A List of Storygames for People Who Like to Read
by Mizal
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Storygames in Need (Of People Who Like to Read)
(This article written in August, 2019)
So if like most newbies you're here looking for fun free choice-based stories to read, you'll probably be directed to the top rated and featured games on the site. All of those are great stories and I'd encourage you to browse through them, but you may ask yourself, what happens to the stories that are good but not quite good enough for featuring?
The answer is, that unless they're short enough to look like a quick breeze-through on mobile, or written by a Forums and Discord Superstar, they sadly will sometimes fall through the cracks. This list is an attempt to compile some of those sorely neglected games and give them the attention they deserve.
All games listed here at the time of writing this had less than 30 ratings, and far fewer reviews; the reviews in some cases could be counted on one hand. Nearly all were written in 2018-2019, and nearly all still have writers active on the site. At 15,000 words or so at minimum, they represent a substantial amount of effort on the author's part that has been painfully overlooked by readers.
I'll look into updating this list again at the end of the year, but my hope is that by then most of these games will no longer need to be on it. (And note that if you're on PC and use the site extension add on found here you can filter your search to games with the fewest ratings as well, any time you like.)
Happy reading, and remember that just a quick comment of appreciation or honest criticism by you can make the day of an author who put in a lot of time and effort to entertain you for free while trying to improve as a writer.
*****THE LIST*****
Escape From School by Ogre11
This is an IF game in the old Colossal Cave Adventure style. Basically all your choices are just picking directions and manipulating stuff.
You wake up trapped in the school and need to find a way out before you are caught! Wind your way through over 100 different rooms and locations to find your way out of the abandoned and locked school building.
Note: Escape the School is an anomaly on the list. The length shows up as only 1/8 because most of the story text is contained within the scripting. It also takes some dedication to play through completely, so that at the time of writing this it had only been rated four times despite being published for months.
A Fiery Winter by lopz66
You are a weak-willed guard for the city of Ashton. Demons have infested the surrounding landscapes, making trade impossible. When a succubus saves your life, will you follow her to the end?
Or die trying?
Entry for the Succubus Contest, 2019.
Hank's Journey by Ogre11
Make decisions for Hank as he wanders out into a world that is quite a bit more than it seems. Watch him head into the darkness and see if and how he will find his way back out...or further in...
Please note the maturity rating on this one. It doesn't mean that it's mature, it means that it's nasty sometimes. While yes, there is some humor, it's pretty graphically adult at times, not like most of my stories. Oh, it's not as bad as some other stories I could mention here, but it's different than nearly everything else I've written, so be warned. It's gross, too, in way too many places.
Entry for the Succubus Contest, 2019.
The Daemonologists by pugpup1
Daemons have preyed upon humans since the Fall of Man, but in the civilized world they must first fight the daemonologists. Armed with knowledge, they wield learning and magic to protect the innocent from the dark spirits that would do them harm. It has been your dream to join them, to study at their College and then go forth to do battle with infernal warriors, but lately you've had to contend with other dreams, nightmares of a mysterious woman, pale and strange and beautiful. Who is she, and what role will she play in the great unfolding drama of the daemonologists?
Entry for the Succubus Contest, 2019.
Secret of the Grass Planet by Bill_Ingersoll
It's been four years since you were rescued from Giri Minor, and because of your heroic actions you have been commissioned as an officer in the Astral Navy. Your first assignment as a newly-promoted lieutenant aboard the Starship Orion: search for the noted xenoanthropologist Dr. Lori Munro and her husband Ander Dyo, who have gone missing on the planet Folvan. As you explore the so-called "Grass Planet," known for its expansive prairie environment and bronze-age civilization, you will find that not all is as it seems.
The Lost Emperor by Crescentstar
Emperor Jianwen, or Zha Yunwen, fled the Ming Palace after his uncle rebelled against him. It is said that he left in disguise as a Buddhist monk and fled to Southeast China. The fate of the second Ming emperor is unknown.
Lai Chun was the creator of Eagle Claw Fantsi martial arts, and he passed his skills to his students. Tao Chiag learned this martial arts, and since its creation, it has been passed on. I'm not sure of the exact date of its creation, but it should be around the time of the early Ming Dynasty.
The Will of the Lord by ShoujoAddict
Charles IV, king of Bohemia and holy roman emperor was considered one of the most influential and successful rulers of his time. However, not all of his decisions were wise...
Special thanks to mazdark for his advice on historical combat, and to cricket for beta reading.
Also, this is an entry to Corgi's unofficial contest of the lords and my first story on the site.
Edithe Zilonis by MadHattersDaughter
An undertaker meets a dead woman who is more alive than most of the living.
A (mostly) illustrated story involving a very mysterious murder, ghostly romance and spirits possessing --- the dead?
Let's not worry ourselves with the details. This is Blackwood, after all.
