Games you don't normally play for story, that actually have interesting stories?

[Edmond Dantes]

I know we've all heard it before: "I don't play games for the story." (At least when talking about platformers, fighting games, shmups or what-have-you, unlike RPGs or point-n-click where the story is expected to be a drawing point). But even so, have you ever found that there's a platformer, shmup, fighter or otherwise "don't play for story" game that has an actually unexpectedly interesting plot?

Here's some I've found lately:

Shadow Dancer for the Genesis - The manual claims that the terrorists are controlled by a reptillian creature who gives orders not by words or thought, but by pure instinct. I have no idea how that makes any sense, but it sure is an interesting idea. Someone, novelize this!

R-Type (whole franchise) - Dude, the alien threat is a time-travelling biological weapon. What else do you need?

Contra - Shirtless commandos vs Terrorists who are actually H.R. Giger aliens. In the Japanese timeline, its in the future and the fourth game deals with the rebuilding of society and has criminals trying to steal alien embryos after the fall of the Red Viper. I'm sure Hasbro could incorporate this into the G.I. Joe line somehow, if they wanted.

Anyone else want to add to this pile?

[treismac]

Clash at Demonhead for the NES by Vic Tokai has an interesting story with non-linear game play, different interesting characters, actual plot twists, and entertaining dialogue. You play as Bang, a secret agent, who is trying to save a professor who created a Dooms Day bomb. For an 8-bit platformer, its story ain't too shabby.

I recall my older cousin playing Golgo 13 for the NES, another Vic Tokai action game, which had a story to go along with the game play. Since I haven't seen it (I'm not sure I actually ever played it) in years, I have no clue what the story was about, but it is apparently based on a manga and anime from the '70s that is the Japanese equivalent of James Bond. Pat the NES Punk does an entertaining video review of the game that is worth watching, by the way. There was a sequel to the game, which I never saw but I assume it has a typical spy story with the standard betrayals and revelations as well.

Edit:

Oh, snap!! The Ninja Gaiden series for the NES. All three have an actual story line complete with cut scene animation.

[BetaWolf47]

This is subject to one's definition of RPG. I'd say The Battle of Olympus has a pretty good story for its time though.

[FoxNtd]

Snatcher

[djshok]

Comix Zone for Genesis. Also Spider-Man and Venom Maximum Carnage for either Genesis or SNES.

[skaar]

Echo Clash at Demonhead. That game probably set the stage for my anime years.

Bionic Commando I also enjoyed the story for - even if it was only really told through radio/etc. I remember getting more excited as I got near the end and how elated I was to save Super Joe.

The first Metal Gear Solid for PS1 was pretty exciting too. The second... Eh...

[cholkavich]

fatal rewind is one that i enjoy. the story is mainly in the manual. kinda reminds me a bit of running man.

id also say ecco games have pretty good story

[kupomogli]

If you consider the fifth generation to be classic, then there are plenty.

Blood Omen Legacy of Kain. What starts off as Kain seeking revenge on those that killed him, turns into him eventually being led on to the downfall of the pillars of Nosgoth.

Soul Reaver. The sequel to Blood Omen, although by a different developer and following the events of Raziel rather than being focused on Kain. Soul Reaver has a good storyline, although it's a clearly only part of a game and sets the story for Soul Reaver 2, which finishes off with Defiance, both on the PS2, Defiance also on the XBOX. The basis of the storyline is that Raziel is the only one that has free will and is manipulated by others into changing the past and future.

Resident Evil series.

Tecmo's Deception. Being framed for murder the murder of your father, the king, your character sells his soul to the devil and kills intruders to a mansion you take over.

[Edmond Dantes]

Clash at Demonhead for the NES by Vic Tokai has an interesting story with non-linear game play, different interesting characters, actual plot twists, and entertaining dialogue. You play as Bang, a secret agent, who is trying to save a professor who created a Dooms Day bomb. For an 8-bit platformer, its story ain't too shabby.

I saw the Happy Video Game Nerd's review of this (a friend of mine has the actual game too, but I haven't played it in years). Certainly qualifies!


