
Note-taking isn’t just a classroom practice; it applies to many aspects of life, including the gaming world. Gamers can benefit significantly from jotting down important information that can enhance their gameplay experience.
In some video games, the complexity can necessitate taking notes, whether it’s to track quests, solve puzzles, or navigate intricate storylines. A simple pen and paper can be invaluable tools for players aiming to improve their understanding and execution within the game.
While note-taking can sometimes be straightforward, such as recording coordinates in Minecraft, many games have intricate plots that feel like they should come equipped with a notepad for a smoother experience.
As players delve deeper into these games, maintaining detailed notes can prove essential to navigating challenges efficiently and successfully.
10 Baldur’s Gate 3
Notetaking: The D&D Experience

Players familiar with Dungeons and Dragons understand the importance of note-taking to track story developments and unexpected twists introduced by the Dungeon Master.Baldur’s Gate 3, being a digital embodiment of D&D, is no different and encourages players to note key characters, events, and subtle clues.
As the game progresses into Act Two, players will benefit from detailed notes to keep up with the fast-paced plot and intricate quests. Important elements, like character doubts or significant reveals, may slip through if not recorded. Connecting the dots might even help avoid giving away what lies ahead, allowing for a more engaging experience.
9 Return of the Obra Dinn
Investigate a Ghost Ship

In Return of the Obra Dinn, players step into the shoes of an insurance inspector, where meticulous note-taking becomes part of the role. Tasked with solving the mystery surrounding the ill-fated ship, players must document crew fates and cargo to piece together the narrative through deduction.
The game’s striking monochrome visuals contrast with its intricate storytelling, making it essential to document observations. Although completing the game without notes is feasible, writing down your findings can deepen engagement and enhance the overall experience.
8 Myst
Notoriously Difficult Puzzles

In the Myst series, note-taking helps players navigate notoriously challenging puzzles. This collection of visually stunning puzzle-adventure games often leaves players stumped, making a trusty notebook crucial for documenting clues and solutions.
In fact, the original game even included a small notebook for players. Jotting down findings becomes essential regardless of which entry in the series you tackle, reflecting a design choice made by developers who anticipated that players would need to write things down to succeed.
7 Dead or Alive Xtreme 2
Keep Track of the Girls

Managing the nine characters in Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 requires significant organization, particularly now that microtransactions have been removed, making the process more tedious. Players must keep detailed notes on the girls’ inventories and item collections.
To efficiently manage progress—especially when aiming for 100% completion—consider creating a detailed spreadsheet rather than relying on traditional note-taking methods. The time investment required for complete mastery is substantial, as players navigate an intricate web of items and characters.
6 Outer Wilds
You Can Only Remember So Much

Outer Wilds offers a unique gaming experience where players have only 22 minutes to explore and unravel a cosmic mystery. This strict time limit means players need to retain a lot of information and make connections across various runs.
Although there is an in-game log, it doesn’t incentivize extensive use, making personal notes a vital tool for understanding the storyline intricacies. Documenting findings not only supports gameplay but also enhances the player’s ability to connect the dots before the inevitable reset.
5 Metroid Prime
Your Notes Are Your Map

In the Metroid Prime series, players navigate a labyrinthine world without an in-game map, requiring manual notes to track locations and objectives. Due to the absence of highlighted paths, documenting findings proves beneficial as you progress and acquire upgrades.
Trying to recall where to go can be incredibly frustrating, emphasizing the importance of note-taking in this exploration-heavy game. Players might question how Samus Aran manages to explore when the game itself provides little directional guidance.
4 Her Story
Immediately Bring Out a Pen and Paper

Her Story captivates players through its use of live-action footage as they delve into a mystery surrounding a woman’s missing husband. As a detective, your task involves sifting through interview footage, making it instinctual to take notes to piece together the narrative.
This innovative storytelling format draws players in, keeping them engaged for hours as new revelations emerge. Fans of true crime will find themselves immersed, filling pages with notes as they work toward uncovering the mystery.
3 The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
A Classic RPG Experience

Players new to the Elder Scrolls franchise may find the complexity of Morrowind daunting compared to the more user-friendly Skyrim. The game’s rich world, combined with vague directions and an absence of quest markers, can leave newcomers feeling lost.
To navigate this sand labyrinth, keeping diligent notes is crucial, encompassing quest details, pathways, and character abilities. This method serves as a necessary counterbalance to the game’s outdated UI, allowing players to appreciate the evolution of the series.
2 The Painscreek Killings
Be a Journalist, Take Notes Like a Journalist

In The Painscreek Killings, you assume the role of an investigative journalist tasked with uncovering the circumstances behind a mysterious death. The act of note-taking becomes your lifeline as you analyze clues surrounding the murder case.
What starts as a simple investigation quickly spirals into a series of hidden truths. Documenting your findings is crucial not only for gameplay immersion but also for maintaining clarity as you navigate through numerous twists in the story. Your notes transform into the key for unraveling the complexity of the narrative.
1 Papers, Please
So Many Border Rules

In Papers, Please, chaos reigns as you work as an immigration officer. This role demands keeping track of constantly evolving regulations concerning who may enter the nation. With rules frequently changing, meticulous note-taking helps avoid errors amid mounting paperwork.
Instead of flipping through various documents hurriedly with your mouse, it proves more efficient to jot down rules and exceptions. This meticulous tracking not only enhances gameplay but also amplifies the authenticity of the simulation, offering a fresh perspective on this indie classic.
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