Best Story-Heavy Games Like The Last Of Us Part 2

Regardless of the massive controversy that has plagued The Last of Us Part 2 since its release, there's no denying that the story is pretty daring and resonates with people who appreciate the narrative that Naughty Dog strove to integrate into this title. Now that the toxic discourse surrounding this game has died down, players can enjoy this game for what it is and check out Ellie and Abby's story, which is told in a nuanced and interesting manner.

Those who loved The Last of Us Part 2 and want to check out more games in the same vein will love other such story-heavy titles that touch upon the same themes and are just as cinematic, if not more. These games feature amazing narratives that will capture the player's attention in much the same way as Joel and Ellie's adventures have.

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Updated November 19, 2024, by Vlad Mazanko: Years after its release, The Last of Us Part 2 remains a landmark in narrative-driven gaming, setting a standard for storytelling that many studios aspire to achieve. In the time since, numerous games have introduced their own nuanced, cinematic narratives with richly developed characters that feel genuinely alive and emotionally resonant. As such, this list has been updated to include additional story-heavy titles that excel at crafting gripping narratives while being set in dark and perilous worlds where high stakes amplify the emotional weight of the story.

15 Death Stranding

A Hideo Kojima Masterpiece That Features Complex Characters And A Distinctive World

Death Stranding encapsulates everything that fans of Hideo Kojima have come to love, building on the visionary creator's legacy from the Metal Gear Solid series. It takes core elements like cinematic storytelling and an exceptional cast of characters to unprecedented heights. Known for its deeply story-driven nature, the game features extensive cutscenes, some of the longest and most detailed in gaming, weaving a narrative few other titles can rival.

The characters in Death Stranding are equally compelling, each with unique personalities and imaginative traits that are deeply tied to the game's futuristic post-apocalyptic setting. Moreover, the game allows players to complete it with minimal reliance on violence, offering a meditative and thought-provoking experience. This approach complements the core themes of connection and rebuilding, making Death Stranding as much about reflection as it is about innovation.

14 Tomb Raider (2013)

A Grounded And Deeply Character-Driven Reimagining Of An Iconic Series

The latest Tomb Raider reboot ushered in the most grounded and character-focused trilogy in the franchise's history, redefining young Lara Croft as a vulnerable and relatable human being rather than an invincible superhero. Tomb Raider (2013) is packed with conflict, tragedy, and emotional depth, supported by standout performances and a gripping narrative. The game's story captivates with unexpected twists and revelations, delivering drama and tension that elevate it above traditional action-adventure tales.

From a gameplay standpoint, Tomb Raider strikes a balance between The Last of Us and Naughty Dog's Uncharted series. While it offers the intense combat and platforming that fans of Uncharted might expect, it takes a darker, more grounded approach, bringing a sense of survival and urgency that sets it apart from Nathan Drake's mostly lighthearted escapades.

13 BioShock Infinite

A Celebrated, Impactful Story Set Against The Stunning Flying City Of Columbia

BioShock Infinite is arguably the most celebrated entry in the acclaimed immersive sim trilogy, praised equally for its one-of-a-kind setting — the breathtaking flying city of Columbia — and its deeply twisted, mind-bending narrative. The story weaves together unexpected revelations, emotional highs, and meticulous attention to detail, blending human drama with a fictional universe that feels eerily real despite its fantastical rules.

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Much like The Last of Us series, BioShock Infinite features a well-written AI companion at its core. Elizabeth is more than just an ally; her rich character development, seamless integration into gameplay, and deep connection to the protagonist elevate her role to a standout feature of the game. Her abilities and her narrative significance are integral to the experience, making her one of gaming's most memorable companions.

12 The Evil Within 2

Multiple Interwoven Tales Delivering A Profound, Emotional Quest To Save One's Family

Reminiscent of The Last of Us Part 2 not just in its story-heavy approach but also in its gameplay style, The Evil Within 2 offers a gripping survival horror experience. The game begins as a deeply personal journey for detective Sebastian Castellanos but soon expands into a complex narrative that intertwines multiple storylines. Thanks to the twisted and unpredictable nature of the STEM simulation, players are treated to a series of unique and memorable episodes filled with psychological tension and haunting visuals.

The sequel makes a significant leap forward from its predecessor by introducing more varied gameplay and semi-open-world sections. These areas are teeming with secrets to uncover, optional objectives to pursue, and chilling encounters to survive. The Evil Within 2's combination of linear and exploratory elements allows for both intense, focused moments and opportunities to get immersed in the eerie world at the players' own pace.