I recall my older cousin playing Golgo 13 for the NES, another Vic Tokai action game, which had a story to go along with the game play. Since I haven't seen it (I'm not sure I actually ever played it) in years, I have no clue what the story was about, but it is apparently based on a manga and anime from the '70s that is the Japanese equivalent of James Bond.

That's one way of putting it, though I'm not sure I agree with comparing Golgo to Bond.


The first Metal Gear Solid for PS1 was pretty exciting too. The second... Eh...

Do NOT diss MGS2. Just don't. *Holds up sign proudly proclaiming "I like Raiden!"*

[Gamevet]

Snatcher

Snatcher falls under the category of point and click. Sure, it has action sequences, but for the most part, it is a pnc.

[Drixxel]

You wouldn't know until beating it, but Fantasy Zone has a strangely serious and seemingly interesting plot. As transcribed from the closing scene of the TG16 port:

Opa-Opa (the player) has now destroyed the invading army and restored peace to the "Fantasy Zone".
However, he has mixed emotions because his long lost father was the chief of the enemy forces.
One burning question that will remain with him until his dying days...
"Was my victory really worth the price I had to pay?"

[hellraiser]

Resident Evil series.


This^

Think about the Mortal kombat series. Say what you will but the series had alot of story for a fighter.

Kung Lao / Shang tsung /liu kang story.
The scorpion / sub zero thing.
Subzero and his brother.
Sonya , Kano and jax storyline.
The deadly alliance.
It goes on and on!!!

[dao2]

More PC games than I could list....

[Edmond Dantes]

Don't get too hung up on the "non-RPG" thing. What I really meant was "games that you normally don't play for the story."

[kupomogli]

Shaq Fu has a lot of story for a fighting game.

[mobiusclimber]

The Splatterhouse series had a pretty cool storyline thru all three, tho the first game had most of its story hacked right off.

The Valis series also has a decent story told thru anime cutscenes and in-game text.

And who could forget the thrilling, philosophical story in Bad Dudes? First, you have to answer the question of whether you're a bad enough dude; and then, if you are, you share a burger with the president! FUCK YEAH! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8HlgdKXhtk)

[Collector_Gaming]

I thought Startropics 2 "Zoda's Revenge" had a good story that you didn't really expect that was non RPG

[Collector_Gaming]

And who could forget the thrilling, philosophical story in Bad Dudes? First, you have to answer the question of whether you're a bad enough dude; and then, if you are, you share a burger with the president! FUCK YEAH! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8HlgdKXhtk)

Same with Final Fight

one charecter gets his ass handed to him by his best friend so his g/f can go up to him and comfort him.... Riveting story!!!!

[NayusDante]

I've always loved the story of Myst. Atrus learns The Art from his father Gehn, but their philosophies conflict. Gehn writes links to worlds to show his power, but Atrus is more of a scientist-explorer. In the mythology, The Art is about linking to existing worlds within infinite possibilities, but Gehn believes that he is actually creating those worlds with his writing.

Mega Man X always fascinated me with its story, even though there's not a lot to it. In most stories where the robots rebel, they all turn on the humans together because it's the logical thing to do or they're just all in agreement. In MMX, the reploids are divided. Many turn on the humans as a result of the virus, but there remain those who choose to fight for the humans. Even more interesting is the fact that some like Vile and Dynamo are in the middle, not really caring about either side or merely acting in their own best interests. It's a nice contrast to the original series - where Mega Man fought in response to Asimovian logic, X fights because he chooses to.

The Guilty Gear series reminds me of Blade Runner, with the Gears being the equivalent of Replicants. By fighting game standards, I thought it was interesting. It makes more sense than BlazBlue...

Out of all the classic point-and-click adventure games, I think The Dig had the best story. The asteroid that almost hits Earth turns out to be a space ship sent out long ago as an invitation to to share their technologies. The senders were unable to recall their invitations after learning the terrible nature of what they created and eventually left reality, so those who answered the call found themselves marooned on the alien's planet. I always wished they had made a sequel to explain what kind of welcome the crew had when they returned to Earth.

