I would recommend 'XCOM 2'. It has a great story about fighting against an alien occupation. The strategic part comes in when you are managing your squad, researching new technologies, and making tough decisions in combat. 'StarCraft II' is also a classic. The story is engaging, especially in the campaign mode, and the real - time strategy gameplay is top - notch. Then there's 'Disco Elysium'. It's a unique RPG with a very strong story and strategic elements in character building and dialogue choices.
Civilization series. In these games, you build and lead your own civilization from the Stone Age to the future. The story is created as you make decisions about how to develop your society, deal with other civilizations, and face various historical events and challenges. It's a story of growth, competition, and sometimes, domination.
Mass Effect trilogy. It's a science - fiction epic. You create your own character, Commander Shepard, and embark on a journey across the galaxy. The decisions you make throughout the three games shape the story, and you get to interact with a diverse range of alien species and cultures.
For beginners, 'Stellaris' is a great choice. It has a relatively easy - to - understand story concept of building and expanding your space empire. The in - game events and interactions with other species create an interesting story. 'Age of Empires: Definitive Edition' is also beginner - friendly. It has a simple yet engaging story as you progress through different ages of history. Another option is 'Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm'. It has a clear story about different factions fighting in the Warhammer 40K universe.
'Plague Inc.' has an interesting story from a different perspective. As a pathogen, your goal is to infect and wipe out humanity. The game progresses with various strategies you can employ, and as you do so, there are little snippets of news and information that build up a sort of 'story' of the global pandemic you're creating. It's a unique take on strategy and storytelling.
Total War: Warhammer II. With a rich lore based on the Warhammer Fantasy universe, the campaign mode has a long - running story. You control different factions, each with their own goals and storylines, and the battles and political machinations create a complex and engaging narrative.
One great option is 'Path of Exile'. It has a deep and complex story set in a dark fantasy world. The lore is rich, with various factions and a long history of events that unfold as you play. Another is 'Warframe', which also has an engaging story. You play as a Tenno, a powerful warrior, and as you progress, you learn more about the origin of the Warframes and the conflicts in the universe. And 'Apex Legends' not only offers intense gameplay but also has a story that gradually reveals itself through character backstories and in - game events.
One great game is "Minecraft". In this game, players can build and explore together. They can create amazing structures, from castles to modern skyscrapers. Another is "Overcooked". It's a cooperative cooking game where you and your partner have to work together to prepare meals in a chaotic kitchen. And "Stardew Valley" is also wonderful. You can farm, fish, and build relationships with the villagers together, sharing the joys of rural life.
Mortal Kombat is a great one. It has a dark and complex story full of twists and turns. There are also some great cutscenes that really bring the story to life.
One of the top ones is 'Civilization VI'. It has a great story in the sense that as you build and develop your civilization from the Stone Age to the future, you are writing your own epic tale. Each decision you make, like choosing a research path or engaging in diplomacy, shapes the narrative. Another is 'The Banner Saga'. It has a rich, Norse - inspired story filled with moral dilemmas. You lead your caravan through a post - apocalyptic world, making choices that not only affect the strategic battles but also the overall story arc.
The 'XCOM' series, especially 'XCOM 2'. It's a turn - based strategy game. The story is about humanity fighting back against an alien occupation. You have to manage your resources, recruit and train soldiers, and make tough decisions during battles. The narrative of resistance against a powerful and often mysterious enemy keeps you hooked from start to finish.