The concept of episodic gaming has evolved significantly since its early experimentation during the DOS era, where titles like Commander Keen took advantage of the limited storage capacity of floppy disks. The mid-2000s marked a turning point, heralded by the rise of companies such as Telltale Games, which popularized the episodic format across various gaming experiences, even within single, cohesive titles.
Episodic games present notable advantages, notably longer development cycles for titles explicitly divided into episodes. This approach enhances storytelling, allowing developers to engage players akin to the anticipation of weekly TV show episodes. Since then, both major and indie titles have adopted this narrative structure, employing it for stylistic flair or to maintain thrilling suspense.
Among the numerous episodic games I’ve played, a few have truly distinguished themselves. Here are ten exemplary titles that showcase the evolution and impact of episodic storytelling in gaming.
10 Alan Wake
Alan Wake serves as a metatextual critique of serialized horror and mystery narratives, akin to binge-watching a series like The Twilight Zone or Twin Peaks. Divided into six episodes, the game intersperses its storyline with “previously on”recaps that enhance the experience, especially for players taking breaks between episodes. The episodic structure complements the game’s themes, as it feels self-aware of its format, crafting a narrative suitable for serialization.
9 Asura’s Wrath
Like Watching A Shonen Anime
If you have a history of enjoying Shonen anime such as Dragon Ball Z, you will appreciate Asura’s Wrath, which unfolds across 22 action-packed episodes. Conceptualized as an “interactive anime, ”the game distinguishes itself through its cinematic gameplay featuring quick-time events, making it feel more like a viewing experience than traditional gameplay. The format allows players to anticipate thrilling action moments while also including downloadable content that expands the story further.
8 Deltarune
We’ll Wait As Long As It Takes
In October 2018, amidst a sudden surge of excitement surrounding Undertale, a mysterious link on Toby Fox’s website revealed the first episode of what would become Deltarune. This unexpected release, which had been in development long before Undertale, captured immediate attention and provided a fresh narrative experience while echoing familiar themes. Currently, two episodes are playable, with more to be respectively released, keeping players eagerly awaiting each installment.
7 Faith: The Unholy Trinity
More Mortis, More Problems
Some indie episodic games evolve organically from their initial concepts. The original Faith, which made its debut quietly on itch.io in 2017, was later restructured into a cohesive trilogy with The Unholy Trinity, released in 2022. Combining the episodes into a single release allowed players to fully grasp the intricate narrative while uncovering hidden challenges, illustrating how some games achieve their full potential only when all components are available to the audience.
6 The Walking Dead
Growing Up Undead
Transitioning in 2010 from traditional point-and-click games, Telltale Games made a significant debut with The Walking Dead in 2012. This episodic title captivated audiences, emphasizing narrative over traditional puzzle mechanics. The episodes not only maintained suspense but also highlighted character development, as protagonists Lee and Clementine evolved visibly throughout the series. Its success redefined storytelling in gaming and led to multiple seasons that followed the same engaging format.
5 The Wolf Among Us
An Excellent Introduction To Fables
Following the success of The Walking Dead, Telltale quickly set its sights on adapting another successful IP.The Wolf Among Us, based on the Fables comic series, revolved around intriguing fairy tale characters in a modern setting. This unique premise, coupled with a captivating mystery, hooked players, drawing them into the narrative’s twists and turns, much like a gripping TV series. Despite plans for a sequel being stalled due to Telltale’s bankruptcy, development has resumed, keeping hopes alive for its return.
4 Siren: Blood Curse
Multi-Perspective, In More Ways Than One
Initially launched in 2003 on PS2, Sony’s Siren series has a cult following among horror enthusiasts. The third installment, Siren: Blood Curse, released in 2008, was a remarkable advancement in both gameplay and narrative structure. The story, comprised of twelve interconnected episodes, unfolds through varying character perspectives, allowing players to appreciate the broader narrative context while creatively engaging with the gameplay’s unique mechanics.
3 Life Is Strange
The Butterfly Effect
As Telltale led the charge with episodic narratives, other developers like Square Enix sought to capture similar acclaim. The result was Life Is Strange, a five-episode adventure exploring the repercussions of seemingly minor choices. With the ability to rewind time, protagonist Max highlights how small actions can yield significant consequences, allowing players to navigate a rich, character-driven experience that resonated deeply, resulting in multiple sequels and spin-offs.
2 Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse
The Freelance Police’s Strangest Adventure
Before its success with The Walking Dead, Telltale kept the flame alive with its adaptations of classic adventure games, including the beloved Sam & Max series. The third season, The Devil’s Playhouse, introduced new gameplay mechanics such as psychic powers, enriching the narrative and maintaining player engagement through a cohesive storyline. The anticipation for each episode built excitement, making it a memorable experience for fans.
1 Tales Of Monkey Island
Perfect For Fans And Newcomers
Capitalizing on its success with episodic storytelling, Telltale also revived the iconic Monkey Island franchise through Tales of Monkey Island, a five-episode series featuring the pirate Guybrush Threepwood. The game offered both nostalgic charm and fresh adventures, captivating long-time fans and newcomers alike. Although the puzzles were relatively straightforward, the engaging story and characters revitalized the franchise until a long-awaited sequel finally emerged in 2022, over a decade later.
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