[FoxNtd]

I've always loved the story of Myst. Atrus learns The Art from his father Gehn, but their philosophies conflict. Gehn writes links to worlds to show his power, but Atrus is more of a scientist-explorer. In the mythology, The Art is about linking to existing worlds within infinite possibilities, but Gehn believes that he is actually creating those worlds with his writing.

If you like Myst, check out the three books. I might even say the books were more interesting than the games. I've only played Myst, Riven, and Exile though. The names of the books are Book of Ti'ana, Book of Atrus, and Book of D'ni, if I recall.

[Edmond Dantes]

I seem to recall the three Myst novels were put in an omnibus volume not long ago, so its possible to get them all in one go.

Atrus is the first book and D'ni is the last. I never read them all the way though.

[Colorado Rockies]

metal gear series

[NayusDante]

I'm re-reading The Book of Atrus right now. I never got into the other books as much, but I'm going to give them another go eventually.

Analyzing the stories in non-RPGs is actually pretty funny, now that I think about it. There are definitely a few that are good fiction, but most all of them have been mentioned. I was about to mention King's Quest, but then I realized how lacking the overall narrative was. I think there's a story in Seaman, but it's more silly than good. Metroid Fusion started pushing for an interesting story, but it never really went anywhere. Even today, video game narratives aren't very good.

[kupomogli]

Here's some others.

Nightmare Creatures. You play as one of two characters in attempts to track down and kill Adam Crowley. The game is set in London and even uses actual history as part of its storyline. It suggests that the events in Nightmare Creatures are what caused the 1666 Great Fire of London.

Threads of Fate and Brave Fencer Mushashi. Action adventure games. I don't consider these RPGs.


Mega Man X always fascinated me with its story.

Especially Mega Man X4.

[Griking]

The Half Life Series
Brutal Legend

[Gamevet]

Karateka: I thought it told an interesting story, using minimal cut-scenes.

[old man]

Super Mario Bros.: Your a plumber who somehow winds up in a fantasy land of giant pipes, dinosaurs, sentient mushrooms, and giant piranna plants. And you're trying to rescue a princess. You also get to hulk out by eating giant (benign) mushrooms, and get super powers from flowers.

Blaster Master: Your a kid with a pet frog. Frog jumps out of bowl and gets away, making a bee-line for a giant radioactive refrigerator sticking out of the ground in your back yard. Frog lands on radioactive container/refrigerator and mutates to a massive size. The frog and container/refrigerator fall down into a hole. The kid jumps down it after them. At the bottom there is no sign of the frog or the refrigerator, but instead there's a big ass tank just sitting there. The kid, not being an idiot, puts on a jump suit and helmet, hops into the tank, and blasts off for adventure. Best storyline ever.

The Guardian Legend: "If someone is reading this… I must have failed...."

[skaar]

The plot to One for PS1 always amused me.

"I made a mistake."

[Wraith Storm]

I always thought Astal on the Saturn had an awesome story. Most of the story is told through somewhat boring, drawn out storyboard scenes, but the story its self is awesome.

I love the mythologhy style back story and then the events that follow. It was so imaginative and so fleshed out. It would have made an awesome anime movie, comic, or book.

[NayusDante]

Blaster Master: Your a kid with a pet frog. Frog jumps out of bowl and gets away, making a bee-line for a giant radioactive refrigerator sticking out of the ground in your back yard. Frog lands on radioactive container/refrigerator and mutates to a massive size. The frog and container/refrigerator fall down into a hole. The kid jumps down it after them. At the bottom there is no sign of the frog or the refrigerator, but instead there's a big ass tank just sitting there. The kid, not being an idiot, puts on a jump suit and helmet, hops into the tank, and blasts off for adventure. Best storyline ever.

Oddly, the whole story was added in the localization. The original was more generic, where you are the last hope of planet Sophia III to defeat the meta-beings. In the localization, the TANK is named Sophia III. They changed the US ending to have the frog sitting on your tank, so it definitely has more narrative than the original.

