There’s nothing quite like a memorable single player experience. Single player games offer players a level of immersion and intimacy akin to reading a great book or sitting in a dark theater as a movie washes over you. When you just want to escape into some entertainment, it’s hard to beat a wonderfully crafted single player game. Whether you like your games family-friendly, gritty, Science Fiction, or Fantasy, there’s something out there for you. If that’s the kind of experience you’re looking to have, we’ve got you covered.
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Video game remakes are nothing new, but they’ve grown in popularity in recent years. Here are the best games we believe could use full remakes.
As the gaming landscape continuously evolves, the line between multiplayer and single player can become a bit blurred. Some games offer a strong single player experience while allowing drop-in drop-out co-op. For the purposes of this list, we’re defining single player games as games that offer an exceptional single player experience. While some games may offer a multiplayer mode, their stories and gameplay truly shine when played alone. Now, let’s go on and look at the best single player games you can pick up and play right now.
10Mass Effect Legendary Edition
One Of The Best Science Fiction Experiences Around
When it comes toScience Fiction games,Mass Effect Legendary Editionis just about as good as it gets. Commander Shepard’s fight against the Reapers is one of the most memorable stories in gaming history. Fortunately, this edition packs all three original games into one convenient package. You can seamlessly experience the trilogy completely remastered for modern hardware. If you’re looking for a game with excellent writing and engaging characters, this is one of the best. Every companion character brings a unique perspective to the story. Whether you’re engaging in a romance or just helping them with their troubles, these characters shine so brightly that the game just wouldn’t carry the weight it does without them.
Whether you’re playing Renegade, Paragon, or something in between, you’ll be impressed with the way your story progresses as a result of the choices you make.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is a game where your choices matter. Whether you’re playing Renegade, Paragon, or something in between, you’ll be impressed with the way your story progresses as a result of the choices you make. Legendary Edition also comes packed with all of the game’s DLC, which has some of the best stories in the Mass Effect universe. Seriously, if you’re playing the trilogy, don’t sleep on the amazing experiences packed within the DLC. If you’ve never played this game before, now is the time. If you’re an old fan, check out what they’ve done with this remaster. You’re going to be impressed.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
9Super Mario Odyssey
Our Favorite Plumber’s Ultimate Adventure
Super Mario Odysseyis a game that emphasizes joy like no other. Running around colorful worlds, grabbing all of the coins and collectibles you can, and all while bouncing along to fantastic music. Seriously, the music is wonderful throughout and there’s a memorable musical number I won’t spoil here. You can use Cappy as a jumping pad to help Mario move around the world. Speaking of worlds, there are a whopping 16 in Super Mario Odyssey. But the fun doesn’t have to stop when the credits roll. If you still want to play, and are up for a challenge, there’s plenty of post-game to explore and work your way through. While you can technically have another player take control of Cappy, it’s most satisfying to play alone.
Blending 2D sections with the 3D platforming world was a stroke of genius.
One of the best things about Super Mario Odyssey is that it’s a celebration of Mario’s entire history. Blending 2D sections with the 3D platforming world was a stroke of genius. And yet, somehow, it manages to toss in new mechanics while still honoring the old ones. Being able to throw Cappy onto the head of an enemy and take them over is wonderfully fun and adds a ton of new ways to play the game. Likewise, when you engage with a 2D section in one of Mario’s new costumes, you’ll see an 8-bit version of that outfit. It’s a breathtaking blend of the old and the new, making this entry in the Mario series a delight for veterans of the franchise and newcomers as well.
Super Mario Odyssey
An Immersive Horror Experience
Ifyou play horror games, then you know playing a horror game alone (potentially in the dark) is an experience unlike any other.Dead Space Remakebrings horror to a new level with enhanced gameplay mechanics and a graphics overhaul that brilliantly breathes new life into this classic. Being trapped on a ship alone with necromorphs has never been scarier, and stomping them has never felt better. Dead Space Remake manages to overcome the hurdle every remake has to face, offering an experience that both feels modern and captures the essence of playing the original game. Dead Space Remake walks this line with ease, allowing smooth gunplay and modern graphics that pull you in as the rest of the world melts away.
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If you’ve never played a Dead Space game, this is the perfect place to start. Dead Space Remake offers one of the best horror experiences ever made. You’ll need to sneak your way through hallways with dim, flashing lights. You’ll approach every vent and seemingly dead body with a sense of both caution and dread. The game will ask you to make dastardly choices, and your decision might just come down to how afraid you are of the dark. It’s a game that can get your blood pumping and your heart racing as you sit on the edge of your seat. All of this happens while unraveling the mystery of what happened on this ship and what you’ll need to do to escape. The story is as gripping as the creeping dread it embodies, and it’s an experience you definitely don’t want to miss.
