For those who enjoyed HBO's The Last of Us but may not be familiar with video games, there are options available. The Last of Us has been praised for its characters, post-apocalyptic setting, and moral dilemmas, making it one of the best TV shows of the year. This game has also shown non-gamers the potential for storytelling in video games. However, for those who may find games like The Last of Us, God of War, or Horizon: Zero Dawn overwhelming, there are shorter and less complex options available that still offer emotional and compelling stories.
The Walking Dead
Telltale's The Walking Dead shares similarities with The Last of Us as a popular zombie apocalypse story. It also features a strong emphasis on the importance of love and family during difficult times, focusing on the relationship between a man and his surrogate daughter. However, unlike The Last of Us, The Walking Dead is more suitable for TV fans due to its gameplay. It is built around cutscenes and choices rather than requiring players to sneak, shoot, and brawl their way through areas. This highlights the narrative over action gameplay, which differs from The Last of Us' combination of both.
Gone Home
Gone Home is a game that has divided critics and audiences alike. Some criticize it for its lack of interactivity, while others praise it as a prime example of games as an art form. The game follows protagonist Katie as she returns home to find her family's house deserted. The player must unlock and explore the house's various rooms to uncover the events that led to the family's disappearance. Gone Home relies heavily on environmental storytelling to convey its narrative, showcasing how games can tell a story through unconventional means. Although it may not have the same level of cinematic environments and dialogue as The Last of Us, it still manages to evoke strong emotions from players. Additionally, fans of The Last of Us may appreciate the game's exploration of LGBT themes.
Unpacking
Unpacking is a game that demonstrates the storytelling possibilities of the gaming medium beyond The Last of Us' cinematic approach. While The Last of Us relies on conventional storytelling techniques, Unpacking showcases how games can push the envelope with their narratives. The game is based on the simple concept of unpacking and moving into new houses, but it weaves a powerful and emotional story through this mundane task. Although it lacks the action and conflict of The Last of Us, its low-stress gameplay and unique approach may appeal to non-gamers.
Firewatch
Firewatch is a narrative-driven game, often referred to as a "walking simulator," similar to The Last of Us in its focus on storytelling. Its gameplay involves exploring environments and engaging in conversations to advance the plot, which can be a plus for non-gamers who don't want to learn complex mechanics. Despite its melancholic storyline, Firewatch offers a glimmer of hope compared to The Last of Us. By immersing players in the breathtaking scenery of a national park and having them communicate with a fellow ranger via radio, Firewatch is able to evoke a range of emotions from players, including amusement, unease, and even tears. The game demonstrates that even seemingly simple games have the potential to tell powerful stories.
What Remains Of Edith Finch
The Last of Us is known for its gripping narrative, but What Remains of Edith Finch proves that powerful storytelling can come from simpler gameplay. This exploration game follows Edith Finch as she uncovers the secrets of her cursed family's past. Each family member's story is told through unique, stylistic vignettes that change up the gameplay mechanics. What Remains of Edith Finch's vignettes are emotionally charged and show the full extent of what video games can do to create an immersive experience. The game's innovative storytelling and heartfelt portrayal of family loss make it a must-play for anyone who wants a powerful story without complex gameplay.
Disco Elysium
For those seeking a game with a deep, immersive narrative like The Last of Us, Disco Elysium is a solid recommendation, despite its longer playtime and more complex mechanics. In this roleplaying game, players assume the role of an alcoholic detective trying to solve a murder. While character-building and planning are important, Disco Elysium emphasizes dialogue over combat and mechanical skill. Disco Elysium may seem daunting to new players, but it is forgiving of mistakes, and failures often lead to intriguing new storylines instead of game overs. Its emphasis on storytelling and unique gameplay make it an entertaining and satirical adventure that can appeal to those who are less familiar with gaming.
Everybody's Gone to the Rapture
Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, another game described as a walking simulator, offers a unique experience for players who loved the dark and eerie setting of The Last of Us. In this game, players explore a deserted English village and piece together its story without zombies or raiders. Everybody's Gone to the Rapture presents an unsettling, bittersweet, and beautiful narrative about the end of the world. As players wander through Yaughton, they discover more about its flawed inhabitants, a supernatural threat, and its attempts to prevent a crisis from spreading. Unlike The Last of Us, players do not need to engage in fighting or sneaking. They can simply watch and appreciate the story.
Life Is Strange
Life is Strange is a game series that focuses on storytelling and the struggles of everyday people in exceptional circumstances. Each game's protagonist gains supernatural abilities, leading to stories of mystery and intrigue with a human connection. The game mechanics center around player choice and consequences, allowing the player to influence the direction of the story through their decisions. The series' emotional range is vast, with moments of laughter, tears, and everything in between, making it an experience that resonates with fans of The Last of Us' storytelling.
Portal
Portal, despite being a puzzle game with a traditional approach, still shares some appeal with The Last of Us. It is renowned for its storytelling, which is conveyed through a minimalist narrative and a memorable setting with beloved characters. Portal boasts an abundance of mystery, black comedy, and well-crafted characters. Additionally, its gameplay is exhilarating and intuitive, making it accessible to non-gamers. The game starts with simple mechanics that gradually become more challenging, allowing players to master them over time.
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