[old man]

Oddly, the whole story was added in the localization. The original was more generic, where you are the last hope of planet Sophia III to defeat the meta-beings. In the localization, the TANK is named Sophia III. They changed the US ending to have the frog sitting on your tank, so it definitely has more narrative than the original.

Yea, unlike a lot of people I always liked it when they rearranged stuff to suit the American audience. It felt like we were getting something special to me. And I've always loved Blaster Master's wacked out and surreal story. I thought of another one also. Journey to Silius. It was originally made to be a terminator game, but Sunsoft lost the rights at the last minute or something, and they put together an alternate story line instead. It's pretty cool dealing with a terrorist plot and a guy going after them for murdering his dad. The cut scenes at the opening are really well drawn and look really good even for NES.

[skaar]

Flashback/Out of this World. I loved the way OOTW was told completely without words, and how you were completely on your own without any real guidance. It made the whole thing much more of a brutal and strange adventure.

Flashback had a bit more plot but was also very well told through cutscenes and ingame action, while being deliberate about confusing the player.

[FoxNtd]

Yea, unlike a lot of people I always liked it when they rearranged stuff to suit the American audience. It felt like we were getting something special to me. And I've always loved Blaster Master's wacked out and surreal story. I thought of another one also. Journey to Silius. It was originally made to be a terminator game, but Sunsoft lost the rights at the last minute or something, and they put together an alternate story line instead. It's pretty cool dealing with a terrorist plot and a guy going after them for murdering his dad. The cut scenes at the opening are really well drawn and look really good even for NES.

I must be weird. I like not having that frog nonsense on my Metafight cart.

As for Raf World, the intro is exactly the same, with the same grammatical error as seen on the Journey to Silius version, entirely in English. Maybe the instruction manual explains the story since the English intro is probably meaningless to most native Japanese speakers. I love the final sentence. "They will pay the price for the death of my father." Usually things can sound more serious or stronger in Japanese; this is certainly an exception. :popcorn:

Why was the lead character changed for the NA version? :roll:

[Dire 51]

The Splatterhouse series had a pretty cool storyline thru all three, tho the first game had most of its story hacked right off.
The first Splatterhouse didn't even have much of a story until the PC Engine port was released. The entire original story from the arcade game is right on the flyer (http://splatterhouse.kontek.net/sh1_flyer_back.jpg):

恋人ジェニファーと迷い込んだのは,呪われた館だった.
仮面の精に助けられて,怪物どもと闘うリック.
はたして,脱出は可能か...!?
そして,恋人のゆくえは...?!

"(Your) lover Jennifer is lost in the cursed mansion.
The Spirit Mask helps Rick to combat monsters.
Is it really possible to escape?
And where could Jennifer be?"

That's it. No Dr. West, no story about why West Mansion is nicknamed "Splatterhouse," nothing about parapsychology... all of that came much later.

[Genjackson]

I thought Startropics 2 "Zoda's Revenge" had a good story that you didn't really expect that was non RPG

Aw man, you beat me too it. I love that game.

[wingzrow]

Nier for PS3 and Xbox 360

Fragile Dreams for Wii

and Silent Hill 2 Greatest Hits Edition on PS2 & PC

These are the trifecta of insanely depressing gut-wrenchingly sad games that have sub par gameplay, but you play just for the story, atmosphere, music, and nothing else. If you want to really cry play any of these three games and prepare to be depressed.

[Edmond Dantes]

I really wish I could re-title this thread somehow.

It should be "Games you don't normally play for the story, but which actually have interesting ones."

[Gameguy]

I really wish I could re-title this thread somehow.

It should be "Games you don't normally play for the story, but which actually have interesting ones."
You can edit thread titles, when you go to edit your post go to advanced options and you can do it there.

[tom]

Most VCS games actually, just read the instruction booklet, full of wonderful storylines.

[tom]

In Super Breakout you are a fearless spaceman traveling at the speed of light encountering a mysterious force field.... Hold on didn't Nintendo copy that storyline for their Alley Way game...

[skaar]

Fearless plumber!