Hey there, fellow gaming enthusiasts! If you’ve played What Remains of Edith Finch, you probably understand the appeal of narrative-driven games. These games immerse us in their worlds, making us feel like we’re living the story instead of just playing a game.
Today, we’re going to dive into 20 fantastic titles that share the same vibes as Edith Finch. So, buckle up and let’s explore these compelling narratives!
Full list of games like What Remains Of Edith Finch
Firewatch
Firewatch is an absolute gem in the world of storytelling. Set in the Wyoming wilderness, you play as Henry, a fire lookout, who unravels a mysterious story through his walkie-talkie conversations with his supervisor, Delilah. The game’s stunning art style and breathtaking landscapes create an atmosphere that you’ll instantly fall in love with. The captivating story and deep character development make it a must-play for narrative-driven game fans.
Gone Home
Gone Home is a first-person exploration game that takes you on a nostalgic journey into a family’s past. As Kaitlin Greenbriar, you return home after a year abroad to find your family missing. By exploring the house and examining various objects, you’ll piece together the story of your family’s life and relationships. The atmospheric setting, combined with a heartfelt narrative, makes this game an unforgettable experience.
Oxenfree
Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. You play as Alex, a teenager who accidentally opens a ghostly rift on an abandoned island. The game’s unique dialogue system allows you to shape the story with your choices, while the creepy atmosphere and otherworldly events will keep you hooked. Don’t forget to explore the island for hidden secrets that will unravel more about the island’s past!
Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture
If you’re into open-world exploration and emotional storytelling, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture is perfect for you. Set in a small English village, the game invites you to piece together the story of its vanished inhabitants by interacting with the environment. As you wander the picturesque village, you’ll encounter ethereal light orbs that reveal snippets of the residents’ lives. The stunning visuals and enchanting music make this game a truly mesmerizing experience.
Life is Strange
This episodic adventure game follows Max Caulfield, a photography student who discovers she can rewind time. Life is Strange is a beautifully crafted game that tackles heavy themes like friendship, loss, and the consequences of our choices. The game’s time-travel mechanics add a unique twist, allowing you to see how different choices affect the story. With memorable characters and an engrossing plot, Life is Strange is one for the ages.
Dear Esther
Dear Esther is a pioneer in the realm of narrative-driven games. This mysterious game takes you on a journey through a deserted island while a narrator shares fragments of a heart-wrenching story. The beautiful environments and poetic narrative make it an unforgettable experience. Your interpretation of the story plays a significant role, allowing you to shape your understanding of the events.
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a detective story with a supernatural twist. As Paul Prospero, a paranormal investigator, you’re tasked with finding a missing boy named Ethan Carter. The game combines gorgeous visuals with intriguing puzzles that lead you deeper into the mysterious world. The immersive story and clever gameplay mechanics make this a top-notch title for fans of narrative-driven games.
Tacoma
Tacoma is a sci-fi adventure that takes place on an abandoned space station. As corporate spy Amy Ferrier, you’ll explore the station and uncover the story of its missing crew through an innovative augmented reality system. By watching recordings of the crew’s interactions, you’ll piece together the emotional and thought-provoking narrative. The game’s futuristic setting and unique story delivery make Tacoma a standout title for narrative game enthusiasts.
The Stanley Parable
The Stanley Parable is a one-of-a-kind gaming experience that offers a satirical commentary on video game tropes and player choice. In this first-person exploration game, you play as Stanley, an office worker who finds himself in increasingly bizarre situations. The non-linear storytelling and multiple endings, guided by a hilarious and omnipresent narrator, make for a truly unforgettable gaming experience. Just remember, the end is never the end!
Night in the Woods
Night in the Woods is a charming indie game that follows college dropout Mae Borowski as she returns to her hometown of Possum Springs. Filled with quirky characters and a unique art style, this game delves into themes like mental health, family dynamics, and the challenges of adulthood. As you explore the town and interact with its inhabitants, you’ll uncover a larger, darker mystery lurking beneath the surface. Don’t be fooled by its cute exterior; Night in the Woods packs an emotional punch.