Isotope-239 by Killerainbow
A desolate mass, a hell hole. The earth was rendered totally unlivable following the events of The Last War. Ultimately it is unknown if there are any survivors, how many there are, or how they could possibly live in such inhumane conditions. Our hearts weep for the billions of lives snuffed out due to to the necessary actions of the few.
- The Founders
Blackwell's Diamonds by ViolinAndDeerstalker
Edmund Blackwell, world-famous treasure hunter and your uncle, has asked you to house-sit his mansion for the weekend. But on your first day there, you enter your bedroom and are shocked when the door automatically locks behind you! Make it through a series of escape rooms to find Blackwell's most precious treasure, the Diamonds of Karpathos, and free yourself from the mansion.
I would highly recommend playing with paper and pencil on hand. Unless you have a perfect memory, write down EVERYTHING that seems important.
Neon Genesis Evangelion by WouldntItBeNice
This is a what-if fanfiction for Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Kaworu, the final angel, died. All is set to start Instrumentality; however, Gendo realizes Rei's rebellious nature and delays both NERV and SEELE. With both sides manipulating for their own benefits, it leaves the pilots with more time. Their world, bodies, and minds are broken. Could Shinji, Asuka, and Rei heal before it is too late or will they only hurt each other more?
The King's Command by ninjapitka
Not all princes obey the rules.
Entry for Corgi's Unofficial Contest: The Lords of the Land.
The Providence of Kria lies unsteady. Peace between two major nations, Brelia and Rath, is quickly unraveling. In attempt to prevent another war, heir to the throne of Brelia, Prince Urijah, is sent on a diplomatic mission to Rath. In your older brother's absence, the burden of defending the kingdom falls to you.
Arakhan's Vengeance by elfred
You are Arakhan, the Captain of the Guard that watches over Lyestra, a small forest village. You return from patrol one day to see that your entire village has been burned to the ground by an unknown villain. Take up your sword, find the evildoer responsible, and show him the true meaning of...your Vengeance.
Ghosts by Digit
Down the Chimney he will come with a great big smile! You help ghosts with their problems. That's most of the story. Please leave which ghosts you helped in the comments.
The Cliff by Orange
In a small Alaskan fishing town, Val lost everything.
4-Simplex by WouldntItBeNice
The barrier between impossible and possible is thin.
This is an entry for the Summer Slam contest.
You will be individually following Billy Joe, Runt, Virgil, and Slim.
Author's Notes: Each character has their own storyline that is intertwined with the others' own storylines, so your choices will effect the paths of multiple characters simultaneously in little and big ways. A choice can have a large effect even if it does not appear to do so at first, so choose carefully. Sometimes, a character's storyline is blocked (by dying) until another character does something different. Lastly, try to be nice and try not to die, for it is very helpful to do both of those things.
Frameshift by AzBaz
When all that's desired is to do good in a cruel World with so little power, what measures might be taken to create change? Afflicted by something more than just psychosis, one rogue hero seeks a path of getting that power to help people in need. Henle's getting rougher by the day and it's starting to look like Bast isn't the only problem on the streets. In the end, it all comes down to Frameshift.
Roamers, Part 1: The Road to Safety by ultraoverlord
Just as things were starting to feel 'normal' again
The world you once knew is crumbling around you. Streets that used to be full of life are now full of empty cars and empty stares from the dead. Buildings fall, people die, families break, and the world seems to be ending.
And in the middle of it all stands a young man, married a few months ago. For you, life was just starting. You never got a serious job, you couldn't decide whether you were having kids, and right as you were content, you heard a noise in the living room...
The Emperor's Zoo by Ogre11
The emperor sends you to a faraway land to capture exotic beasts for his zoo. But a spreading plague, a witch-doctor, and a brewing feud between local tribes presents . . . difficulties.
This is a contest entry for Bucky's December 2017 contest
This ended up being more of a puzzle game than a story. It still has a good story, I think, so I do hope you enjoy it. It will take a little time, there's not a short way through this one!
The Exploits of Fail-Man by RoyalGhost_007
This is a story about the exploits of Fail-Man.
This game has two real endings. This is also my first story. I hope you like it!
This is a contest entry to BZ's Summer Slam Contest!
Lizzie and the Horrors of Hate by Cking
Foes and friends shall test your trust.
Betray one for the other, if you must.
Each blind to the other's plight.
Only you can set things right.
Inspired by "The Underland Chronicles". (Lizzie has no relation to the character from the books.)
Marooned on Giri Minor by Bill_Ingersoll
You are a young recruit in the Astral Navy, serving aboard a minor transport vessel making routine personnel transport runs to Star Base Ishtria. When a malfunction requires the captain to drop the ship out of hyperspace, you find yourself in orbit above Giri Minor--a deserted world with a dark history and circled by uncharted asteroid clouds.
