While for many players video games are all about fast-paced action or multiplayer fun, some narrative-driven productions offer a different kind of experience.
Utilizing games as a way to tell personal stories and explore human psychology, introspective games take us on emotional journeys through themes of identity, relationships, loss, and growth.
Introspective Story Games
Today, we’ll explore the fascinating world of introspective story games with a short guide including seven thought-provoking titles you definitely don’t want to miss out on. Just don’t forget to bring some tissues!
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | Video | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Life Is Strange Remastered Collection | 2022-02-01 | Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure | Deck Nine | |
 | Firewatch | 2016-02-10 | Indie & Adventure | Campo Santo | |
 | What Remains Of Edith Finch | 2017-04-24 | Adventure & Puzzle | Giant Sparrow | |
 | Disco Elysium | 2019-10-15 | Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure | ZA/UM | |
 | The Stanley Parable | 2013-10-17 | Indie | Galactic Cafe | |
 | GRIS | 2018-12-13 | Puzzle & Adventure | Nomada Studio | |
 | Spiritfarer | 2020-08-18 | Platform & Simulator | Thunder Lotus Games |
Life is Strange
Set in the fictional town of Arcadia Bay, Life is Strange (2015) follows the story of teenage photography enthusiast, Max Caulfield, who discovers her time-rewinding superpowers.
Life is Strange Remastered Collection
Release Date: February 01, 2022
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
The game quickly became a cult classic due to its unique, nostalgic atmosphere and relatable characters. Its episodic format and branching dialogue add interactivity to Max’s emotional journey of self-discovery, friendship, trauma, and the consequences of one’s actions and decisions.
Firewatch
Following a story of a fire lookout, Henry, Firewatch (2016) is a unique walking simulator set in the Wyoming wilderness in 1989.
Firewatch
Release Date: February 09, 2016
Genres: Adventure, Indie
As the relationship between Henry and his supervisor, Delilah, develops through daily radio communication, players learn more about the protagonist’s past and explore subjects such as loneliness and escapism – all while piecing together local mysteries.
What Remains of Edith Finch
This BAFTA-winning title is one of the most highly regarded games in the walking simulator genre, thanks to its amazing visuals and original game design, which contribute to a charming yet sometimes emotionally poignant experience.
What Remains of Edith Finch
Release Date: April 24, 2017
Genres: Puzzle, Adventure, Indie
Masterfully crafted exploration of family history focused on themes of death, legacy, and memory makes What Remains of Edith Finch (2017) an unforgettable interactive story about human life and roots.
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium (2019), a beloved isometric detective RPG featuring dialogue and internal monologue as main ways of presenting the story-rich plot, is considered one of the best narrative-driven experiences in modern gaming.
Disco Elysium
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure, Indie
Perfectly mixing intellectual depth, lore complexity, and engaging narrative coming from a troubled investigator struggling with memory loss and addiction, the game stands out from the CRPG crowd with its both down-to-earth and philosophical tone.
The Stanley Parable
With its unique storytelling and philosophical, yet often humorous vibe, The Stanley Parable (2013) is a brilliant example of an original concept becoming a self-aware gaming experience.
The Stanley Parable
Release Date: October 17, 2013
Genres: Adventure, Indie
Players navigate an office building as titular Stanley, guided by a narrator commenting on every action they take. Serving as a commentary on obedience and freedom, the game encourages taking control of the game – and life – in one-of-a-kind meta-narrative style.
Gris
Dealing with themes of grief and healing, Gris (2018) is a visually stunning, artistic platformer that utilizes colour, music, and movement to present its story.
GRIS
Release Date: December 13, 2018
Genres: Platform, Puzzle, Adventure, Indie
Titular Gris is a young girl struggling with personal issues, searching for hope and peace. With no text and no combat, the game’s narrative is supposed to be universal and understandable for every player, no matter what language they speak.
Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition
Following the touching yet lovely story of Stella, a ferrymaster for the deceased, Spiritfarer (2020) is an emotional journey set in a fantasy, hand-drawn world.
Spiritfarer
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Genres: Platform, Simulator, Adventure, Indie
Despite a relaxing gameplay featuring elements of management, exploration, and platforming, the game utilizes character-focused storytelling to cover subjects such as dying, loss, grief, and making peace with oneself, making Spiritfarer a uniquely bittersweet experience.
Storytelling in Games
Despite various genres and aesthetics, each of the presented games demonstrates the amazing power of storytelling and introspective design in video games.
We highly recommend checking them out if you’re looking for thought-provoking and emotional experiences – we’re sure you won’t regret it!