It’s that time of year, Christmas! Everyone’s making their list and making sure that their list is perfect and top-notch. Lots of people play video games, and you wanna make sure the games you buy are worth your time and money. But if you’re reading this article, you don’t have to make sure if these story-driven games are worth your time. If you’re interested in story-driven games, here’s the top ten story-driven games to get for Christmas if you haven’t played them already.

        10: Resident Evil 4 

Age Rating: M (Mature 17+)

Developer: Capcom

Genre: Horror/Action/Adventure

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PS5, PS4

Critic Reviews:

• Steam –  10/10

• IMdb  – 9.4/10

• Metacritic – 93%

Customer Reviews

•  Metacritic – 7.9

• Amazon – 4.8/5 Stars

• IMdb – 10/10 scores

Resident Evil 4 , or essentially a remake of the loved and critically acclaimed original Resident Evil 4 is a Action/Horror game where you play as Leon Kennedy, a government agent in search of the president’s missing daughter, Ashly Graham who has been kidnapped. Leon finds himself in a village with the crazy villagers there trying to kill him. The game is an entire remake of the first with still a lot of elements from the original being there, but also some new ones. The game is refined with beautiful graphics that are never boring to look at. The game’s story is really nothing special, but it’s the cheesiness from the characters’ dialogue, and crazy action that makes the game shine.  Leon Kennedy (the main character) is a really cheesy character, but delivers lines that are funny while also being really cool. Though it is from a horror franchise and it strays away from the horror elements, the action and cheesiness distracts the player from it being a Resident Evil game and a fun Action/Adventure .  The stellar looking graphics, to the amazing action packed boss fights and gameplay, and to its cheesiness is enough reason to play this game. It will not be a waste of time.

9. It Takes Two

Age Rating: T (Teen 13+)

Developer: Hazelight Studios

Genre: Action/Adventure/Family

Platforms: Xbox, PS5,  PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch

Critic Reviews:

• IGN – 9/10

• Steam – 10/10

• OpenCritic 88%

Customer Reviews:

• Metacritic – 9.0

• IMdb – 10/10
• Google – 4.8/5 Stars

It Takes Two is an Action/Adventure co-op experience meaning that it is for two players, and you cannot play it without another person. It’s a game for the whole family to enjoy. The premise of the game is you and your friend choose between two characters to play as, May or Cody, a married couple who are having troubles with their marriage. They don’t;’t get along anymore and they eventually come to the decision to file for divorce. They have a daughter named Rose who they sadly have to break the news to, and upon hearing this news Rose gets two toys made out of clay. She then opens and talks to a book named “Book of Love”, which claims to be able to fix relationships. Rose sheds tears on the clay dolls just wanting her parents to be together again. Once this happens, Cody and May wake up as two tiny dolls and have to find a way to get back to their human bodies, while on the other hand fixing their marriage. This game is very heartwarming, and sweet as you see Cody and May try to fix their relationship. This game is full of action set pieces, puzzles that require teamwork, and the story is captivating enough to pull you in and feel for the characters. The age rating is very unnecessary and is only like that because of some bad language used, but it’s really tame bad language. The dialogue between the two is fun to watch as they progress closer and closer to being able to fix their marriage. It’s a game for the whole family to enjoy.

8. The Walking Dead: Definitive Edition

Age Rating: M (Mature 17+)

Developer: Telltale Games

Genre: Horror/Adventure/Drama

Platform: Xbox, PS5, PS4, 

Critic Reviews:

• Steam – 10/10

• OpenCritic – 85%

• Metacritic – 82%

Customer Reviews:

• Amazon – 4.7/5 Stars

• Xbox Tavern – 8.5
• Metacritic – 8.2

The Walking Dead: Definitive Edition is one of my personal favorite games of all time. It’s marketed as a Horror/Adventure game, but I added drama because it’s really all about the characters. This game is based on the comics and TV show, The Walking Dead, as it says in the title. The definitive edition includes all The Walking Dead games from Telltale Games. These games are decision making games, which are games where you make decisions based on the options you are given, and you decide how the game ends. This edition includes Season One to Season Four. Diving into the general plot of each game, you play as three different characters across each game. In Season One you play as Lee, Season’s Two, Three, and Four you play as Clementine for part of it, and for the majority of Season Three you play as Javier. What makes this game so amazing are the story and characters. The main (and some side characters) are developed nicely and you start to care about what happens to each of them. You experience everything that they experience, you make decisions for them, and by the end you relate to the characters in many ways. Each character you play as is different, has a deep backstory, and you’re invested in their story enough to see it through to the end.  It’s an emotional rollercoaster start to finish from sad, to joyful moments. If you enjoy games with post-apocalyptic worlds, zombies, and great characters, definitely pick up this game.

