If you're drawn to environmental storytelling, you might want to check out
What Remains of Edith Finch. This game is a masterclass in telling a family's history through their home. Rooms are left untouched, each one a capsule of time expressing the personality and fate of its occupant. The way you uncover the stories subtly through exploration is both poignant and haunting.
Another great pick is
Hollow Knight. The game world is so richly designed that every area tells a story about the fallen kingdom of Hallownest. The background lore is pieced together through environmental cues like ruined structures, haunting atmospheres, and the remnants of past inhabitants. It adds a layer of mystery that really keeps you engaged.
Lastly, give
Subnautica a try. While it does have some dialogue, the underwater world is filled with environmental storytelling. You learn about the planet and its history through the wreckage of ships, alien ruins, and even the flora and fauna. The way the environment changes as you progress reflects the increasing stakes of survival, making exploration a compelling narrative device.
Each of these games really showcases how powerful the environment can be in telling a story without relying heavily on direct dialogue. Happy gaming! It seems to me that this approach is now more and more appreciated, because the player himself becomes a part of the story, and not just an observer. It's like when you find the meaning yourself, and not when it is explained to you. I sometimes still watch various selections and reviews, I even came across
https://uk.notgamstop.com/bonuses/non-gamstop-no-deposit-bonus/ where I just read about bonuses and at the same time caught myself thinking how they present information differently. This somewhat echoes the way games present stories. In short, the topic is very cool and I would like more games like this.
