Having just completed Ghost of Tsushima, I was truly impressed by its storyline and combat. I’m now on the hunt for other games that feature strong narratives along with engaging fighting systems. I enjoy games that immerse you in the plot and develop character depth, while also providing enjoyable gameplay that goes beyond just button mashing. Titles within the action RPG or adventure genre would be ideal. I welcome suggestions for both new releases and older titles that I might have missed. What games would you suggest that shine in both storytelling and combat? I’m ready to invest in quality titles that offer an outstanding narrative experience along with rewarding combat.
Nier Automata is probably my top pick for what you’re looking for. The story gets absolutely wild and the combat system is this really smooth mix of hack and slash with bullet hell sections. Just make sure you play through all the endings because that’s where it really shines.
Persona 5 Royal might seem like a weird suggestion but it has some of the best character development I’ve ever seen in a game. The turn based combat is super polished and the social elements tie into the story perfectly.
Mass Effect 2 still holds up really well if you haven’t tried it. The squad loyalty missions are some of the best character writing I’ve seen in games and the combat clicks once you get into it.
The Witcher 3 is probably the obvious answer here but it really does nail both aspects perfectly. The main story hits hard and the side quests actually matter instead of being generic fetch missions.
Red Dead Redemption 2 might be worth checking out too. The combat isn’t as flashy as Ghost of Tsushima but the story and characters are incredible. Arthur Morgan’s journey is something else.
If you want something a bit different, Horizon Zero Dawn combines great world building with really satisfying robot hunting mechanics.
God of War (2018) should be on your list. Kratos and Atreus have amazing chemistry and the axe combat feels incredible.