The technological advancements in gaming over the years have made storytelling easier.

Now, developers cancreate long cutscenesfeaturing detailed facial expressions and body language to help tell their tale.

That is partly why most of the best story games ever have been released over the past few generations.

Shovel Knight descending on a sleeping dragon, and sonic and tails in Sonic Mania.

From Chrono Trigger to Earthbound, we’ve ranked the best old-school RPGs of all time.

Yet, that isnt to say they werent great stories being told in games before that.

For example, here are several retro games that have good narratives.

A still from Stellaris, No Man’s Sky, and Destiny 2

The guy is immortal.

Technically, he can be killed, but he just comes back alive, albeit with some memory loss.

His goal is to figure out his past.

Collage with Chrono Trigger, Bravely Default, and Octopath Traveler.

It’s a very character-driven storyline, so it’s good the game has a strong main character.

Unlike many video game protagonists from the ’90s, he isn’t a do-gooder.

He’s a complex character that you’re able to help shape.

Vagrant Story, Final Fantasy 7, Grim Fandango and Chrono Trigger.

Yet, whatever version of the character you turn him into, his story will always be somewhat tragic.

You play as a talented agent named Alex, who is tasked with bringing them to a halt.

The leader of the cult is named Sydney Losstarot.

Starman from Earthbound, Cloud from Final Fantasy 7, and Ethan from Pokemon Gold standing side by side in the Grasslands.

Stopping her is your main objective during the game.

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A bony pale figure with dark hair standing in an orange hazy environment from Planescape: Torment.

However, this narrative gets far more complex as things go on.

You play as Manny, who helps these souls on their way.

This game’s whole premise and setting are unique and help it stand out among other titles.

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Plus, the writing is fantastic, as it’s both compelling and humorous.

It helps you to get sucked into the game’s world easily and appreciate the characters within it.

So, his job is to stop threats to the country.

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The story feels like a well-told political espionage plot.

Your character has amnesia, so they have no clue of what happened.

All they know is that they have to attempt to get to safety.

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There is an artificial intelligence on board that may help with that.

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Something that stands out about System Shock 2’s story is how it’s told.

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You learn about the narrative and what happened to everyone primarily through audio logs left by your former comrades.

Their goal is to stop the evil corporation known as Shinra from destroying the planet.

However, they also have the superhuman being known as Sephiroth to deal with.

Ashley Riot in a vibrant and colorful cathedral from Vagrant Story.

The story takes unexpected twists and turns throughout the game, leading to some mind-blowing moments.

It’s all carried by a fantastic cast of maincharacters who are among the best in Final Fantasy history.

This includes the future.

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Yet, things are far more complex than that.

Plus, the leader of the terrorists looks a lot like Snake.

So, there is a lot to uncover as you make your way through this captivating narrative.

Skeleton characters meeting in a dimly lit office in Grim Fandango.

It’s made all the more interesting due to the excellent voice acting and writing that’s on display.

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JC Denton with his mouth open in conversation, wearing shades, in a dark room in Deus Ex.

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Wielding a pistol in System Shock 2.

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Aerith Gainsborough praying in the Temple of the Ancients in Final Fantasy 7.

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Marle is pulled through a Time Gate in a teleporter accident as Crono and Lucca look on in Chrono Trigger.

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Metal Gear Solid screenshot of Ocelot talking with Liquid.

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Triple-A Games