Video games are well beyond the point of questioning the validity of the medium’s storytelling capabilities. Technological advancements in tandem with more ambitious game development has led to video games providing some incredible narrative works. 2020 was no different, as numerous highly-anticipated and surprising hits showed how far video games have come as a vehicle for narrative expression.Note: Some games may require mild story spoilers to discuss the merits of its storytelling. If players want to go into any of these games completely fresh, please consider returning to the article after completion of the game.
Narrative adventures throughout 2020 saw very diverse critical and commercial reception, ranging from universal praise to extremely divisive. Regardless, all of these games pushed the medium’s capabilities forward in terms of writing and narrative design. Some of these games took risks, innovated and iterated on video game storytelling methods to create something previously unseen. Others honed, refined, and expanded on existing stories in unexpected ways. 2020 was an impressive mix of the usual triple-A suspects and impressive independent efforts as well. Presented in no specific order, here are the best stories and narratives to come from games in 2020.
11Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Of all the most-requested settings for anAssassin’s Creedgame, the Viking Age was certainly high up on the list.Assassin’s Creed Valhalladelivers on that Viking Age promise, but also brings with it one of the bestAssassin’s Creednarratives to date. For all of the main quests, as well as the detours throughout England and beyond, the game’s narrative momentum never really loses its steam over time.Valhallaonce again refines the RPG-styleAssassin’s Creedgame with narrative choices that feelfar more impactful on Eivor’s personality and story, compared toAssassin’s Creed Odyssey.
The difference between Viking culture, Dark Age England’s society, and how moralities clash between kings and clans, is surprisingly complex for anAssassin’s Creedgame. There’s never an inherently right or wrong answer, and players will need to decide what’s right for them often. This is the kind of choice and consequence thatAssassin’s Creed Odysseynudged at, butAssassin’s Creed Valhallafully delivers.
10Cyberpunk 2077
Controversy and performance issues aside, CD Projekt Red’s biggest strength has always been its storytelling.Cyberpunk 2077’s many bugs and performance issues, unfortunately, emphasize that notion, but to be fair, V’s escapades in Night City are compelling and varied. The main quest line basically introduces the hesitant companion in Johnny Silverhand, whose chaotic commentary acts as the rebellious digital manifestation of the “devil on your shoulder” adage. Players are given the freedom to make their own choices, but Silverhand’s surprising amount of screen time has an indelible impact on players and can shape their morals around his ideas.
Of course, being the sprawling RPG that it is, the variety of side quests and secondary stories throughoutCyberpunk 2077are just as compelling in different ways.Cyberpunk 2077does inundate players with quests both large and small, but it’s the longform story-driven side quests that shine the most. Whether it’s avenging the death of a loved one, or rescuing self-driving cabs from becoming sentient,Cyberpunk 2077’s side quests hold a variety of strange subject matter worth seeing. Tackling issues of depression, addiction, personality disorders, these side quests feature interesting stories that emphasize the world’s vulnerable humanity, in spite of its neo-futurism.
9Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Taking a genre and generation-defining JRPG and rebuilding it from the ground up was certainly unexpected. And yet, fans seemed to wishFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeinto reality after years of asking for it. While the game’s visual and systemic overhaul has made it one ofthe most beautiful games from 2020,Final Fantasy 7 Remakealso expands the game’s narrative far beyond the original game’s constraints. Even if the game’s story isn’t even close to being finished,Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s storytelling is an interesting dichotomy between being a love-letter to the original and reimagining the original’s narrative.
Somehow,Final Fantasy 7 Remakemasterfully remains wholly faithful to its source material, whilst also sliding in piecemeal changes throughout the game’s story. Even as the narrative follows all the similar story beats from the original game, it’s clear not everything is the same as before.Final Fantasy 7 Remakewalks a fine line between celebrating and alienating fans of the original game, but for now, the game balances its desire to tell a new story with celebrating the original masterfully.
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8Ghost of Tsushima
Western game studios have rarely tackled feudal Japanese narratives at all, much less with a level of respect and attention thatGhost of Tsushimashows. Thisalternate-reality telling of the Mongol invasion of Japanin the 13th century provides an interesting twist on the Samurai’s tale. While many Samurai stories are filled with moral lessons and ethical codes to live by, Jin’s journey inGhost of Tsushimais all about opposing the Samurai’s code out of necessity.
Fighting with honor and respect is paramount to a Samurai’s reputation, but Jin quickly realizes that stealth and deception will be the only way to truly defeat the Mongols. His consistent struggle with the ethics of battle give his revenge story an interesting perspective, one that’s unique to Samurai media and games as well.
