Seeing as this is an exploration of video games with literary elements and storytelling tactics, I thought it best to accumulate a list of video games that would best introduce a new gamer to literary video games, or, better yet, introduce a literary critic to video games as a literary genre.
The Stanley Parable (2013) explores themes of free will, choice, and gives the player a unique sense of agency as they guide protagonist Stanley through the twisted labyrinth of an abandoned office warehouse. Any choice made outside of the wishes of the Narrator will be accounted for and thus incorporated into the story’s gameplay and narration.
Recently adapted into an HBO television series, The Last of Us (2013) offers incredible storytelling through its character development, intriguing dialogue, and clever use of flashback and foreshadowing. Its narrative explores difficult themes of morality, and its expansive world design creates an interactive and fleshed-out post-apocalyptic experience.
NieR: Automata‘s (2017) dystopian world unpacks deep themes ranging from discovering the meaning of life in a human-less world overrun by robots and machines. Its powerful music and amazing aesthetics help its stories and characters shine.
Persona 5 Royal (2022) is perhaps the author of this blog’s favorite game. It is a Japanese role-playing game following school students adjusting to high school life while discovering the horrors of greedy, power-hungry political leaders and authority figures around them. Their goal is to awaken their Personas to unmask their true identities and realize their limitless potential to change the world. It has amazing music, visuals, and character development, and explores hard-hitting themes like existentialism, identity, and relationships.
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Video Games as Literature 