Summary

  • Konami has regained its footing and is serious about game development, offering quality titles once again.
  • Story-driven Konami games like Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and Suikoden 5 offer engaging plots and memorable experiences.
  • Games like Metal Gear Solid 2 and Silent Hill 2 offer wild and emotional narratives that fans love, enhancing gameplay.

Konami faced a rocky ride in the industry following Hideo Kojima's widely publicized departure, but it seems that the company has finally started regaining its footing. They've become serious about video game development once again, letting players enjoy some quality titles.

Konami games Boktai, Ganbare Goemon
5 Great Konami Franchises That Seem Unlikely To Ever Make A Comeback

Though Konami did a fantastic job with these franchises, it doesn't seem likely they will make a return any time soon—or ever, for that matter.

Some of the best story-driven Konami games players can get their hands on are quite riveting and let players embark on some amazing journeys. The gameplay keeps players entertained as they move the plot forward and uncover some amazing revelations in the process.

8 Castlevania: Aria Of Sorrow

The Whodunit Storyline Is Pretty Engaging

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Castlevania_ Aria Of Sorrow Tag Page Cover Art
Castlevania: Aria Of Sorrow
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget
Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget
Released
May 6, 2003
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Developer(s)
Konami
Publisher(s)
Konami
Genre(s)
Action-Adventure

While Castlevania is largely known as a gameplay-first series, Aria of Sorrow should still be commended for boasting a pretty engaging plot. Every character in the game boasts a compelling personality as players try to figure out which character is masquerading as Dracula.

This keeps players on the edge of their seats as they make progress in Dracula's castle and deal with a whole host of enemies. Aria of Sorrow's plot twist builds up beautifully as players second-guess every character's true intentions during this glorious adventure.

7 Suikoden 5

The Plot Twist Makes For One Of The Best Suikoden Plotlines

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Suikoden 5 Tag Page Cover Art
Suikoden V
Display card tags widget
JRPG
Fighting
Adventure
Strategy
Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget
Released
February 23, 2006
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Developer(s)
Konami, Hudson Soft
Publisher(s)
Konami
Genre(s)
JRPG, Fighting, Adventure, Strategy
Platform(s)
PlayStation 2
Suikoden V In Game Screenshot 1

Suikoden 5 is one of the better games in the series that fans can check out if they want to enjoy a great plot. While the second Suikoden game technically spoils the plot twist of this title, chances are that most people won't remember the details relevant to the fifth mainline entry.

As a result, Suikoden 5's narrative ends up being the strongest part of the experience, as people play as the Prince of Falena and acquire numerous allies in their journey. It's a great look back at the history of Suikoden's world and leaves players breathless with a plot that can surprise them every step of the way.

6 Policenauts

Kojima's Eccentric Storytelling Shines In This Underrated Visual Novel

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Policenauts Tag Page Cover Art
Policenauts
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget
Released
July 29, 1994
ESRB
e
Developer(s)
Konami
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

In the year 2010, Mankind made its first great advance into space with the completion of the first human space colony "Beyond Coast".

Three years later, 5 policemen, charged with the responsibility of maintaining the security of these colonists, arrive on the "Beyond Coast".

Gatse Necker, Joseph Sadaoki Tokugawa, Salvatore Toscanini, Ed Brown, and Jonathan Ingram. These 5 policemen, the Earth's elite, formed a new force of Space Police known as "Policenauts".

Publisher(s)
Konami
Genre(s)
Adventure
Platform(s)
3DO, NEC PC-98, PS1, Sega Saturn

Kojima's track record with Konami has led to the creation of some amazing story-driven games, and Policenauts is no exception to this golden rule. The game is full of endearing technicalities and strong writing that shows Kojima's eccentricities and fascination with Western culture.

Players will be drawn into this game's amazing world as they come across a riveting mystery that takes place in the mid-21st century. As long as players don't mind the retro elements of this title, they'll have a great time with Policenauts.