Dead Space Remake
7Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
An Incredible Superhero Experience
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remasteredis one of the best superhero games ever created. It perfectly brings the world of Spider-Man to life. Not only do you get the thrill of swinging around New York City as Peter Parker, but you’ll also encounter a full lineup of Spider-Man villains that have a long legacy in the comics. Perhaps best of all, this game takes place several years after Peter became Spider-Man. He already knows how to be Spider-Man. You won’t have to see Uncle Ben die for the tenth time or whatever we’re up to now. Instead, you get to play a veteran Spider-Man who loves his city and his place in it. However, if you have no experience with Spider-Man, don’t let this turn you away. The game wonderfully fills in the gaps for fans old and new. Also, I would be doing the game a disservice if I didn’t talk about the suits. There are so many suits available in this game that it’s truly incredible. Whether you’re a comic fan, a movie fan, or a gaming fan, you’ll likely find your favorite suit in this game’s lineup.
The story of Doctor Octavius becomes one of heartbreak, where he even acts as a mentor to Peter Parker.
One of the things this game does so well is lay the groundwork for future stories while keeping you engaged with the story presented. The story of Doctor Octavius becomes one of heartbreak, where he even acts as a mentor to Peter Parker. In this game, we see Miles getting his powers, we see Norman Osborn as a business person and politician, and we know Harry is somewhere out there. We even catch a glimpse of the symbiote in a tank. All of these components set upMarvel’s Spider-Man 2perfectly, and it’s truly hard to say which game is actually better. But, if you’re going to start with one, then start here. You definitely won’t regret playing this high-flying superhero epic, and you surely won’t forget it.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
6Elden Ring
A Challenging Open-World Experience
When it comes toopen-world games, it’s hard to go wrong withElden Ring. This Fantasy epic is one of the best open-world experiences out there, but you have to be up for the challenge. This game will absolutely stomp your character over and over again until you figure out how to take on every enemy and boss with their unique mechanics. That being said, it’s also one of the most approachable Soulsborne games you’ll come across. If you hit a wall with a particular boss or in a certain area, you can wander off and sharpen your skills elsewhere. Previous Soulsborne games that served as more linear experiences didn’t give players that option. If you were stuck, then you were stuck until you overcame that particular enemy/obstacle.
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However, approachable doesn’t necessarily mean easier, as some of the toughest bosses in this game stand as tall as the most sinister in any Soulsborne game to date. On your journey through The Lands Between, you’ll meet a number of peculiar characters and chase a storyline that asks you to put some of the pieces together yourself. Don’t worry, if everything doesn’t make sense at first, there are a ton of high quality lore videos to dive into. This is the kind of game that makes you want to do absolutely everything. Dungeons are fun to explore, secrets are rewarding to find, and discovering new weapons can change the gameplay drastically. Whether you’re new to the genre or a returning fan, Elden Ring offers an experience unlike any other.
Elden Ring
5Persona 5 Royal
A Titan Of The JRPG Genre
With the release ofPersona 5, ATLUS made a huge splash. When they releasedPersona 5 Royal, they cemented the game as one of the best JRPGs of all time. Royal is the definitive version of this incredible game, and it’s worth experiencing on any hardware that will play it. One of its greatest attributes is that it feels very approachable, even for people who haven’t played many JRPGs at all. The day and night cycle adds a bit of strategy to which relationships you pursue, and the calendar means only certain NPCs will be available on select days. It’s a game filled to the brim with activities, and you’ll always feel like you could’ve done more with your day if you only had more time. It’s a bit like real life in that way.
The music in this game might be some of the best in gaming history. Its jazzy, up-beat tunes are worth experiencing with headphones on.
When I say this game hits on all levels, I truly mean it. The music in this game might be some of the best in gaming history. Its jazzy, up-beat tunes are worth experiencing with headphones on. The turn-based combat is animated and springs to life on the screen. The combat itself is thoughtful, strategic, and absolutely engaging. The colors in this game are brilliant, making every moment absolute eye-candy. Building relationships with the surrounding characters is rewarding in a way that makes you want to discover everyone’s stories. It’s also a game you’re able to sink a ton of time into, which makes it worth every penny. If you’ve never played a Persona game, definitely give this one a go. It’s a self-contained story, so don’t worry about it being the fifth entry in the series. It welcomes both new players and series veterans with open arms.
Persona 5 Royal
4The Last Of Us Part 1
An Unforgettable Story In Any Medium
When it comes to games with an incredible story, you would be hard-pressed to find one better thanThe Last of Us Part One. This game was released on the PS3, remastered for the PS4, and completely remade for the PS5. In addition to that, it was adapted into a very well-received television show for HBO. It’s a big, important piece about love and the great (and terrible) things people will do in the name of it, particularly the love between a child and parent. The growth of Joel and Ellie is a highlight of the game. To say they started off on the wrong foot would be an understatement, but their journey together is a long one. Ellie, whose protection started as a job for Joel, quickly grows on him as he begins to see her more as a person and child within a harsh and desolate world.
