American McGee’s Alice is a brutal and bloody take on Lewis Carroll’s novel. To defeat the evil Queen of Hearts and save Wonderland, the heroine must use a rich arsenal of deadly weapons, avoid traps, jump onto floating platforms, and meet all the whimsical characters that inhabit this enchanting world.

You may like it because
  • It’s a creative alternative to the familiar story
  • You’ll have the opportunity to meet characters from your favorite story
  • Action-fueled combat makes it incredibly exciting
  • How you interact with the magical world matters

Lies of P

Release date:2023-09-19
Genre:Role-playing (RPG)
Developer:Round8 Studio

Have you always enjoyed the tale of Pinocchio? You’ll love this game!

Enter the Belle Époque-inspired city of Krat to control Gepetto’s puppet on the journey to discover his destiny. The place is overrun by powerful beasts and twisted monsters, but your skills – if used well – should get the job done. And if that’s not enough, know that the system of lies and truths makes this adventure even more exciting!

You may like it because
  • It’s a reimagined tale of Pinocchio
  • Your choices matter
  • There is dynamic combat against unimaginably powerful enemies
  • Grim world design ensures a unique experience

Ōkami

Release date:2006-04-20
Genre:Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure
Developer:Clover Studio

Play as Amaterasu, a Japanese sun goddess, journeying to defeat the tyrannical Orochi in the beautiful world of Nippon.

Take on the form of the white wolf Shiranui and embark on an epic adventure to defeat the evil demon. Fight, solve puzzles, and use your magic brush to change the surrounding world. Since this game draws inspiration from Japanese mythology and folklore, it’s ideal for anyone who enjoys such themes!

You may like it because
  • It’s a reimagined version of classic Japanese legends
  • The title features a beautiful Sumi-e ink art style
  • The magic brush lets you change the surrounding world
  • Progression makes you even stronger

Little Misfortune

Release date:2019-09-18
Genre:Point-and-click & Platform & Puzzle & Adventure & Indie & Arcade
Developer:Killmonday Games HB

Play as an eight-year-old girl who embarks on an unpredictable adventure to find the prize of Eternal Happiness and give it to her mother.

Little Misfortune is a darkly humorous story where your choices affect the course of the adventure. It’s a highly imaginative journey that lets its players pet various animals (including a fish and the Kraken), commit a crime, visit a pet cemetery, and more!

You may like it because
  • The title combines childlike imagination with dark humor
  • Choices matter
  • You can pet the Kraken
  • The plot will lead you to rather heartbreaking conclusions

It’s fascinating how fairy tale games let us enter worlds that we have only known from other forms of media. We can truly interact with beloved characters, actively participate in dynamic storytelling, influence the plot, and enjoy full immersion into magical realities. It’s like a dream come true for every storybook soul out there!