5 Silent Hill 4: The Room

One Of The Most Unique And Bizarre Games In The Series, Which Is Saying Something

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Silent Hill 4: The Room Tag Page Cover Art
Silent Hill 4: The Room
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget
Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget
Released
September 7, 2004
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Developer(s)
Team Silent
Publisher(s)
Konami
Genre(s)
Survival Horror
Platform(s)
PC, PS2, Xbox (Original)

The Silent Hill series is known for featuring some wild and riveting plots, but Silent Hill 4 takes the cake. The plot of this game is bizarre in all the best ways and makes for a riveting experience as players control a man stuck in his apartment.

This makes for some memorable gameplay moments as the familiar environments of Silent Hill 4 morph into terrifying structures that will leave a lasting impression on players. In a bid to escape the apartment, Henry Townshend ventures into different dimensions and uncovers some intense plot revelations that will leave fans reeling.

4 Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty

A Wild And Ridiculous Story That MGS Fans Love

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty Tag Page Cover Art
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget
Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget
Released
November 13, 2001
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Developer(s)
Konami
Publisher(s)
Konami
Genre(s)
Stealth

From the very moment Metal Gear Solid 2 starts, players are treated to one of the greatest bait-and-switches in gaming history that had a lasting impact on MGS fans. Losing control of the beloved Solid Snake didn't sit right with many, but Raiden eventually wormed his way into the hearts of fans.

It helps that the wild and thought-provoking plot of Metal Gear Solid 2 tackles everything from the evils of technology to what freedom of thought entails. The sheer number of wild swerves in the plot make for a memorable experience that fans of the Metal Gear Solid series still love to this day.

3 Suikoden 2

The Best Game In The Series With The Plot To Match

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Suikoden 2 Tag Page Cover Art
Suikoden II
Display card tags widget
JRPG
Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget
Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget
Released
September 29, 1999
ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Developer(s)
Konami
Publisher(s)
Konami
Genre(s)
JRPG
Platform(s)
PC, PS1, PSP
Suikoden 2 In Game Screenshot 1

Suikoden 2 is hailed by many as one of the best entries in the series, and for good reason. Not only is the gameplay perfected from the first game, but the story lets people play a central role in an epic conflict.

A collage of the best Konami games from 1997, 1998 and 1999: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Metal Gear Solid and Silent Hill.
Best Konami Game From Every Year In The '90s

Throughout the 90s, Konami released one great game after another, including games that are fondly remembered to this day.

The war between the nations of Highland and the City-States of Jowston is something players are thrown smack-dab in the middle of. The plot is further strengthened by the addition of Luca Blight, one of the greatest JRPG antagonists of all time who players love to hate.

2 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

The Emotional High Points Of The Game Hit Like A Ton Of Bricks

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater Tag Page Cover Art
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget
Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget
Released
November 17, 2004
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Developer(s)
Konami
Publisher(s)
Konami
Genre(s)
Stealth, Action, Adventure
Platform(s)
PlayStation 2

Metal Gear Solid 3 was a great introduction to the series of many, detailing the adventures of Naked Snake as he finds himself in the middle of a massive conspiracy. What makes this narrative so emotional is the bond he shares with The Boss, one of the most riveting characters in the series.

It's easy to see why Naked Snake feels betrayed by his mentor's actions, only for the truth to come to light after a climactic encounter between the two. It's easy for the tears to start flowing as the plot of Metal Gear Solid 3 throws numerous emotional curveballs at players, getting them invested in one of the best titles in the series.

1 Silent Hill 2

The Mind-Bending Story Makes For A Psychological Horror Masterpiece

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Silent Hill 2 Tag Page Cover Art
Silent Hill 2
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget
9 /10
Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget
Released
October 8, 2024
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Developer(s)
Bloober Team
Publisher(s)
Konami
Genre(s)
Survival Horror, Horror, Adventure, Action
Platform(s)
PlayStation 5, PC
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
Silent Hill 2 Remake James walking through the town

Silent Hill 2 is one of the greatest video games ever made, and players love that the remake did justice to the legacy of the original. James Sunderland's quest to find his wife takes numerous dark turns as the town of Silent Hill plays with his mind.

As the psychological horror of this title rears its ugly head, fans slowly uncover the truth behind the game's bizarre events, culminating in one of the most shocking plot twists in gaming history. The incredible story of Silent Hill 2 is a huge reason why fans can't stop raving about this incredible experience.