Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

As a seasoned gamer who’s had their share of virtual adventures, I must say that these games you’ve presented are truly captivating! Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, much like stepping into a magical world itself, offers an immersive experience that’s hard to resist. Life is Strange, with its time-rewinding mechanics and intriguing narrative, takes the cake for the most intriguing mystery game I’ve encountered in a while.


Original article by Jessica Famularo on October 7th, 2024 – re-checked the list

If you’re someone who gets lost in gripping novels, then narrative-driven adventure games might just become your new favourite genre. Much like the term suggests, the entire game is based on an interactive story, where you, the player, get to influence the outcomes.
Narrative adventure games
are very similar to
text-based games
, and we have already compiled a list of some of the best ones available.

One standout characteristic of these games is their immersive nature, allowing players to actively shape the narrative. You’re not just a spectator; instead, you play a significant role, determining the course of events that unfold. Moreover, given the emphasis on storytelling in these games, you can anticipate intricate and engaging plots.

Additionally, you can effortlessly dive into narrative adventure games straight from your mobile device, making it convenient for you to start playing anytime, anywhere.

With that being said, we have put together a list of some of the best narrative adventure games available on the Play Store and App Store. Get ready to dive into some compelling stories where you get to be the hero.

If you’re on the hunt for some engaging point-and-click adventures tailored for your iPhone, I’ve got you covered! These games are perfect if you’re seeking a laid-back, immersive adventure experience. Enjoy the journey!

1 Reigns: Beyond

Available on:
iOS + Apple Arcade
Genre: Adventure
Find out more about Reigns: Beyond
Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

Reigns is recognized for its initial game, which involves swiping cards appearing on the screen to make choices for a kingdom. However, kingdoms, kings, and princes seem quite antiquated. How about spending your time overseeing an extraterrestrial music group instead?

Reigns: Beyond is essentially about making choices by swiping cards left or right, but this time you’re overseeing resources on a spaceship and guiding your crew through the cosmos. Unfortunately, for those using Android devices, they are unable to play this game as it’s currently exclusive to iOS systems.

Download Reigns: Beyond

2 Little Misfortune

Publisher: Killmonday Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure
Find out more about Little Misfortune
Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

This game leans towards the eerie side of point-and-click adventures, with a compelling storyline. It revolves around a young girl who faces impending death today. As you navigate through a town that’s slightly off-kilter and carries an unsettling atmosphere, your role is to guide this unfortunate character on her final day on Earth. A mysterious figure known as Mr. Voice offers guidance and direction for what lies ahead.

I was drawn into the story of Little Misfortune, eagerly continuing and anticipating each new development.

Download Little Misfortune for Android or iOS

3 Tales of the Mirror

Publisher: Lilith Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure
Find out more about Tales of the Mirror
Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

As an enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for the captivating narrative adventure game, “Tales of the Mirror.” This intriguing title delves into a murder mystery, whether you choose to focus on the tale of the victim or the enigmatic figure behind it. What sets Tales of the Mirror apart is its exceptional storytelling and immersive gameplay that resembles a point-and-click visual novel. The narrative unfolds in real-time, offering a unique and engaging experience for players like me who love a good mystery.

In this intriguing scenario, you’re tasked with solving the mystery by connecting the clues that point towards the murderer, as time is of the essence. Remember, each move counts, so think wisely before proceeding. Fortunately, you have a magical mirror to guide you along the way, but keep in mind, you must rely on your own intuition for the rest. If you’re intrigued and want to dive deeper into this captivating adventure, be sure to check out our review of Tales of the Mirror!

Download Tales of the Mirror for Android or iOS

4 The Almost Gone

Publisher: Happy Volcano
Available on: iOS + Android + Switch
Genre: Adventure
Find out more about The Almost Gone
Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

The game “The Almost Gone” is primarily a melancholic experience, centered around an eerily vacant narrative about death, mourning, and coping with its aftermath. By examining empty rooms and tranquil locations, you’ll delve into different areas and gather insights about the individuals who once inhabited them. Gradually, you’ll piece together the tale of your own past and the reasons for your presence there, as well as those who remain, even if they’re not visible to you.

Download The Almost Gone for Android or iOS

5 Lifeline

Developer: 3 Minute Games
Available on: iOS + Android + Apple Watch
Genre: Adventure
Find out more about Lifeline
Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

In another science fiction tale, Lifeline presents a unique twist: A space traveler finds himself stranded on an alien world, with the sole chance of making it back home resting upon . . . you. Your smartphone becomes the solitary means of communication between you and this person, requiring you to single-handedly ensure their survival.

This game is similar to a choose-your-own-adventure story, but Lifeline skillfully utilizes your phone’s interface. There will be moments when you need to wait for the space explorer, Taylor, to respond, which enhances realism and makes it an excellent choice for those who like to play mobile games in brief intervals.

To delve deeper into why this mobile game remains unparalleled among its variations, take a look at Susan Arendt’s article or explore our review on Lifeline instead.

