Storytelling often employs a technique known as in media res, derived from Latin, which translates to “in the middle of things.”This narrative style begins the story at a point near the conclusion or in the midst of action, rather than starting from the beginning. Such an approach instantly engages the audience, piquing their curiosity about how events will unfold.
This storytelling technique is prevalent across various media platforms, including television shows, films, and notably, video games. In gaming, beginning a story at a climactic moment and then utilizing flashbacks to explore earlier events creates a compelling narrative structure. Often, this is supplemented by a framing device, such as a character’s narration, which guides players through the unfolding drama.
10 Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves
Actively Being Crushed
The gameplay in the Sly Cooper series typically features narration from Sly and, occasionally, his ally Bentley. This narration often takes on a metatextual tone, reflecting on events from a future perspective.
However, the third installment in this beloved franchise takes a distinct approach. The game kicks off with Sly and his team attempting a heist on the Cooper Vault but facing immediate peril as they are captured by Dr. M’s monstrous creation.
In this gripping moment, as Sly is slowly crushed, he experiences a flashback that reveals his journey leading up to this dire situation, including the formation of his team and the discovery of the vault. As the narrative pulls back to the present moment, Sly continues to narrate his predicament, heightening the tension until he loses consciousness.
9 God of War (2005)
Off A Short Ledge
While renowned for its over-the-top violence, the original God of War begins on a somber note. Immediately, players encounter Kratos, standing solemnly at the precipice of a cliff, voicing his despair and hopelessness.
Without any dramatic buildup, he leaps into the misty Aegean Sea. At this pivotal moment, Athena’s narration transports players to three weeks prior, showcasing Kratos’s monumental battles, including a fierce confrontation with the Hydra and his quest for revenge against Ares.
As the story unfolds, however, Athena reveals the tragic nature of Kratos’s journey; even after defeating Ares, the weight of guilt and relentless nightmares tortures him, driving an attempt to end his own life.
8 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
“Here’s Why I Broke Into Your Room”
The narrative brilliance of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time lies in its manipulation of time, employing in media res storytelling seamlessly. The game starts with a quick glimpse of the Prince entering an extravagant bedroom through a rainy balcony, immediately launching into a narration of the surrounding events.
It becomes clear that he is recounting his tale to someone, as he often interrupts the narrative with comments like, “wait, that obviously didn’t happen.” By the conclusion of the game, it’s revealed that he’s speaking to Farah, warning her of the Vizier’s nefarious plan, which she wouldn’t believe without a captivating backstory.
7 Metal Gear Solid 4
Graveyard Menu
Unique to Hideo Kojima’s approach, Metal Gear Solid 4 subverts traditional in media res conventions by revealing a glimpse of the ending even before the gameplay begins. Upon starting the game, players see an aged Solid Snake traversing through a serene graveyard filled with flowers.
This moment subtly builds intrigue as players wonder about the context of Snake’s visit. The game eventually unveils that he is at the grave of Big Boss, contemplating his own mortality as he confronts the loss after the fall of the Patriots.
6 Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge
How Did We Get Into This?
In contrast to the original, which introduces Guybrush Threepwood at the beginning of his quest, Monkey Island 2 dives straight into the suspense of his latest escapade. Players find Guybrush precariously suspended over a pit, struggling to hold a treasure chest with one hand while a rope supports him.
His companion Elaine descends to aid, prompting him to share how he ended up in such a predicament. Despite his reluctance, he unveils a hilarious backstory involving a botched treasure hunt where dynamite created the hole, ultimately leading to their comical peril.
5 American Arcadia
Post-Filming Interview
Opening as a documentary, American Arcadia introduces Trevor Hills through his deposition, indicating something pivotal has taken place. The game gradually revisits documentary footage, shedding light on Trevor’s experiences and the unfolding drama.
While the deposition presents a serious tone, the underlying narrative reveals it was merely a publicity stunt for the American Arcadia show, with Trevor having moved on from that chaotic chapter of his life.
4 Person 5
Botched The Heist
Persona 5 sets its thrilling scene in a luxurious yet eerie casino where Joker creates a commotion before falling into police custody. Following a harsh interrogation, he is confronted by Sae, who challenges him to recount the origins of the Phantom Thieves and their extraordinary adventures, despite his hazy memory.
As the narrative weaves back to Sae’s Palace infiltration, Joker’s fragmented memories add intrigue, deliberately omitting crucial plot details until they are revealed later, enhancing the storytelling experience.
3 Bastion
One Last Chat
As Supergiant’s debut title, Bastion showcases their innovative storytelling style. The game opens with Rucks narrating a desolate world while the Kid ventures through the aftermath of a catastrophic event.
The clever reveal happens later in the narrative, as it turns out Rucks was narrating to Zia about the Kid’s previous escapades, speculating during the climax of the final mission. This unique angle enhances the gameplay experience, intertwining narration with in-game events seamlessly.
2 Conker’s Bad Fur Day
King Of All The Land
If you anticipated a light-hearted adventure akin to Banjo-Kazooie from Conker’s Bad Fur Day, the game quickly dispels these expectations. It opens with a disgruntled Conker placed on a plush throne, adorned with a crown and clutching a glass of milk, surrounded by an eccentric entourage.
His narration conveys his confusion about his newfound kingship while inviting players to listen to the whimsical story of his “bad fur day.” The actual resolution leaves players pondering his kingship’s legitimacy, as it stems from mere happenstance rather than any heroic action.
1 Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
Next On The Menu
The inaugural title from the Oddworld series introduces players to Abe, a Mudokon trapped in a metal cell. His narration reveals a dire fate awaits him after angering RuptureFarms’ boss, Molluck the Glukkon.
Through flashbacks, Abe recalls his mundane life as a janitor and his shocking discovery about the company’s plans to produce “New ‘n’ Tasty” Mudokon meat, propelling him on an urgent quest for freedom. After several challenges, he ultimately returns to RuptureFarms to save his friends but finds himself captured again.
The narrative cycle ends back in the cell, underscoring the stakes of his survival: the choice between liberation or becoming fodder for the company’s ghastly menu.
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