7Hades
Roguelike games aren’t known for their compelling stories, butHadeswas able to meld that gameplay style with compelling character workto make a story worth paying attention to. Even as Zagreus and the player are frustrated from constantly failing and trying again in the Underworld, the many deities that come to support the player make all the effort worthwhile. Dying is not a fail-state inHades, it’s a vehicle for character development, relationships, and narrative progress. The contemporary adaptation of Greek mythology grounds these iconic characters from folklore into characters players can grow attached to, regardless of how many times they die.
6Immortals Fenyx Rising
While Ubisoft Quebec is most known for adapting Greek mythology intoAssassin’s Creed Odyssey, the studio also took a more satirical approach withImmortals Fenyx Rising. Previously known asGods and Monsters,Immortals' storytelling parodies Greek mythologyin a way that celebrates the folklore without taking itself too seriously. This game isn’t a history lesson, at least, not a serious one. Prometheus and Zeus' playful banter throughout the narrative emphasizes the game’s light-hearted take on the often-disturbing tones of Greek myth, as seen inHades. Even if the gameplay is heavily reminiscent of a certain Nintendo open world game, the game’s comical take on Greek folklore is a fun romp that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
5The Last of Us 2
AddressingThe Last of Us 2’s narrative means discussing its divisiveness, there’s simply no avoiding that fact. However, in a way that’s part of the beauty of its storytelling, depending on the player’s perspective.The Last of Us 2’s narrative is deliberately designed to be frustrating, with irregular pacing and a perspective change that’s supposed to be unfair, instilling an emotional confusion that likely caused much of the game’s backlash from fans. Revenge inThe Last of Us 2is depicted as a fruitless endeavor regardless of the effort or justification, and it’sEllie’s stubborn realization of this that carriesThe Last of Us 2’s narrativethroughout each playthrough.
Without diving into specific spoilers, there are several contentious character developments and narrative choices throughoutThe Last of Us 2that have been the subject of debate since the game’s release. Mileage certainly varies for everyone that played throughThe Last of Us 2, but that’s part of its brilliance.
4Spiritfarer
Dubbed the “cozy management sim about dying,“Spiritfarer’s journey is rarely somber in spite of its subject material. Stella’s adventures across the sea of Styx has her mingling with the spirits she’s shepherding to the afterlife often. Players get to know these anthropomorphic caricatures and their real-life equivalents over time as the Spiritfarer boat sails along to these spirits' final resting places. Stella learns of their life experiences, valuable lessons they can impart on to the player, and ultimately say goodbye to these characters players grow to love over the journey. Rarely do video games tackle the emotional strain of death, butSpiritfarerhandles it beautifully.
3Tell Me Why
Transgender character narratives in media are a rare breed altogether, but that’s especially true for video games. Homosexuality and transgender characters have often been the butt of jokes in games, butTell Me Whyendeavored to tell a transgender narrative unabashedly. While the focus ofTell Me Why’s tale is dealing with early childhood trauma between two siblings, Tyler’s narrative is the clear standout from the adventure.
Characters from Tyler’s hometown witness his transition and react in different ways, though never in a way that’s stereotypically tackling transphobia. There’s discrimination, but there’s also acceptance, throughout Tyler’s journey, all handled with surprising tact and respect for transgender identity.
2Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragonis a storytelling feat for the long-running Japanese crime drama series. For one thing, to replace the protagonist of a franchise that’s been around for over a decade with someone new, that’s a daunting task. But to make Ichiban Kasuga’s storyjust as memorable and surprisingly nuanced as Kazuma Kiryu’s story, that’s an even more impressive feat.Like a Dragon’s story definitely hit all the melodramatic narrative beats of previousYakuzagames. However, the game also spotlighted the darker portions of Japanese culture and society with incredible tact and respect, aspects that were previously glossed over in previous entries.
ThroughoutYakuza: Like a Dragon’s not-so-typical Hero’s Journey are sub-textual narratives that tackle the various darker shades of Japanese society: Ichiban and Nanba live through the struggles of metropolitan homelessness in Japan, Adachi is a victim of law enforcement corruption by the Yakuza, Saeko’s family is torn apart by her sister’s sex work and her father’s condition.Like a Dragontackles political issues just as often as it places Ichiban and the party in preposterous scenarios to introduce some narrative levity. It’s an interesting balance of emotions that probably shouldn’t work, but it’s alsoa balance thatYakuzahas honed and refined for the last decade.
