Dirt Rally 2.0. Although it mainly focuses on rally racing, it has a story in the sense of your journey as a rally driver. You start small, enter different rallies around the world, and face various terrains and weather conditions. It's a great game for those who love the challenge of rally racing with a bit of a narrative arc.
Wipeout Omega Collection. The story here is set in a futuristic world where high - speed anti - gravity racing is the norm. You compete in different leagues and face off against other skilled pilots. The game's story is told through the progression of the races and the unlocking of new ships and tracks.
The Crew 2. It has a story that allows you to experience different types of racing across the United States. You can switch between various vehicles like cars, boats, and planes. The story is about building your racing career and exploring the vast map of the US in different racing disciplines.
I highly recommend 'Red Dead Redemption 2' on PC. The story is long and engaging, following the life of Arthur Morgan in the wild west. It's filled with emotional moments, moral dilemmas, and a detailed open world. Another one is 'Cyberpunk 2077'. It has a long main story along with numerous side quests that add to the overall narrative. The world - building is great. 'Assassin's Creed Odyssey' also has a long story. You can choose between different protagonists and experience a story set in ancient Greece with lots of historical elements and family drama.
I highly recommend 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'. Its story is immersive and engaging. You'll constantly discover new things about the world and its history. 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' is also great. It gives you a relaxing and creative story where you can shape your island as you like. Another one is 'Xenoblade Chronicles 2'. The story is epic and the characters are well - developed.
Definitely 'Divinity: Original Sin 2'. It has a complex and immersive story. You get to create your characters and make choices that truly shape the narrative. The coop play allows you to strategize with your friends, like deciding which spells to use in a battle or which path to take in a quest. 'Portal 2' is also a must - play. The story is simple yet engaging. You and your coop partner have to think outside the box to solve the portal - based puzzles. It has a great sense of humor that adds to the overall experience.
Portal 2's co - op campaign is excellent. The story continues from the first Portal game and adds new elements. You and your partner have to solve complex puzzles together using the portal gun. The narrative unfolds as you progress through the levels, with GLaDOS providing her usual sarcastic and menacing commentary, which adds to the overall charm of the story.
One game to consider is 'Horizon Zero Dawn'. Although originally a console game, it has a PC version. The story is about Aloy, a hunter in a post - apocalyptic world overrun by mechanical creatures. She uncovers the secrets of her world and her own origin. 'Gothic' series also has great stories. You are thrown into a harsh, medieval - ish world where you have to fight, trade, and explore to uncover the mysteries of the prison colony. 'Baldur's Gate 3' has a great story too. It's a D&D - based RPG with a huge world, interesting characters, and a story full of choices and consequences.
Forza Horizon 4. The story is set in the UK and the seasonal changes add depth to it. Then there's Gran Turismo Sport which has a story that caters to those who love the professional racing atmosphere. Also, Need for Speed: Heat with its story of street racing and the battle against the police.
Another option is Horizon Chase. It has a retro - style gameplay combined with a story that takes you on a journey across different locations. The controls are simple and the races are exciting. It gives a nostalgic feel while still having a story element.
I'd highly recommend 'The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt'. It has a great linear story in the sense that Geralt has a main quest to follow. There are also side quests that add depth to the world. Another one is 'God of War'. Although it's mainly known for its PlayStation version, the Xbox One version also has a great linear story of Kratos' journey. And 'Horizon Zero Dawn' has a very engaging linear story about Aloy's exploration and discovery in a post - apocalyptic world.
Definitely 'Halo: Combat Evolved'. While it's known for its great gameplay, it also has a deep story. It sets up the entire Halo universe, introducing the Covenant, the Flood, and the mystery of the Halo rings. The story is about humanity's struggle for survival against these alien threats, and it has layers of lore that keep players engaged.
Forza Horizon series is a great choice. It has an engaging open - world environment and a story that unfolds as you progress through different races and events. You get to explore beautiful landscapes while competing in various races and building up your car collection.