5 Video Game Stories You Should Experience Before You Die

As easy as it would be to ramble on about games you should play this weekend or even next year, it is a little tougher to summarize five absolute essential video games that you should play before you die. Thankfully, a picture (or in this case, a trailer) speaks a thousand words, meaning our two hundred word entries don't have to convince you to pick them up and experience them. With that said, we'll do our best to capture each and every feature that they possess.

Chances are, you've already played through the below five games. In fact, with how much noise they've made over the years, it would be more of a surprise if you haven't. But then, on the off chance that you're fairly new to the gaming world and in are in need of some fantastic storytelling, then allow these following games to be your closest port of call.

5. Firewatch

There's no ignoring the fact that 2016 owned up to having some truly fantastic video games. The BAFTA winning Firewatch, however, stuck with us a little longer than most titles that left its portal. Even with it being compressed into a three to four hour journey, the walking simulator ended up being one of the most engrossing tales ever crafted for the genre.

You fill the boots of Henry, a newly posted fire lookout in the remote region of Shoshone National Forest. With nothing but a friendly voice from a distant tower to keep you company, you're asked to hold the spot for three long and gruelling months. However, when things start to go wrong in the faraway hills and a fire lights up the park, it's your solemn duty to investigate and report. Firewatch is heartwarming, packed full of tension and intrigue, and even rather humourous, depending on the choices you make and the relationship you build with your lookout partner, Delilah.

4. What Remains of Edith Finch

A walking simulator that should reach the apex of your bucket lists is What Remains of Edith Finch. We've said it once and we'll say it a million times more over the next few years. Its gameplay is somewhat limited, as per the walking simulator formula, but that doesn't draw away from the compelling tale that it nails to absolute perfection.

Retuning to the Finch estate after many years, Edith finds herself on an expedition to uncover the cause of the supposed family curse. By shuffling through the nooks and crannies of the towering complex and connecting the dots on the family tree, Edith uncovers a volley of secrets that she dares not believe. The question is: is there really a family curse killing off the Finch family, and if so — does it mean you're next?

3. Journey

Journey just went to show that not every game needs a boatload of context in order to reel a player in. Sometimes, if executed in the correct way, it can be as simple as putting a silent protagonist on a map, a gleaming beacon of light in the faraway mountains, and a whole lot of terrain between. That's Journey, in a nutshell, and it works perfectly.

Over the course of two to three hours, you get to flow with some of the most mesmerising landscapes ever drawn up for a video game. With the odd accomplice joining you (we won't spoil that part) and an enchanting soundtrack to guide your every footstep, you soon become entwined with its unscathed beauty. It's magical, it's elegant, and it is oh so captivating. It's something you should play at least once in your lifetime.

2. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

To this day, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons remains one of the few experiences to actually extract genuine emotions from its narrative. Although only a couple of hours in length, its emotionally charged journey still has all the raw power to make a diehard gaming veteran flood tears. Well, it did the first time, anyway.

Desperate to cure their father's sickness, two brothers set out to conquer a grueling feat, hoping that a prophesized tree holds the remedy to save his life. By working together, the two overcome mounds of obstacles, while also fortifying their own brotherly bond in the process. It's the journey that nestles between that makes the game all worthwhile.

1. Gone Home

If you're after another walking simulator that turns down a challenge and opts for a good old fashioned story in its place, then you'll want to throw Gone Home on your agenda. The good news is, you can beat it in 90 minutes or less, and can even bypass a great deal of its content should you wish to cut to the chase. But with its appealing design and intriguing stories, it almost makes you want to leave no stone unturned.

Gone Home bases its story around Katie, a young woman who's returned home after being overseas for a prolonged period of time. After arriving, she discovers her family home has been deserted, with items still stored in moving boxes. Upon closer inspection, a note implores Katie not to venture into the house and investigate their disappearance. Your goal, of course, is to unravel the ball of wool that the family left behind in the enormous manor.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our above five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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