One of the great science - fiction first - person shooters on PC in 2015 was 'Destiny'. It offered a vast, beautifully designed universe to explore, with engaging multiplayer modes and a decent single - player campaign. The gunplay was solid and the different classes added variety to the gameplay.
I think 'Evolve' was also quite notable. It had a unique concept where a team of hunters fought against a huge, powerful monster. The sci - fi setting was really immersive, with interesting characters and abilities. However, it had some balance issues that affected its long - term popularity.
Don't forget about 'Prey' (2017). It has a very cool sci - fi setting where you're on a space station full of hostile alien life forms. The ability to use the environment and different powers adds a lot of depth to the gameplay. It's a great example of a modern sci - fi first - person shooter on PC.
The 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare' series, especially the first Modern Warfare, has a great story. It has intense military campaigns that are not just about shooting but also about the political and military drama behind the conflicts. It makes you feel like you're part of a real - world military operation. 'System Shock 2' is also notable. You play as a soldier in a space station overrun by mutants and an AI gone rogue. The story is full of mystery and horror elements as you try to figure out what happened and how to survive. 'Borderlands 2' has a unique story. It's set in a crazy, post - apocalyptic world full of colorful characters. The humor and the over - the - top action blend well with the story of trying to stop the main villain, Handsome Jack.
One of the best PC first - person story games is 'Half - Life 2'. It has an immersive story set in a dystopian world. You play as Gordon Freeman, a scientist, and the game does an excellent job of making you feel like you're in the middle of a revolution against an alien - controlled regime. The graphics were great for its time and still hold up well today, and the characters you meet along the way add depth to the overall story.
In recent years, 'Control' has a really interesting story. You play as Jesse Faden, who has to take control of a mysterious government agency called the Federal Bureau of Control that is overrun by a paranatural force. The story is full of mystery and exploration of the unknown. Another one is 'Deathloop'. The time - loop mechanic adds a unique aspect to the story. You're Colt, an assassin stuck in a time loop on an island, and you have to break the loop by assassinating eight key targets. The story unfolds in a non - linear way which is quite engaging.
One of the top ones is 'Half - Life 2'. The story follows Gordon Freeman as he battles the Combine in a post - apocalyptic world. It has a great narrative that unfolds as you progress through the game.
The 'Dear Esther' mod is quite remarkable. It's a walking simulator that tells a very poignant and emotional first - person story. As you traverse the desolate island, the voice - over and the environment work together to create a sense of mystery and melancholy. There are no real 'gameplay' elements in the traditional sense, but it's more about experiencing the story.
'The Metro Series' is also worth mentioning. For example, 'Metro: Exodus'. It has a post - apocalyptic setting. The story follows Artyom as he travels across the Russian wilderness. The game combines survival elements with a great narrative, and the atmosphere is really intense.
One of the best is 'Mass Effect' series. It offers an immersive universe with diverse alien species, a great story, and interesting gameplay mechanics. You can explore different planets and make impactful choices throughout the game.
I'd recommend 'The Outer Worlds'. It's a first - person shooter with an interesting story set in a corporate - dominated space colony. You get to make choices that affect the story and the characters around you. Then there's 'Prey'. The story takes place on a space station overrun by alien - like creatures. You have to figure out what happened and how to survive while uncovering a lot of secrets. Also, 'Doom' (2016) and its sequel have a simple yet effective story. You are the Doom Slayer fighting demons from Hell, and the backstory adds a lot of depth to the fast - paced action.
The 'Metro' series is also a good choice. Set in a post - apocalyptic Moscow metro system, the games have a rich narrative. You experience the struggles of the survivors, face off against mutants, and uncover secrets about the world above. It has a great atmosphere that complements the story well.