7. God of War: Ragnarok

Age Rating: M (Mature 17+)

Developer: Santa Monica Studio

Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy

Platforms: PS4, PS5,

Critic Reviews:

• IGN – 10/10

• IMdb – 9.6/10

• Gamespot – 10/10

Customer Reviews

• Metacritic – 8.0

• Amazon – 4.9/5 Stars
• Google – 97% Liked

God of War: Ragnarok is possibly one of the best games of all time. God of War: Ragnarok is the 5th entry into the God of War franchise, so if you would like to buy the rest you of course can. God of War: Ragnaroks’ premise throughout the games is that you play as a Norse Mythology God named Kratos. In this particular game, it’s about Kratos being  haunted by his past, and also the fact that his son Atreus is growing into a man who is also a God who is uncovering his new abilities. A lot of stuff happens in this game for me to tell you the main premise of the story. But generally, Ragnarok (meaning war) is coming because of some things Kratos did in God of War 4, and the God of War and Death, Odin is coming to wreak havoc upon him and many more. Throughout the game, you engage in many hard, but extremely well done and fun boss battles. Even the basic enemy type fights are fun and are always a blast. You have a skill tree with a set number of abilities, being four can be used at a time. Kratos’ weapons consist of his main Leviathan Axe, and later in the game you get many more weapons that I wouldn’t want to spoil. You also get to play as his son Atreus who has a bow for a weapon, and later in the game can turn into a wolf for a certain amount of time. The skill tree is divided between Kratos and Atreus, both of them having their own separate abilities. The story is engaging and there are many intense plot points that will have you jaw-dropping on the floor. This game is everything when it comes to a perfect Norse Mythology game.

6. Spider-Man 2

Age Rating: T (Teen 13+)

Developer: Insomniac Games

Genre: Action/Adventure

Platforms: PS5

Critic Reviews

• IGN-  8/10

• OpenCritic – 91%

• Metacritic – 90%

Customer Reviews

• Metacritic – 9.1

• Amazon – 4.7/5 Stars
• Google – 92%

Spider-Man 2. Does this need explaining why it’s so amazing? Well, yes it does for those who are looking for a near perfect game to buy. Spider-Man 2 is the near perfect sequel to the already perfect Spiderman PS4 (2018). Most if not all should know who and what Spider-Man is so that’s not gonna need explaining. What does need explaining though is the game’s story and its characters. Well, first things first the game looks absolutely amazing. New York has never ever looked this good before besides Spider-Man (2018). New York is bigger, and gorgeous to look at. Now to the story. The story follows Peter Parker and Miles Morales, after him having his own game in 2020 called Spider-Man: Miles Morales. All is well after the events of the first game, or so it seems. A new villain named Kraven The Hunter finds new grounds to hunt, New York. Kravens goal is to hunt & kill every villian in New York, for some unknown reason that is throughout the game trying to be uncovered.  Although I think the first games’ story is better, this games’ story from start to finish is a thrilling ride. The boss fights are a step-up from the first, the characters are compelling, and the side missions are fun. Though it isn’t as emotional as the first, which is a bit of a step-down, the game is still emotional and the game is truly amazing. This game is a MUST PLAY if you have a PlayStation 5. It will not be a waste of your time.

5. Spider-Man PS4 (2018)

Age Rating: T (Teen 13+)

Developer: Insomniac Games

Genre: Action/Adventure

Platforms: PS5, PS4

Critic Reviews:

• Steam – 10/10

• IMdb – 9.2/10

• IGN – 8.7/10

Customer Reviews:

• Google – 94%

• IMdb – 10/10

• Metacritic – 87%

Considered by many and by me one of the best games of all time, Spider-Man (2018). Spider-Man (2018) is probably one of the best games to release on the PS4, and is still a revolutionary game ever since its release. It’s still a gorgeous looking game, and New York city still looks amazing despite it looking even better in Spider-Man 2. The story in this game is the perfect Spider-Man story ever told. The story is the type of story that is uncovered throughout the game, so I will not be saying really what the story is about. But Peter and Spider-Mans’ story is compelling, emotional, exciting, and fun to play. At times it’s hard to watch like the many sad moments throughout the game. The game’s story hooks you in right from the start. The first mission is probably the best first mission ever in a video game. Nearly every mission except for a few are engaging, and fun to play through. Beating up criminals and big bad villains has never been more fun. Spider-Man (2018) is slightly better than Spider-Man 2, and it is one of the best times you will ever have with a video game.

4. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Age Rating: T (Teen 13+)

Developer: Naughty Dog

Genre: Action/Adventure

Platforms: PS4, PS5

Critic Reviews:

• IGN – 9/10

• IMdb – 9.5/10

• PushSquare – 10/10

Customer Reviews:

• Metacritic – 8.8

• IMdb – 10/10

• Google – 96% Liked

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End deserves to be this high on the list. There are so many reasons why, and I don’t want to waste any time. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is near perfect from the graphics, characters, missions, each insane set piece, and the combat. Uncharted 4’s story follows Nathan Drake, who the Uncharted games have been following since the first game (if you haven’t played them already, go ahead and do so), settling down with his wife Elena and stopping the treasure hunting parade. But then suddenly, a certain someone from his past shows up and he embarks on a perilous journey to find Captain Henry Avery’s treasure boat that was lost at sea many years ago, full of gold coins. Uncharted is known for its crazy and cinematic set pieces, and this game sets a new standard for the series. The set pieces are quite literally top-notch, thrilling, and a joy to watch as Nate and his friends go through explosions, get shot at, fall from high buildings, and much more. The character development is top-notch, and it puts you in the shoes of Nathan Drake. You feel his emotions, what he’s going through, and if he’s really doing the right thing. If you love action movies or shows, this game is perfect for you. Even if you aren’t, this game is still one of the best times you will have with a video game in your life. It is another MUST PLAY.

3. The Witcher: Wild Hunt

Age Rating: M (Mature 17+)

Developer: CD Projekt Red

Genre: Action/Adventure

Platforms: Xbox, PS4, PS5, PC

Critic Reviews:

• Steam – 10/10

• GOG.com – 4.8/5 Stars

• Metacritic – 92%

Customer Reviews:

• Google – 95%

• Metacritic – 8.7
• IMdb 10/10

Now, we’re in the top three best games to get for Christmas. These games are truly the best games. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is considered by many to be a masterpiece of a game. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s story is centered around Geralt of Rivia, a monster-hunter who is searching for his love interest Yennifer of Vengerberg, and his adopted daughter Cirillia.  The story is breathtaking and the graphics furthermore. The characters receive amazing development, and you care for them the longer the game goes on. The entire game has fun side content and it’s a world that sucks you in and never lets go. The combat is fun, and the story is captivating enough to keep you playing and see the ending through. Like other games on this list, it’s also a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. Overall, this game is something that many people hold dear to their hearts, and it is still considered today one of, if not the best game of all time.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

Age Rating: M (Mature 17+)

Developer: Rockstar Games

Genre: Action/Adventure/Western

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC, 

Critic Reviews:

• IGN – 10/10

• Steam – 9/10

• Metacritic – 96%

Customer Reviews: 

• Metacritic – 8.7

• Amazon – 4.7/5 Stars

• Google – 4.8/5 Stars

This game was hard for me to choose between second or first place because both this game and the next game are true masterpieces that have some of the deepest storytelling of any other piece of fiction out there. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that I have lots to say about, but I have to keep it short and sweet. This game started to finish perfectly. Red Dead Redemption 2 is set in the 1800s, specifically 1899 when the world was becoming modernized, and there was no place anymore for gangs or cowboys. You play as a cowboy named Arthur Morgan, a man who has been on the run for 20 years with a gang called the Van Der Linde gang. I won’t get into specifics about the story so you can experience it for yourself but it is truly a masterpiece of a game. A work of art. To start off, the graphics of this game are probably some of the best graphics ever made. These graphics are a treat to look at and this game is about as realistic as things can get. The towns, cities, wildlife, and even unknown locations feel lively, and real. The characters are the best developed I’ve ever seen in a video game. Each character feels interesting and nobody feels like an outlier. Even the side characters have as much personality as the main character. Each character is interesting in their own right, especially the main character.  And I have a lot to say about the main character. Arthur Morgan is the most developed character of any game ever created. I don’t want to say too much, but just know that Arthur’s and the Van der Linde gang’s story is sad, heartfelt, I’d go as far as to say it’s depressing. But at times, it is an action-packed, funny, and explosive ride with amazing dialogue, quotes that I will always remember. This game is an unforgettable masterpiece, work of art, and a piece of perfection in my personal opinion. A truly unforgettable experience. 

• The Last of Us

Age Rating: M (Mature 17+)

Developer: Naughty Dog

Genre: Horror/Adventure

Platform: PS4, PS5

Critic Reviews:

• IGN – 10/10

• GamesRadar – 5/5

• Metacritic – 95%

Customer Reviews:

• Metacritic – 9.5

• Google – 97%
• IMdb – 9/10

The Last of Us. The number one game to get this holiday. Though The Last of Us isn’t a game for family, it is a game about family. The game is about a post-apocalyptic world that has been this way for 20 years. It’s been taken over by the cordyceps infection. You play as a broken man named Joel Miller who lost his daughter in the beginning of the apocalypse. Joel is then tasked with taking care of this girl named Eille who needs to be taken across the country to be taken to the Fireflies, a group who is capable of making a vaccine for the infection. Ellie claims to be the key to curing the world. Over the course of the entire game, Joel and Ellie bond. After losing his daughter Joels’ void that is empty is now slowly but surely being filled and he starts to see Ellie as his daughter. The bond and character development between the two is top-notch, and there’s always action in this game and it keeps you on your toes. It’s dramatic, action-packed, and overall a heartwarming game because of the bond between the two. I won’t talk more about the game because I want you to get to experience yourselves. Though this game isn’t for family, it will teach you the meaning of family. It teaches you about what a father would do for their son or daughter.