It’s a big, important piece about love and the great (and terrible) things people will do in the name of love, particularly the love between a child and parent.
Joel and Ellie are wonderfully written, smartly acted, and brought to life like never before in The Last of Us Part One. The actors, Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson, absolutely kill it in their respective rolls. The world itself is populated with monsters in both the form of Clickers and humans who have been shaped by a cruel world. Joel himself had a troubled past, and it sounds like most survivors have experienced the same in order to survive. Finally, we have to talk about the graphics. This game is stunning. The motion capture in this game allows for expressions and emotion to shine without a single line of dialogue. Few games can boast such a feat, and the fact that it all started back on the PS3 is an absolute wonder. The Last of Us Part One is truly one ofthe crown jewels in Sony’s lineup of exclusives.
3The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
The Pinnacle Of Imagination And Creativity
WhileThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildfelt revolutionary upon release,The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdommade it feel like a tech demo. Nintendo managed to make a game that truly allows players to use their creativity and imagination to solve all of their problems. Players have made flying machines, mechs, and, yes, they’ve also tortured some poor Koroks along the way. The wide open world begs to be explored, with shrines and secrets scattered throughout. Tears of the Kingdom is a game built for discovery and adventure. While it’s an incredibly big game, it somehow also manages to feel approachable, in part because of the game’s brilliant tutorial island.
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While the sky islands themselves were impressive enough, Nintendo went above and beyond by adding the depths. If you’re unfamiliar, the depths are basically an entirely underground Hyrule. That’s right. The whole map has a second level for you to explore, and it’s entirely different from exploring aboveground. The depths are a dangerous place where you need sources of light to even move around safely. Enemies can knock off chunks of your maximum health, creatures are more durable, and the whole world feels more hostile than ever. Even more impressively, you can jump from the top of a sky island and dive to the lowest point of the depths without ever hitting a loading screen. Considering this is a Switch game, it’s something of a modern marvel.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
A Western Unlike Any Other
If you love Westerns, you’ll absolutely adoreRed Dead Redemption 2. This is one of the most immersive games ever made. Whether you’re fishing, riding your horse across beautiful grasslands with mountains in the background, or shooting up your favorite town, you’re guaranteed to have a blast playing as Arthur Morgan. Dutch, the man with the plan, is the leader of a gang of outlaws in a world that’s quickly closing in around them. Their way of life is becoming a thing of the past, but Dutch isn’t ready to face the music. Arthur, on the other hand, is a more reasonable person. He sees the writing on the wall, and there’s a lot of time to reflect on events as you ride across the world to reach your destination.
Trudging through the snow at daybreak feels completely different from slinking through the swamp at night, hearing all of the predators that could leap out at any moment.
Arthur Morgan isone of the best characters in gaming. His character growth is impressive, his journey is tragic, and the way he influences the world around him feels meaningful and grounded at the same time. Even some of theside characters are robust enough to feature in their own game. If you like collectibles, this game has a ton of them. There are plenty of animals to hunt and fish to catch. And while the game only shows a relatively small section of the country, it manages to have incredibly diverse regions. Trudging through the snow at daybreak feels completely different from slinking through the swamp at night, hearing all of the predators that could leap out at any moment. While this game does have a designated online mode, it isn’t really connected to the main story at all. In fact, it doesn’t really hold a candle to the journey you’ll have on your own.
Red Dead Redemption 2
1Baldur’s Gate 3
Some Of The Best Companions Ever Written
Sure, you have the option of playingBaldur’s Gate 3with friends, but you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t play it at least once by yourself. While Baldur’s Gate 3’s strongest attribute may be bringing D&D to life in a way nothing else has, it’s second-strongest attribute is the writing of its companion characters. Everyone in your party has a strong personality, plenty of opinions, and character growth you don’t want to miss. Honestly, it’s worth playing through several times, each time with different companions along for the ride. One of the surprising delights of the game is companion flexibility. If you want to experience the glory of Astarion (and you do), but you don’t need a rogue, you can simply change his class. This flexibility allows you to constantly fill your party with whoever you wish without sacrificing which classes you want on your team.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the best games ever crafted, and it’s an absolute joy to experience over and over again.
Every side quest in this game, along with the main quest, offers a complete and satisfying story. Your choices matter. Companions can leave you if you push them far enough. Quests can have drastically different outcomes based on your actions. Dice rolls keep you on the edge of your seat as you hold your breath waiting to see if you succeeded in a critical persuasion check. Between the choices you make, the classes you can play, and the companions you can bring along, this game has a lot of replay value. Baldur’s Gate 3 is perhaps the best game ever crafted, and it’s an absolute joy to experience over and over again.
Baldur’s Gate 3
DualShockers Definitives: The 30 Best RPGs Of All Time
After weeks of debate and voting, DualShockers has assembled its list of the greatest, most influential, most important RPGs of all time.
