How Some Video Games Tackle Immersion Better Than Others

Casting a lens on technology and how far we’ve come on this front, it’s a wonder how video games are capable enough to make players truly feel something, whether that’s sparking an emotion or immersing the player in such an involved manner, that time itself stops ticking away at the moment. But here’s the kicker: Not all games out there are special enough to pull off something like that. 

And that’s exactly what compelled me to put together a piece going over some of the most top-tier games out there in terms of delivering an experience that’s as immersive as it gets. Whether you dive into these to escape your loneliness, or you’re simply looking to form new forms of experiences with certain titles, make sure to read until the end of the write-up for favorable results. 

These Games Have Their Own Way Of Making You Feel A Certain Way

Don’t hesitate to leave a comment down below if you want to contribute to the listicle with a suggestion of your own. 

1. Dishonored

It’s a tragedy too huge honestly that the talented maker of Dishonored — Arkane Austin — is no more because Microsoft decided to shut it down earlier this year, alongside multiple other studios, including Tango Gameworks. Learn why this is so bad by picking up Dishonored, a first-person action-adventure and stealth-action game with an atmosphere that’ll have you going for days, not to mention a deep-dyed storyline that intrigues players from start to finish. 

 I highly recommend Dishonored for all the above reasons and then some, and especially for the fact that it looks incredibly good graphically, even to this day. Might as well give it an honest shot. 

2. Subnautica

Unknown Worlds Entertainment’s Subnautica is one hell of a time, and quite an experience like no other game in the industry right now—I’ll go even far as to claim the latter, really. The game takes its time with the pacing, but take it from me, the narrative of the action-adventure takes such a bizarre turn, that you’re never going to see it coming. 

It’s played from a first-person perspective and genuinely has that feeling of amazing accomplishment seeping in when you’re playing it, especially when you get past a major milestone. Not all games out there can offer you that. Everything from the progression system and the lore down to the visuals is flat-out remarkable with Subnautica and nothing you should ignore from here on out. 

3. Metro 2033 Redux 

I have more memories with Metro 2033 Redux than I have with my childhood best friend and don’t get me wrong, but I’m not mistaken when I tell you that this is one of the most immersive shooters ever made. An exceptionally photorealistic art style, followed by a terrific difficulty balance that makes you count every shot, but doesn’t overdo it with how hard everything gets as well. 

I can’t really describe the way the title will make you feel, especially with its grim setting, so I just recommend getting into the action straight away without a second thought in mind. The new Metro title can’t come sooner, really.

4. Ghost Of Tsushima 

I got my hands on Ghost of Tsushima as soon as it came out, and boy was it one of the best decisions of my life. An epic tale of a samurai-turned-sneak-master coupled with terrific gameplay, sensational visuals, amazing world design, and so many quality-of-life touches that made the experience more than just thrilling are some of the highlights of the legend that Ghost of Tsushima is. 

eXputer wrote a review on the game’s PC port, rating it 4/5 for its optimization, cinematic duels, and the “Legends” add-on. 

5. Cyberpunk 2077 

A game like Cyberpunk 2077 only comes along once in a very long while, and after having witnessed the different phases of development and progress that this action-adventure FPS RPG has gone through, I can vouch for the greatness of this title in 2024. Kudos to developer CD Projekt Red for sticking around and not giving up on the IP. 

On launch, it was nothing less than an unmitigated disaster, but now, Cyberpunk deserves its redemption across the board. Talk about upgraded visuals in a gorgeously designed city that has its own way of grasping the player’s attention, advanced combat mechanics to keep some of us RPG veterans hooked, and, of course, the star of the show—Cyberpunk’s first-and-final Phantom Liberty DLC. 

eXputer reviewed the expansion and rated it 4.5/5.0, with author Usama Mehmood remarking, 

With the release of Phantom Liberty, CD Projekt Red has finally delivered the grand RPG they promised all those years ago.”