I would say 'Metro Exodus'. The story is set in a post - apocalyptic Russia. You follow Artyom as he travels across the desolate landscape on a train. It has a great mix of survival elements and a deep narrative about hope and humanity. 'Wolfenstein' series is also worth mentioning. It has a great story of fighting against Nazis in an alternate history. You play as BJ Blazkowicz and go on a rampage against the evil regime. 'Far Cry' series, especially games like 'Far Cry 3' and 'Far Cry 4', have engaging stories. You are in a tropical or mountainous setting respectively, fighting against tyrants and their minions.
A really good one is 'Dishonored'. The story is set in a steampunk - like world where you play as Corvo Attano. You have the power to choose your path, whether to be a stealthy assassin or a more brutal killer, and this affects the story outcome. 'System Shock 2' is a classic as well. It has a really immersive story where you are on a spaceship overrun by mutants and an AI gone rogue. It was ahead of its time in terms of gameplay and story - telling. 'Prey' is also worth mentioning. It has an interesting story set in a space station where you face off against shape - shifting aliens and have to figure out what's really going on.
One of the popular ones is 'BioShock'. It has a really engaging story set in the underwater city of Rapture. The player discovers the secrets of this dystopian place while fighting off various enemies. Another is 'Half - Life' series. Gordon Freeman's adventures in a world full of alien threats and scientific mysteries are quite captivating. And 'The Last of Us' is also great. It tells a post - apocalyptic story of Joel and Ellie's journey across a ruined America, filled with emotional moments and intense combat against infected and other humans.
Metro Exodus is a great solo shooter with story. You are Artyom, and the game has a very immersive story as you journey across the post - apocalyptic Russian landscape. There are many choices to make that can affect the outcome of the story. Far Cry 3 is also a good option. You play as Jason Brody, stranded on a tropical island. The story of his transformation from a victim to a fighter is quite interesting. You can explore the island at your own pace while following the main storyline. Doom (2016) also has a solo - friendly story. You are the Doom Slayer, on a mission to kill demons and there's a basic plot that drives the action forward.
One more popular game with a good story is 'System Shock 2'. It combines horror, RPG elements, and a first - person shooter. The story of a derelict spaceship filled with mutants and an AI gone rogue is really thrilling. 'Prey' is also getting popular. It's set in a space station where you have to fight off alien - like creatures and figure out the mystery of what happened, and the story is full of suspense.
The 'Prototype' series can also be considered. Alex Mercer is an antihero who has superhuman abilities in an urban landscape. The story is about his search for his identity and his fight against various threats in the city. It has intense shooter - style combat and a really interesting story that unfolds as you progress through the game.
Max Payne 3 could also be considered. The main character, Max Payne, is a tortured anti - hero. Set in urban environments, the story is a gritty noir - like tale filled with action. Max is constantly facing off against criminals in the city, and his past traumas add depth to the overall story as he battles his inner demons while trying to survive the dangerous situations he gets into.
Definitely 'Mass Effect'. It's extremely popular and known for its great shooter mechanics and the ability to have romances with different alien species. The choices you make in relationships actually affect the story. Another popular one is 'The Last of Us Part II'. It has a very emotional and intense romantic relationship that is a big part of the overall narrative. People love it for its deep story and great shooting action.
'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.
Killzone 3 is a popular PS3 first - person shooter with a story. It's set in a science - fiction universe where you fight against an alien race. The graphics are great and the story keeps you engaged as you progress through different levels of combat.