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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'Portal' is a great family - friendly first - person shooter with a unique story. You play as Chell, and you have to solve puzzles using the portal gun in a strange testing facility. The story is simple yet engaging as you discover the secrets behind the facility and the AI GLaDOS.
Control. The story is really cool as you play as Jesse Faden, exploring the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control. It has a great mix of supernatural elements and a plot full of twists.
One of the best shooters with a story is 'BioShock'. The story takes place in the underwater city of Rapture, filled with moral and philosophical themes. Another is 'Half - Life' series. Gordon Freeman's journey through the alien - infested Black Mesa is both exciting and full of mystery. Also, 'The Last of Us' (although more of a third - person shooter) has an incredibly immersive post - apocalyptic story about Joel and Ellie's journey across a ruined America.