5 Best Video Game Storylines of 2022

What is it about video game storylines that stick with us? Is it the compelling characters, a rich plot, or the interactability to the world made possible through gaming? Whether it be any number of these things or simply the experience of enjoying them that makes us hold them dear to our hearts. Many of them will even be remembered for years to come. Below are five games from the year 2022 that are sure to leave an impression on you as you play them.

5. Stray

Stray is a fantastic feline-centered game in a cyberpunk-style universe with one of the most heartwarming video game storylines. Developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game sees players traversing a world through various platforming mechanics. Alongside the platforming, there is a purring puzzle element to the game as well. Allowing players to loaf around and simply be a cat. Whether that be through nuzzling against characters within the game or clawing at objects, or doing what is necessary to progress the narrative.

This is not a lonely cat’s adventure through a world with a cyber-influenced aesthetic the main character has a companion. This robot companion allows NPCs in the game to have their dialogue translated for our furry protagonist. While the protagonist may be cute and cuddly, the world in which the game takes place is anything but. A dystopian future in which creatures known as Zurks have eradicated the human population as well as targeted companion robots as well. Through a harrowing tale of survival that, while being a short experience, is no less impactful if viewed through the right lens.

4. Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a JRPG that takes place in an interesting setting. Namely an amalgamation of the locations from the first two Xenoblade games. With two warring factions in the game and six soldiers in which, the game places you in the shoes of. Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s story has been shown to leave even hardened gamers in tears with its rich character writing. If you have played previous games in the series, then you likely already know that you may be shedding a few tears while playing through the story.

It is the improvements made upon the first two games in the series that make for such a compelling entry. The rich RPG combat will pull you in, but the characters are what will make you stay. This, as well as a strong narrative, makes this title one that gamers looking for a compelling story cannot afford to miss.

3. Elden Ring

Elden Ring is an RPG created by the studio behind the Dark Souls games From Software. Set in a Norse-inspired land dubbed The Lands Between. This makes for an aesthetic setting that works for the Souls title. Players of the Souls series will find that the story of Elden Ring is delivered similarly. Namely delivered through character text and item descriptions rather than flat-out stated in the game. As is typical with Souls games, Elden Ring also has a number of endings. These can be completed by playing the game a certain way and following certain storylines

It serves as a game that many communities could rally around and enjoy. Whether that be for the challenging gameplay or the cooperative experience when playing Elden Ring. Rather than being a niche title for hardcore veterans, this iteration in the Souls series has had crossover appeal and was more widely accepted than other entries. This is no doubt due to the compelling story that was crafted for this game by author George R.R Martin of Game of Thrones fame, who supplied the overarching narrative for the game.

2. Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West is the long-awaited sequel to Guerilla Games smash hit Horizon Zero Dawn. Succeeding in improving the combat in the game, making it more fluid and responsive while retaining the integrity of the narrative that was established in the first title. Following Aloy once again through her journey to find meaning and purpose and a place in the world. Everything that players enjoyed in the first game has been improved upon and refined in the second entry of the series. As Aloy seeks to save a dying world, players will meet various cultures and people throughout their journey. While this is dealt with in the game, the main question the game seeks to answer is what caused the world she is in to be in its current state.

Full of not only notable main story content Horizon Forbidden West also seeks to improve on the side content. Whether that be through refining quest structures or offering more of an incentive toward certain actions such as hunting as well as challenges to complete. All in all, Horizon Forbidden West remains an experience that anyone who has not undertaken the journey would be remiss not to enjoy.

1. Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is a monolith in the gaming industry, and this is no doubt due to its compelling story. Crafted by the creators at HoYoverse. The story of Genshin Impact has only grown in scope and scale as time has passed. The characters that the players encounter have their own motivations and interesting plots. One of the main appeals to Genshin’s story-writing is its interconnectivity. Several characters' stories intertwine or serve to supplement one another. This makes for a world full of compelling characters that players can create fanbases around, making for mass appeal.

Whether it is a main character's story that the players resonate with or a beloved side character, all the characters in the Genshin world are treated with the same amount of love and respect in the way they are fleshed out. Although some parts of the game’s story can only be completed during certain events, it is, without a doubt, one of the finest video game storylines we have today.

So, do you think about these video game storylines? Do you agree with our top five picks? Are there any games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.