Top narrative driven games for players who love story over combat

Not every video game experience needs to be a fast-paced combat or mechanic game to be memorable. Some of the best story games that you can experience provide almost no gameplay, they are games reliant on fantastic writing, atmosphere, and player choice, and can create truly unforgettable experiences. 

These story-driven games are perfect for players wanting to relax, think, and experience emotional storytelling instead of non-stop action. 

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

This courtroom drama focuses on logic and storytelling. You play as rookie lawyer Phoenix Wright as you question witnesses, share evidence, and unveil shocking truths. The gameplay is very simple, but the twists in the story make it an addicting experience. 

Journey

Journey is an immersive, dialogue-less adventure experience that focuses on exploring and experiencing emotion. The stunning visuals and music pieces fit together seamlessly, and the unexpected cooperative experience of Journey creates one of the most defining low-gameplay games in history. 

Her Story

This investigative experience is all about watching interview clips to put together a mystery. There is no running or fighting, simply working towards the slow satisfaction of putting together a mystery through an engaging thought process.

Milk Inside A Bag Of Milk Inside A Bag Of Milk

This short indie visual novel will take you into the head of a troubled girl. It’s bizarre, poetic and emotional, demonstrating that games can be intimate pieces of art.

Slay The Princess

A psychological narrative where every choice matters, Slay The Princess continues to rewrite itself on the basis of what you do. It’s dark, clever and one of the more unique narratives that we have seen in some time.

The Stanley Parable

One of the funniest meta experiences in gaming: play through an empty office, exploring while a narrator either responds to your choices or mocks you for disobeying him.

Mouthwashing

Softly quiet and very representative, this indie takes a small routine with a small emotion instead of action. Just right for the player looking for a short piece that is a form of art.

Class of ‘09

A biting, dark comedy about teen drama and manipulation. The branching narrative will keep players invested until the end.