The Best Story Games on PS4 -

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The Best Story Games on PS4 Dive into a realm of riveting narratives with Sony’s PlayStation 4! Even as we move towards a new generation of consoles, the PS4 continues to be a powerhouse of immersive experiences, boasting a hefty library of story-rich games that spans a plethora of genres and subgenres.

Experience the raw emotion of spellbinding stories with first-party PlayStation titles or lose yourself in the dynamic plots of third-party cross-platform games. Relive the gripping narrative of ‘The Last of Us’, a PS3 original refreshed for the PS4 or embark on an epic fantasy journey with ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’, a must-play RPG of this generation. And it doesn’t end there! As updated by Guillermo Kurten on February 1, 2024, the PS4’s rich catalog of games has plenty of hidden gems to discover. From stories that originated on the console, to ports from the PS3 era, and even remastered experiences for the current-gen PS5 – the PS4 offers a diverse range of story-driven games worth revisiting.

This list has been refined to highlight more of the PS4’s stellar story-driven games, giving you a roadmap to some of the best narratives gaming has to offer.

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The Best Story Games on PS4

The PlayStation 4 era has given us a gold mine of storytelling in video games. Engaging narratives, multidimensional characters, and immersive worlds have turned video games into a serious storytelling medium. For those who appreciate a good story as much as game mechanics, the PS4 console has been home to some truly outstanding titles. From heart-wrenching dramas to epic fantasies, the PS4 library has something for every type of storytelling enthusiast. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best story-driven games available on the PS4—journeys that have etched themselves into the annals of gaming history, and into the hearts of players around the world.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End |The Best Story Games on PS4

Nathan Drake’s final adventure is a masterclass in video game storytelling. The Uncharted series has always been a high-octane rollercoaster with likable characters and beautiful set pieces, but with ‘A Thief’s End’, the narrative depth reaches new heights. The game follows Nathan, who is drawn out of his retirement by his long-lost brother for one last adventure. The story expertly weaves themes of family, legacy, and the cost of obsession as it ricochets between heart-pounding action and quiet, reflective moments.

The game’s stunning visuals and motion-captured performances deepen the tale of treasure hunting into a soul-searching personal odyssey that resonates on a profoundly human level. ‘Uncharted 4’ manages to not only satisfy fans with a grand finale but also serves as a standalone masterpiece that showcases the mature evolution of storytelling in video games.

The Last of Us Part II| The Best Story Games on PS4

Few video games have sparked as much debate and discussion around storytelling as ‘The Last of Us Part II’. The game is a monumental narrative that pushes the boundaries of what video game storytelling can be. A direct sequel to the 2013 hit, ‘Part II’ continues the story of Ellie and Joel in a post-apocalyptic world, but this time with a narrative that is rich in moral ambiguity and the cycle of violence and revenge.

Taking risks with conventional narrative structures, ‘The Last of Us Part II’ presents its story from multiple perspectives, humanizing both protagonist and antagonist in equal measure. The game invites players to grapple with the consequences of their actions in a way that few other games do, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll. Controversial as it may be, the strength of its storytelling has cemented it as a bold piece of work in the medium.

Horizon Zero Dawn | The Best Story Games on PS4

Guerrilla Games‘ ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ marries gameplay innovation with a rich, original narrative set in a lush, post-post-apocalyptic world. Players step into the shoes of Aloy, a young hunter on a quest to uncover her past and the mysteries of her world. The game’s narrative intricately weaves together themes of identity, technology, and nature, offering a tale that is both philosophical and action-packed.

‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ succeeds in creating a compelling and expansive lore that is as captivating as it is unique. The story’s depth is enhanced by the protagonist’s profound character development, smartly placed plot twists, and a well-crafted world that feels alive and full of history. The beauty of the game’s setting is not only in its visuals and gameplay but in the emergent narrative that keeps players invested from start to finish.

God of War | The Best Story Games on PS4

Santa Monica Studio’s reinvention of the ‘God of War’ series in 2018 was nothing short of a triumph. With a fresh, more mature take on the character of Kratos and the introduction of his son, Atreus, ‘God of War’ delivers a narrative that is as epic in scale as it is intimate in focus. The story follows the pair on a mission to fulfill a dying wish, and in doing so, forces Kratos to confront his past and his role as a father.

The game’s narrative is steeped in Norse mythology and benefits from meticulous world-building, striking cinematic direction, and a deeply emotional core. Kratos, once a one-note anti-hero, is now a multifaceted character full of regrets and reluctant responsibilities. ‘God of War’ is a poignant examination of familial bonds and an unforgettable tale of growth and redemption set against the backdrop of a beautifully crafted world.

Persona 5| The Best Story Games on PS4

Stepping away from dark apocalyptic settings, ‘Persona 5’ is a vibrant, stylish, and character-driven narrative that tackles societal issues with flair. Players take on the role of a high school student who moonlights as a Phantom Thief, entering people’s psyche to steal the corruption that resides in their hearts. The story is a mix of high school drama, psychological adventure, and a heist caper that keeps players hooked for the long haul.

NieR: Automata| The Best Story Games on PS4

‘NieR: Automata’ stands at the intersection of philosophical narrative and unconventional storytelling. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where machines have taken over after humanity’s downfall, the game follows androids 2B and 9S as they wage a war to reclaim the planet. Developer PlatinumGames and director Yoko Taro deliver a narrative that questions the nature of existence, consciousness, and morality.

‘NieR: Automata’ ingeniously uses its gameplay mechanics, soundtrack, and multiple endings to convey its narrative. The story’s structure is non-linear and purposefully disjointed, encouraging players to replay the game and uncover deeper layers of the plot. It’s a game that doesn’t just tell a story; it asks the player to be an active participant in reconstructing and interpreting it.

Conclusion: Why Story in Games Matters

The PS4 generation of games has underscored the importance of storytelling in the video game medium. No longer just a bonus feature, a well-crafted narrative is often the main draw for players. Games like ‘Uncharted 4’, ‘The Last of Us Part II’, ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’, ‘God of War’, ‘Persona 5’, and ‘NieR: Automata’ demonstrate the power of storytelling to immerse, challenge, and resonate with players on an emotional level.

In an age where games are becoming increasingly cinematic, the line between storytelling in film and gaming is blurring, with games often pushing the envelope further thanks to their interactive nature. These titles have shown that video games can tell complex, nuanced stories that can stand alongside the best of film and literature. They have set a high bar for narrative excellence, leaving players eager to see how the medium will continue to evolve in the next generation and beyond.