Download Lifeline for Android or iOS

6 A Dark Room

Developer: Amir Rajan
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure, RPG
Find out more about A Dark Room
Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

Initially, A Dark Room appears to be a straightforward idling game where you focus on creating a fire and gathering wood. However, as time passes, you find yourself venturing into the surrounding woods, leading the game to evolve into an entirely unanticipated experience.

In a purely textual format, A Dark Room immerses players with nothing but words, making it remarkably engaging. It ingeniously blends role-playing game (RPG) and survival aspects to produce an entirely distinctive experience. To spark your curiosity, if you’re up for an adventure, we wholeheartedly recommend giving this title a try!

Download A Dark Room for Android or iOS

7 Reigns

Publisher: Devolver Digital
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Card/board game
Find out more about Reigns
Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

2016 saw Reigns making an instant impact on the gaming community upon its release. By adopting the swipe-left-swipe-right interface popularized by dating app Tinder, players assume the role of a ruler in a ruthless medieval fantasy realm.

In Reigns, you’re faced with numerous choices where swiping left means no and right means yes. At first glance, these decisions might appear harmless, but they can ultimately lead to your demise. Throughout the game, you’ll have the opportunity to learn a lot as you guide kings through their reigns over several centuries. If you’re intrigued about the gameplay of Reigns, be sure to read our review for more details!

Download Reigns for Android or iOS

8 80 Days

Publisher: Inkle Studios
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure, Card/board game
Find out more about 80 Days
Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

80 Days, a game only four years old, has swiftly earned classic status. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure title set in a captivating steampunk universe inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days. In this game, you take on the character of Passepartout, Phileas Fogg’s trusted manservant from the story.

As a gamer, stepping into the shoes of Phileas Fogg, I’ll be plotting my own course, balancing budgets, and crossing paths with captivating characters on this grand adventure. With its deep gameplay mechanics, there’s plenty to explore and replay, ensuring a rich gaming experience. Have you checked out our 80 Days review? It’s a must-read if you’re considering picking up this engaging game!

Download 80 Days for Android or iOS

9 Ryan North’s To Be Or Not To Be

Publisher: Tin Man Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure
Find out more about Ryan North’s To Be Or Not To Be
Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

Regardless if you’re a fan of Shakespeare or not, this reinterpretation of Hamlet offers a fresh perspective by blending intelligence and humor with contemporary language. Similar to the remake of its namesake gamebook, you’ll be immersed in the story instantly, making choices along the way that can shape the direction the rest of the narrative unfolds.

This work exhibits flawless writing and accurately represents its source. Enhanced by beautiful hand-drawn images, “To Be or Not to Be” is a must for anyone seeking a captivating text-based adventure. For those still hesitant, our review of “To Be Or Not To Be” is worth a read; it’s bound to sway your decision.

Download To Be Or Not To Be for Android or iOS

10 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery

Developer: Jam City
Publisher: Portkey Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Action, Adventure
Find out more about Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

J.K. Rowling’s cherished book series, Harry Potter, has inspired numerous video games, and we’re focusing on the newest one: Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. As the name implies, this game blends the magic of Harry Potter with mystery components, all set within the walls of Hogwarts. However, it offers much more than that.

As a novice witch or wizard, you receive a letter from Hogwarts, inviting you to embark on an extraordinary adventure into the realm of magic. Upon your arrival, you become a fresh student at Hogwarts, where you’ll attend lessons led by professors such as Snape, learn incantations, concoct potions, get assigned a house, care for mystical beasts, unravel mysteries, and engage in numerous other captivating activities.

Download Hogwarts Mystery for Android or iOS

11 Life is Strange

Developer: Don’t Nod
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure
Find out more about Life is Strange
Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

If you’re seeking a captivating tale centering around teenagers, we strongly advise giving Life is Strange a try. This game follows the story of Max Caulfield, a student who embarks on an investigation. What sets it apart is its protagonist’s special power to manipulate time. Throughout your playthrough, you’ll find yourself making crucial decisions about your actions. Remember, your choices can have significant impacts, adding an extra layer of excitement to this thrilling adventure.

Download Life is Strange for Android or iOS

12 To the Moon

Publisher: Game Insight
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Casual
Find out more about To the Moon
Top 12 best narrative adventure games you can play right now

In To the Moon, dreams often remain unfulfilled, but this story offers a unique twist. Here, you’ll encounter two unusual characters with an extraordinary profession: manipulating a patient’s memories through specialized equipment. They can alter past events to help their client realize their dream. Typically, this task is straightforward, but they find themselves grappling with an intricately complex case.

As a captivated onlooker, I can’t help but share the poignant tale of Johnny, a man with a singular dream – to visit the moon before his time runs out. Despite several valiant efforts by those around him, this dream seemed destined to remain unfulfilled. However, it soon became clear that Johnny harbored no desire to don an astronaut’s suit and take to the stars. Instead, the true essence of his wish remained hidden. Eager to discover the heart of the story? Join me in this intriguing adventure to unlock its secrets!

And these are all of the narrative adventure games that we have prepared!

Download To the Moon for Android or iOS

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2024-10-07 16:49