These 6 Linear Games Will Always Have You Coming Back For More

Those who prefer single-player experiences over multiplayer titles — such as myself — are always on the lookout for more like-minded games to curb their satiety, but not every game in this particular department is right up there in the hall of fame for being not just high-quality from top to bottom but fairly replayable as well. A shining example of this subjectively would be Nier: Automata. 

Don’t get me wrong—PlatinumGames mustered up a work of art with this one, considering the gameplay, soundtrack, world design, and overall story, but once you beat the mainline campaign, everything starts feeling desolate and finished. The games I’m about to go over, however, are different in that regard. After every other year or so, you are likely to feel the want to revisit them, one way or the other. 

Don’t Miss On These Stellar Linear Experiences

Do bear in mind that the forthcoming entries are a personal suggestion, and aren’t definitive by any stretch of the imagination. If you feel like there should be other games in the list too, feel free to tell me all about it in the comments below. 

1. Halo: Reach

Arguably one of the greatest Halo games ever made — belonging to an era when Microsoft and Xbox ran business in the best interests of the player quite frankly — Halo: Reach possesses a plotline that will keep you coming back and then some. Although the title shines brightly for its multiplayer aspect too, in particular, I won’t be delving into that because it’s not the article’s focus.

Reach has some of the best gameplay mechanics in the entire Halo franchise, and that doesn’t just come from me, but the entire Halo fandom just as well. Being a fan, you should be aware of the sentiment pertaining to the first-person shooter already.    

• Get it on Steam.

2. Dishonored

Next up, we’ve got Arkane Studio’s tantalizing first-person single-player action game in the name of Dishonored, which is probably going down in history as one of the greatest titles in gaming. Amazing stealth gameplay, followed by the protagonist’s compelling abilities, and the overall freedom of choice presented to the player are some of the things that make Arkane’s Dishonored worth replaying every now and then. 

It’s extremely unfortunate, though, that Microsoft decided to can Arkane Lyon — the creator of the Dishonored franchise — in recent times, leaving fans worried about the IP’s future. Best get a good experience in before everything else turns to live service hell. 

• Get it on Steam.

3. Batman: Arkham Asylum 

The Batman: Arkham franchise (not you Suicide Squad) is one of the best superhero video series ever made — if not the best altogether — and I say this with good reason. It all started off with the first title in the franchise, Batman: Arkham Asylum, which has been revered across the board for its amazing atmosphere that sets the linear gameplay domain apart from the usual. 

Follow things up with the title’s terrific combat, respectable visuals, and commendable storyline, and you have at your disposal one masterpiece of a title that keeps calling your name year in and year out. 

• Get it on Steam.

4. Metro 2033

4A Games’ Metro 2033 is considered a cult classic at this point, being a single-player first-person shooter with a linear journey to embark on. In simple terms, it’s a video game treasure that does not get recommended enough, thanks to the level of immersion it offers to players right from the get-go, not to mention having some genuinely scary moments enough to make a grown man jump from his chair. 

• Get it on Steam.

5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Coming out initially all the way back in 1998 for the N64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time saw a remake for the Nintendo 3DS as well in 2011 due to popular demand, emerging as one of the best action-adventure games of all time in history.

When the title’s not coming across as a blizzard of nostalgia, it’s offering great exploration, rewarding gameplay, a solid plotline, and interesting characters that you’d love to pursue. The best part is, Ocarina of Time never feels linear, even though it technically is. That’s how good of a game we have at our disposal here. 

• Get it on Nintendo’s official store. 

6. Titanfall 2

The Titanfall franchise is in desperate need of a revival, considering it’s sitting on immense potential if it were to be continued in tune with the time and tech of today. The second installment in the franchise, Titanfall 2, still manages to hold its ground extremely well, even in 2024, thanks to its amazing gunplay, tight action, and an emotional storyline that will have you in tears, I kid you not.

Play it while you can and start praying for a sequel soon. Every pilot counts. 

• Get it on Steam.