11 God Of War Ragnarök

A Compelling Narrative Centered Around The End Of The World

Most people were disappointed that the new iteration of God of War would end with the second game. They felt that the potential of this narrative could've set the stage for another trilogy of excellent action-adventure games that are a blast to play through. In a way, this is a good problem to have, since people clearly loved Ragnarök so much that the only negative they can bring up is that the game ended way too quickly.

The narrative chops of this game are heightened extensively, with the stakes being upped by a hefty margin. After Odin was built up in the first game, trying to tackle this malevolent god and stop him from carrying out his heinous acts makes for a great time. As the story develops, Atreus and Kratos' bond deepens as the father-son duo becomes closer than ever before.

10 A Plague Tale: Requiem

An Emotional And Gut-Wrenching Step Forward Over Its Predecessor

A Plague Tale: Requiem is a game clearly inspired by The Last of Us series, particularly in its narrative focus. It features a duo of characters with a similar dynamic — an older sister protecting her younger brother — who must endure and survive the dangers of their world. With its strong emphasis on cinematic storytelling, intense character interactions, a brutal and dark setting, impressive visuals, and a deeply moving story, A Plague Tale is not just a game to play; it is an emotional journey that will tug at the players' heartstrings.

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While A Plague Tale: Requiem is an excellent sequel, it's highly recommended to start with A Plague Tale: Innocence for those looking to experience the full story. Both games closely follow similar narrative themes and feature many characters who appear throughout the series. Moreover, the first game offers a vital introduction to the protagonists, Amicia and Hugo de Rune, whose emotional moments elevate the appeal of the sequel.

9 Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Playing As Two Different Web-Crawlers Is A Lot Of Fun

After the immense success of Marvel's Spider-Man, fans wondered how the sequel would up the ante for the two web crawlers who were poised to play a major role in the events to come. From the very opening of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, it was clear that Insomniac Studios would move things in a new, fresh direction that would titillate players to no end.

This makes Marvel's Spider-Man 2 one of the best games featuring everyone's favorite webhead, with Peter's dark side showing as the Venom symbiote slowly takes hold of him. Watching him come to grips with this newfound aggression before letting it go and tacking the symbiote in its purest form makes for an amazing ending to one of the best stories ever told in a Spider-Man game.

8 Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden

A Character-Driven Adventure With Plenty Of Hard-Hitting Moral Choices

With traversal and combat reminiscent of the modern God of War games, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden places a strong emphasis on its lead characters, Red and Anthea, as well as the various people they encounter on their journey through the harsh Frontier. The story in Banishers is dark, layered, and filled with tough moral choices that have unpredictable outcomes, providing both thrills and thought-provoking moments between the game's quieter scenes. As Red, players often face moral dilemmas, weighing the well-being of strangers against their personal desires and goals.

One of the game's strengths is the flexibility it offers. Players can choose to focus on a personal adventure with minimal distractions or dive deep into side quests, exploration, and combat. In short, Banishers allows each player to tailor their experience based on their interests and how they want to engage with the game's world.

7 Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

A Well-Told Side Story Focused On Chloe And Nadine

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy is a great side story featuring two strong women from the series who get their time to shine in this amazing title. Chloe and Nadine are excellent characters who players will have a great time with as they explore new areas and embark on another adventure for the ages.

Along the way, they take out numerous enemies and encounter friendly faces in a bid to prevent anything of value from falling into the wrong hands. The narrative may not have the emotional weight of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, but that shouldn't take away from the cinematic spectacle of The Lost Legacy. The banter between the two protagonists lends life to every set piece, with the quest to stop Azav from plunging India into a civil war upping the stakes in this adventure.

6 Telltale's The Walking Dead

Lee And Clementine's Struggles To Survive During The Zombie Apocalypse Is Engaging

The Walking Dead is the game that catapulted Telltale to superstardom, with the story of Lee and Clementine being an emotional journey with numerous hopeful highs and devastating lows. The sheer amount of tragedy present in this tale is as harrowing as can be, with the supporting cast more than pulling its weight.

From finding Clementine to forming a group that goes through several grueling situations, Lee's attempts to keep Clementine safe at all costs are as compelling as can be. Kenny, Ben, Lilly, and the other characters have their own struggles that Lee can help them out with, and the game peaks with a devastating conclusion that will coax many players to shed a few tears.