Summary
Character-driven storylines have taken over gaming, with players appreciating how fleshed-out the protagonist and their friends are in well-written games. These games will use the friendships developed in these titles to serve as the motivation for various conflicts as players try their hardest to keep these bonds intact.
The best video games around know how to use the themes of friendship to augment both gameplay and storytelling, turning these titles into must-plays in the eyes of many. If players want to enjoy a great and impactful bond in their games, then these titles will be right up their alley.
Games will be ranked based on how important themes of friendship are to the core experience.
Co-op gaming is a great way to either test or strengthen the bonds of friendship, and nowhere is this more apparent than inA Way Out. Players take on the role of two convicts who decide to team up and escape a prison, leading to a fun, action-packed adventure full of numerous engaging set pieces.
A Way Outhas its issues, what with the hamfisted storytelling and some unimaginative gameplay segments, but the themes of friendship are handled brilliantly here. All of this leads to a shocking final act, wherethe bonds of friendship between both the characters and the players are testedin a bombastic finale.
Most people would scoff at the idea of befriending a machine, which is what makesTitanfall 2’s campaign so special. The game is a massive improvement over its predecessor, with Respawn Entertainment showing just how strong their writing talent is.
The bond between Jack and BT grows organically, becoming the beating heart of this amazing campaign.Fans can’t help but shed tears at the emotional climax, making it clear why so many players hate the fact that this game will never receive a sequel.
Almost every JRPG focuses on themes of friendship, but it’s the realistic writing and engrossing dungeon design ofPersona 4that makes it such a blast to play through. Players explore various labyrinths in the TV World that are formed from the deepest insecurities of would-be victims who eventually join the party.
It helps that the Social Links, coupled with some strong writing, ensure that the bonds inPersona 4feel stronger than ever. As one would expect, the protagonist is on the verge of defeat against the final boss, only to recall the bonds he shares with the people of Inaba as he manages to neutralize the threat of Izanami and remove the fog from Inaba once and for all.
Undertaleis one of the most charming indie games ever made, in no small part because of its imaginative gameplay and excellent writing. Interactions with other characters are both hilarious and endearing, making fans feel emotional at the end of an unforgettable experience.
This is especially true in the Pacifist Ending, where players must befriend every enemy and boss they encounter to unlock this ending path. The final fight sees players befriending an enemy who is consumed by hate, with Asriel Dreemurr eventually calming down as he realizes that he doesn’t need to be alone anymore.
Danganronpais one of the best murder-mystery games players can get their hands on, in no small part because of the emotional stakes involved. A group of high schoolers are forced into a killing game where they must figure out the killer in a Class Trial or die trying, causing friendships to fracture as people start accusing each other.
To avoid this mass panic, Makoto must solve the case and uncover crucial information to eventually figure out the culprit. Despite this twisted premise, there are genuinely heartfelt moments in this title, with players having the time to spend their Free Time with other students to deepen their bond too.
Pyre’s novel concept makes it both a boon and a curse to bond with the Exiles stuck in purgatory. While these characters end up being valuable in the Rites, players will also sympathize with their need to return to the surface world after a point.
This can make it harrowing for players to send away their favorite characters since that will make future Rites harder to deal with. It’s this unique twist on the idea of friendship that makesPyrea blast to play through.
Mass Effect 2is one of the greatest video games ever made, with a reconstructed Commander Shepard being tasked with gathering a squad to deal with the Collectors. Each squadmate has a personal story that players can get invested in, compelling them to complete certain side quests to deepen their friendship.
This is a necessity if players don’t want tolose their allies during the Suicide Missionsince a lack of loyalty will cause certain squadmates to fall in combat. It’s a nerve-wracking finale that tests the bonds between Shepard and his squadmates, leading to arguably the most emotional finale in the series.
As unfinished and puzzling asFinal Fantasy 15may be, the game boasts a ton of heart and has become a fan-favorite in the eyes of many. The biggest reason why fans loveFinal Fantasy 15stems from the bond shared between the main cast, with every piece of banter cementing their relationship in the eyes of players.
Noctis, Ignis, Gladio, and Prompto are four of the closest friends inFinal Fantasyhistory, with these characters going to hell and back together. The strength of this bond is why fans can’t help but weep openly at the end of a memorable experience, flawed as it may be.
