Puzzle games are inherently about challenging the mind, but not all games solely rely on perplexing riddles. Some seamlessly blend intricate puzzles with narrative-driven campaigns, offering an immersive experience akin to mystery and thriller novels. This list ranks eight such puzzle games, renowned for their narrative depth, compelling acting, and captivating plot progression.
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It's important to note that this list is spoiler-free to preserve the intrigue of each game's story. However, there may be minor spoilers related to overall plot themes and early game details — nothing overly specific. Here are the best puzzle games with the most compelling story-driven campaigns.
8 Storyteller
Metacritic Score: 70
Storyteller
Storyteller diverges from typical narrative-driven puzzle games by offering a sandbox-like experience where players use puzzles to craft their own unique stories. While criticized for its simplistic mission structure and relatively short campaign, Storyteller stands out among story-driven puzzle games for one compelling reason: creativity. The game actively encourages players to think creatively and construct narratives using subtle clues.
In Storyteller, players interpret chapter titles to breathe life into stories using actors, scenes, and props. What sets it apart is its interconnected and flexible storyboards, allowing players to adjust narratives seamlessly without starting over — simply by dragging and dropping story elements. Notably, Daniel Benmergui, the game’s developer, dedicated 15 years to crafting Storyteller, imbuing it with a sense of artistry and dedication.
7 Obduction
Metacritic Score: 76
- Platform: PS4, OC, Xbox One
- Released: August 24, 2016
- Developer: Cyan Worlds
- Genre: Adventure
From the developers behind the acclaimed Myst franchise, Obduction weaves a mysterious tale of a kidnapped human navigating an alien planet on the brink of war among four distinct species. Cyan Worlds skillfully integrates puzzles and storytelling to deliver a seamless exploration experience in this title.
Potential players should be aware that Obduction adopts a trial-by-fire approach, providing minimal clues for puzzle-solving. As such, those seeking a narrative adventure with straightforward puzzles may find Obduction overly challenging. It caters more to hardcore puzzle enthusiasts who enjoy piecing together fragmented lore through journals, diaries, and audio logs left by other abducted humans.
6 Chaos On Deponia
Metacritic Score: 78
- Platform: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
- Released: March 25, 2014
- Developer: Daedalic Entertainment
- Genre: Point-and-click adventure
Released in 2012, Chaos on Deponia remains a timeless classic within the point-and-click graphic adventure genre, focusing on puzzle-oriented gameplay. Players assume the role of Ruff, an unlucky inventor stranded on Deponia, a decaying planet. While its voice acting and visuals may not match those of modern competitors, Chaos on Deponia excels with a delightful, romantic, and engaging narrative reminiscent of classic rom-coms.
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In terms of puzzle difficulty, Deadalic Entertainment prioritizes plot progression over crafting the most intricate brainteasers. Nevertheless, the game still challenges players with occasional mind-bending riddles to enhance the campaign's flavor.
5 Ether One
Metacritic Score: 82
- Platform: PC, PS4
- Released: March 25, 2014
- Developer: White Paper Games
- Genre: Adventure
Regarded as one of the standout puzzle games of the 2010s, Ether One excels in delivering a poignant narrative exploring themes of human consciousness and conditions like dementia. What sets Ether One apart as a beloved story-driven puzzle game is its impactful plot twist toward the conclusion, which often catches players off guard and reshapes their entire perspective of the journey just before completing the game. This ability to deliver a unique and surprising experience is a hallmark of Ether One's storytelling prowess, distinguishing it among its peers in the genre.
4 Outer Wilds
Metacritic Score: 85
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds stands out not only as one of the premier narrative-oriented puzzle games but also as an essential adventure title for enthusiasts of space exploration. The game's rich lore is fragmented into small pieces that players must uncover by solving puzzles and decrypting messages across different timelines.
What distinguishes Outer Wilds as a top-tier puzzle game is its ability to instill in players a genuine desire to unravel more mysteries rather than coercing them to do so. The puzzles, intricate mechanics, and ancient technologies all contribute to a larger narrative that players willingly delve into to uncover hidden truths. These elements aren't mere obstacles but integral parts of the game's allure, showcasing Outer Wilds' true charm and appeal.
3 The Witness
Metacritic Score: 87
The Witness
Some may find The Witness a strange choice for a list of the best story-driven puzzle games, and that’s understandable. Unlike all other entries, The Witness does not offer any tangible story and ends with an open-ended cutscene that has left most fans confused to this day. However, Thekla’s 2016 masterpiece is indeed equipped with one of the most interesting narratives; it’s just that the game doesn’t push the player to follow it.
The beauty of The Witness’s story is that there are still hundreds of gamers out there theorizing about the actual meaning of its monuments, notes, and audio logs. On the other hand, it’s also arguable that the puzzles and riddles are so perfectly designed that they make the game’s story live under their shadow.
2 The Talos Principle 2
Metacritic Score: 88
The Talos Principle 2
Released in 2023, The Talos Principle 2 has quickly gained acclaim from both critics and gamers for its intricate narrative. Croteam's sequel to their 2014 puzzle game stands out with one of the most elaborate storylines in its genre.
In The Talos Principle 2, players assume the role of 1k, a robot awakening in a world dominated by machines. To uncover the knowledge and legacy of its creators in this futuristic setting, 1k must solve puzzles. However, these puzzles serve as gateways to existential inquiries about life, love, and mortality, prompting players to reflect on their own existence and purpose.
Adding to its appeal, The Talos Principle 2 offers multiple endings, catering to fans of story-driven video games who appreciate narrative complexity and the impact of player choices on the outcome.
1 Portal 2
Metacritic Score: 95
Portal 2
Since its release in 2011, Portal 2 remains unmatched in the puzzle game genre. Valve's expansion of the Half-Life universe has captivated players for over a decade, maintaining its status among the top titles of current generations.
Portal 2 distinguishes itself with its compelling storyline, acclaimed as the best among puzzle games, having earned both the Best Video Game Story Award from BAFTA and the Best Video Game Narrative Award from the Game Developer Choice Awards. The game's intriguing plot twist at the conclusion and its seamless integration of story elements with its world-building contribute to its timeless appeal, making it a game worth revisiting in 2024 and beyond.
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