Home
/
AAA games
/
AAA game reviews
/

Top story based games to dive into after cod

Players Shift Focus | Engaging Story-Based Games After COD

By

Sofia Chang

May 4, 2025, 10:42 PM

Edited By

Emma Collins

Updated

May 8, 2025, 09:34 PM

2 minutes of duration

Various game characters featured in engaging story-driven video games

As players move away from competitive titles like Call of Duty (COD), there is a surge in interest surrounding story-driven games. The shift stems from frustration with toxic online environments, prompting gamers to seek richer narratives and immersive experiences.

Context Behind the Trend

Gamers are increasingly expressing their fatigue with competitive games. A 35-year-old player shared frustrations with COD and has turned his attention to engaging stories, completing God of War: Ragnarok and revisiting the Final Fantasy series.

Amplified Recommendations from Players

Feedback from gaming forums demonstrates a passion for narrative gems:

  1. Control: "I highly recommend Control!" one player noted, emphasizing its engaging gameplay.

  2. Red Dead Redemption 2: A fan described it as "absolutely amazing," lauding its deep narrative journey.

  3. The Last of Us Part I and II: The series remains in high regard. "Iโ€™m here to recommend The Last of Us. It really is that good," claimed a user, echoing widespread acclaim.

  4. Yakuza 0: Considered a must-play, with players encouraging others to jump in without hesitation.

  5. Alan Wake: Recognized as essential before tackling Control, adding depth to its story.

  6. Dave the Diver: "Iโ€™m fucking sucked in to Dave the Diver at the moment," revealed one player, showcasing the appeal of unique storylines.

Interestingly, one user suggested Expedition 33, describing it as a must-play due to its captivating narrative.

Fresh Insights and Themes

The community's desire for compelling narratives is clear, with many diversifying their gaming selections:

  • Sleeping Dogs was highly praised, described as "absolutely fantastic" for its engaging gameplay.

  • Cyberpunk 2077 received mixed reviews, with players voicing strong opinions about its absence from the recommendations.

  • New titles like Alan Wake 2 have also sparked interest. "Just finished it last week which I LOVED!" a player expressed, suggesting a fresh demand for narrative-driven gameplay.

  • RPG enthusiasts are encouraged to try Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous and Baldur's Gate 3, with the latter noted for its high replayability and recent game of the year win.

Sentiment Trend

Forum interactions reflect a mix of enthusiasm for story-rich games and critique of cinematic overindulgence in some titles. This shows a clear pivot toward more rewarding, fun experiences that resonate with many.

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Control stands out as a top entry point into the Remedy universe.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Expedition 33 gains traction for its engaging narrative.

  • ๐Ÿ“œ Strong support for games like The Last of Us, Sleeping Dogs, and Alan Wake suggests an evolving gaming landscape focused on storytelling.

As this trend continues, players are increasingly prioritizing narrative depth, leaving behind the competitive grind for more captivating gaming adventures.