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However, in reality, most games present an illusion of choice or follow a heavily scripted narrative. In such cases, players may feel disappointed and annoyed that they were promised a unique experience and were let down. Despite this, there are several games available where players can really choose their adventure and tangibly feel the consequences of their choices.
8 Until Dawn
Cited as an interactive horror drama, players will determine the fates of several characters who must survive in a remote mountain environment against supernatural elements and vengeful individuals. Though Until Dawn does follow a scripted narrative, the branching pathways and choices made by the character will reveal who survives and who doesn’t.
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The game is known for its cinematic approach, featuring a butterfly effect that will ripple throughout the story based on the choices that were made. Until Dawn is a must-play for gamers who want an immersive horror experience that requires them to solve a mystery and revolves around the supernatural.
7 Detroit: Become Human
Similar in style to Until Dawn, Detroit: Become Human takes place in the near future where players will determine the fates of several androids who become self-aware. Again, though the game does primarily stick to a scripted narrative, the game offers multiple approaches and endings in each scene which drastically affect the player’s narrative.
The game does not handhold players and will make them react in real-time, once again giving the impression that players are participating in an interactive movie. The game deals with philosophical themes that typically come with sci-fi stories about AI and what it means to be human, and it does it very well. At the end of each scene, players can find out how their narrative branch compares to others.
6 The Life And Suffering Of Sir Brante
The Life And Suffering Of Sir Brante is a choose-your-own-adventure story set in a gritty world where the gods are real and a person’s lot is determined at birth.
The game’s stunning artwork, world-building, and story quickly pull the player in as they decide the fate of the young protagonist from birth to adulthood (if they can make it that far). Players have to deal with difficult choices that will lie ahead and every decision not only affects the player’s character but their family, loved ones, and environment.
A game about family, legacy, and revolt (if one goes that path), this game is a must for any gamer looking for a gritty, narrative-fueled adventure.
5 Choice Of Robots
In Choice Of Robots, players will take on the tools of an expert robot inventor and chart decisions over 3 decades. During this time, players will create their very own robot and through their actions determine how the world will look. Depending on several choices, the robots may be benign, hostile, sentient, or obedient slaves. They may destroy the world or your first robot may fall in love with the player’s character, the choices are limitless.
An interactive sci-fi novel that boasts over 300,000 words and seemingly limitless outcomes, the game is extensive and is entirely text-based with no graphics or music. A classic salute to the choose-your-own-adventure books of the past.
4 Creatures Such As We
Another entirely text-based game, Creatures Such As We is a game that steps away from robots and instead features romance on the moon. Cited as a philosophical interactive romance novel, players will find themselves as a tour guide on a moon resort.
Players will also experience 2 games simultaneously, the game itself and the ‘game within the game’ (hence why the philosophical tag is mentioned above). Fans of the game praise the quality of the writing, the choices that feel meaningful, and the thought-provoking themes. Fans also note that the pacing and length were excellent.
3 Suzerain
Set in a parallel 20th-century world, Suzerain has players enter the shoes of Anton Rayne, newly elected president of the nation of Sordland who must not only survive his first term but ensure that the nation thrives.
Divided into 4 acts, players will strive to juggle the interests of those within the party and outside of government, as well as confront neighboring countries who have their agendas. The game will throw various difficult choices at the character, whose ramifications will be felt later. Players can adopt whatever style of leadership they desire by becoming a staunch supporter of democracy, a Stalin-Esque ruler with an iron fist, or even a ‘man of the people.’ Gamers who are fans of politics and history will love Suzerain.
2 Crusader Kings 3
A departure from the other narrative experiences featured here, Crusader Kings 3 can be considered the ultimate grand strategy, role-playing game that is set in medieval times. Players can assume the role of various characters, from a mere count to an emperor across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Eurasia, and India.
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Players can determine the fate of their avatar’s dynastic fate and create their own ‘what-if scenarios’. They can convert a Swedish king to Islam, adopt a decree that allows them to marry their daughters (yikes), or even be a merchant ruler from Italy who conquers India, the possibilities are endless.
1 Divinity Original Sin 2
Probably the closest thing to a Dungeons And Dragons experience in video game format, Divinity Original Sin 2 offers a staggering amount of choice and avenues for players to experience. Though the storyline does stick to the main plot, the outcome of that story can drastically change depending on the player’s actions and decisions.
Players can choose from 1 of the several pre-made characters or design their unique avatar. What’s even more fun is players can team up with 3 other friends and explore the game together as a party or go on their path of mischief. Just remember that consequences do play in full effect.
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