Max Payne series

A neo-noir classic from the world of video games, each installment possesses a unique mood and elemental connection. The first Max Payne, despite being set in New York City, slowly plunges us into the cold of the coming Ragnarok. The more corpses the hero leaves behind, the more brutal the snowstorm.

Max Payne 2 is subtitled “The Fall of Max Payne” for a reason—it’s not just about fall, but also about autumn, and also about love. The latter is connected to the femme fatale, Mona Sax, who not only bursts into the narrative but also becomes the second playable character.

The third installment was developed by Rockstar. And although the game begins in the familiar gray and dirty colors, we are gradually prepared for the hero’s rebirth, the symbolic shaving of his hair. And, of course, the scorching sun of São Paulo.

The entire trilogy is worth your attention, especially if you’re looking for a dark crime story.

Life is Strange + LiS: Before the Storm

After the commercial failure of Remember Me, the French team Dontnod decided to focus on something more intimate, and the world received one of the most important teenage dramas with time travel.

One of the reasons for their success is the methodically laid out hooks of interest. Even though the events unfold in the fictional town of Arcadia Bay, the students there are engrossed in reading Jack Kerouac, watching Twilight, Doctor Who, and even Cannibal Hell. In short, they enjoy what many of us enjoy.

There are so many references to popular culture that it’s hard not to get hooked. This also helps flesh out the game’s characters, making you empathize with them a little more.Life is Strange and its spinoff Before the Storm are great story-driven games that take you back to autumn, college, and magical realism.

The Witcher series

Fantasy games often remain in the shadow of their literary source material, but that’s not the case with The Witcher. Although Mr. Sapkowski doesn’t admit it, it was the game adaptation of Geralt of Rivia’s adventures that popularized the universe in Western countries.

The first part, although visually dated, remains the darkest of the trilogy. The swamp with the cannibal and the burning of the witch are truly worth it!

The second introduced more political intrigue and acidic colors to the world, while the third took the best from previous projects and perfected the open-world balance. However, maintaining witcher neutrality will be challenging, as choices often conflict with conscience or the law.

Silent Hill series

While many of Silent Hill’s stories are unavailable to PC owners, they can experience the best of them—the tragedies of James Sunderland and the maniac Walter Sullivan.

The first is the hero of Silent Hill 2. He receives a letter from his late wife, who is waiting for him in a quiet resort town. In Silent Hill, James will face his fears, other broken people, and, perhaps, redemption. The game has received a good remake from Bloober Team, so you don’t have to mess around with the poor 2003 port.

The second is the antagonist of Silent Hill 4, who once lived in Apartment 302, which serves as the player’s refuge for a significant portion of the game. According to the author, this is the scariest entry in the series, where each time you “return home,” you lose your sense of safety. The GOG version of the game is the best, as it brings back some of the PS2 effects and missing ghosts.

Death Stranding

This is perhaps Hideo Kojima’s most daring project. A game simultaneously about escapism in the wilderness and the seemingly invisible connections between people and mutual support.

In the world of Death Stranding, America has been shattered by some kind of catastrophe. Only a few “node” cities and numerous small bunkers remain.

The only ones who dare venture outside are the couriers, who carry tens of kilograms of cargo. They were inspired by the Japanese bokka porters who deliver supplies to remote mountain villages.

It’s hard to find a game with a more stellar cast. It features Norman Reedus, the master of the walking dead, Mads Mikkelsen, the love interest of the sexiest Bond, Léa Seydoux, and a dozen other renowned actors and directors. They’re all part of Kojima’s insanely beautiful and strange vision.

Interesting facts about the game