Her Story
Her Story is a unique narrative game that revolves around a series of live-action video clips from a series of police interviews. You play as a detective, sifting through an archive of videos featuring a woman named Hannah, whose husband has gone missing. By searching for keywords and piecing together her story, you’ll slowly unravel the truth. The non-traditional narrative structure and engrossing detective-style gameplay make Her Story an innovative and gripping experience.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is an emotional journey through a visually stunning world. You control two brothers, each with unique abilities, as they embark on a quest to save their dying father. The innovative gameplay mechanics require you to control both brothers simultaneously, creating a bond between the characters and the player. The emotionally charged story and breathtaking environments make this game an unforgettable adventure.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a dark and intense action-adventure game that explores themes of mental illness and psychosis. You play as Senua, a Celtic warrior on a quest to save the soul of her dead lover from the Norse underworld. The game’s unique gameplay elements, like its portrayal of Senua’s hallucinations and the permadeath mechanic, create a truly immersive and unsettling experience. Hellblade is a powerful and challenging journey that will stay with you long after you’ve finished playing.
Journey
Journey is a minimalist storytelling experience that transcends traditional gaming boundaries. You play as a robed traveler who embarks on a quest to reach the summit of a distant mountain. The game’s gorgeous art and enchanting music make for a truly mesmerizing experience. Journey also features a multiplayer component, allowing you to encounter other players on their own journeys. The wordless storytelling and emotional impact of Journey make it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.
Interested? See also: more games like Journey.
Inside
Inside is a dystopian puzzle-platformer that takes you on a harrowing journey through a dark and oppressive world. As a young boy, you’ll navigate treacherous environments and solve challenging puzzles to uncover the game’s ambiguous story. The chilling atmosphere, combined with the game’s minimalist approach to storytelling, creates a memorable experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Beginner’s Guide
The Beginner’s Guide is a meta-narrative exploration game that offers a unique perspective on the relationship between game creators and their audience. Narrated by the game’s developer Davey Wreden, you’ll explore a series of unfinished game projects while listening to Davey’s thoughts and interpretations. The interactive storytelling and thought-provoking themes make The Beginner’s Guide an unconventional and unforgettable gaming experience that will leave you questioning the nature of creativity and the role of the player in the gaming world.
Observer
Observer is a cyberpunk horror game set in a dystopian future where corporations rule and privacy is a thing of the past. You play as Daniel Lazarski, a neural detective known as an Observer, who can hack into people’s minds to solve crimes. The game’s thrilling narrative and the richly detailed world create an immersive experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you love cyberpunk and mystery, Observer is a game you shouldn’t miss.
Gris
Gris is a stunningly beautiful platformer with a moving and emotional story. You play as Gris, a young girl dealing with grief, as she navigates a world full of sorrow and loss. The game’s incredible hand-drawn art style and enchanting soundtrack create an unforgettable experience that will tug at your heartstrings. With its simple yet engaging gameplay and powerful narrative, Gris is a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.
What the Box?
What the Box? is a lighthearted stealth-based multiplayer game that offers a more casual and whimsical take on the narrative-driven genre. In this unique game, players control cardboard boxes in a warehouse setting, attempting to blend in with the environment while seeking out and eliminating other players. Though the game doesn’t have a traditional story, its charming premise and entertaining gameplay make it a fun and refreshing change of pace for gamers who enjoy narrative-driven experiences.
The Longest Journey
The Longest Journey is a classic point-and-click adventure game that takes you on an epic journey across two parallel worlds: the futuristic Stark and the magical Arcadia. You play as April Ryan, a young art student who discovers she has the ability to shift between these worlds. The game’s engaging story, memorable characters, and richly detailed environments make The Longest Journey a timeless masterpiece that every fan of narrative-driven games should experience.
And there you have it – 20 fantastic narrative-driven games like What Remains of Edith Finch! From supernatural thrillers to emotional journeys, these games offer a wide range of storytelling experiences that will captivate, challenge, and inspire you. So go ahead, pick up one (or several) of these titles, and immerse yourself in the amazing worlds they have to offer. Happy gaming!