(This article written in August, 2019)
So if like most newbies you're here looking for fun free choice-based stories to read, you'll probably be directed to the top rated and featured games on the site. All of those are great stories and I'd encourage you to browse through them, but you may ask yourself, what happens to the stories that are good but not quite good enough for featuring?
The answer is, that unless they're short enough to look like a quick breeze-through on mobile, or written by a Forums and Discord Superstar, they sadly will sometimes fall through the cracks. This list is an attempt to compile some of those sorely neglected games and give them the attention they deserve.
All games listed here at the time of writing this had less than 30 ratings, and far fewer reviews; the reviews in some cases could be counted on one hand. Nearly all were written in 2018-2019, and nearly all still have writers active on the site. At 15,000 words or so at minimum, they represent a substantial amount of effort on the author's part that has been painfully overlooked by readers.
I'll look into updating this list again at the end of the year, but my hope is that by then most of these games will no longer need to be on it. (And note that if you're on PC and use the site extension add on found here you can filter your search to games with the fewest ratings as well, any time you like.)
Happy reading, and remember that just a quick comment of appreciation or honest criticism by you can make the day of an author who put in a lot of time and effort to entertain you for free while trying to improve as a writer.
*****THE LIST*****
Escape From School by Ogre11
This is an IF game in the old Colossal Cave Adventure style. Basically all your choices are just picking directions and manipulating stuff.
You wake up trapped in the school and need to find a way out before you are caught! Wind your way through over 100 different rooms and locations to find your way out of the abandoned and locked school building.
Note: Escape the School is an anomaly on the list. The length shows up as only 1/8 because most of the story text is contained within the scripting. It also takes some dedication to play through completely, so that at the time of writing this it had only been rated four times despite being published for months.
A Fiery Winter by lopz66
You are a weak-willed guard for the city of Ashton. Demons have infested the surrounding landscapes, making trade impossible. When a succubus saves your life, will you follow her to the end?
Or die trying?
Entry for the Succubus Contest, 2019.
Hank's Journey by Ogre11
Make decisions for Hank as he wanders out into a world that is quite a bit more than it seems. Watch him head into the darkness and see if and how he will find his way back out...or further in...
Please note the maturity rating on this one. It doesn't mean that it's mature, it means that it's nasty sometimes. While yes, there is some humor, it's pretty graphically adult at times, not like most of my stories. Oh, it's not as bad as some other stories I could mention here, but it's different than nearly everything else I've written, so be warned. It's gross, too, in way too many places.
Entry for the Succubus Contest, 2019.
The Daemonologists by pugpup1
Daemons have preyed upon humans since the Fall of Man, but in the civilized world they must first fight the daemonologists. Armed with knowledge, they wield learning and magic to protect the innocent from the dark spirits that would do them harm. It has been your dream to join them, to study at their College and then go forth to do battle with infernal warriors, but lately you've had to contend with other dreams, nightmares of a mysterious woman, pale and strange and beautiful. Who is she, and what role will she play in the great unfolding drama of the daemonologists?
Entry for the Succubus Contest, 2019.
Secret of the Grass Planet by Bill_Ingersoll
It's been four years since you were rescued from Giri Minor, and because of your heroic actions you have been commissioned as an officer in the Astral Navy. Your first assignment as a newly-promoted lieutenant aboard the Starship Orion: search for the noted xenoanthropologist Dr. Lori Munro and her husband Ander Dyo, who have gone missing on the planet Folvan. As you explore the so-called "Grass Planet," known for its expansive prairie environment and bronze-age civilization, you will find that not all is as it seems.
The Lost Emperor by Crescentstar
Emperor Jianwen, or Zha Yunwen, fled the Ming Palace after his uncle rebelled against him. It is said that he left in disguise as a Buddhist monk and fled to Southeast China. The fate of the second Ming emperor is unknown.
Lai Chun was the creator of Eagle Claw Fantsi martial arts, and he passed his skills to his students. Tao Chiag learned this martial arts, and since its creation, it has been passed on. I'm not sure of the exact date of its creation, but it should be around the time of the early Ming Dynasty.
The Will of the Lord by ShoujoAddict
Charles IV, king of Bohemia and holy roman emperor was considered one of the most influential and successful rulers of his time. However, not all of his decisions were wise...
Special thanks to mazdark for his advice on historical combat, and to cricket for beta reading.
Also, this is an entry to Corgi's unofficial contest of the lords and my first story on the site.
Edithe Zilonis by MadHattersDaughter
An undertaker meets a dead woman who is more alive than most of the living.
A (mostly) illustrated story involving a very mysterious murder, ghostly romance and spirits possessing --- the dead?
Let's not worry ourselves with the details. This is Blackwood, after all.
Isotope-239 by Killerainbow
A desolate mass, a hell hole. The earth was rendered totally unlivable following the events of The Last War. Ultimately it is unknown if there are any survivors, how many there are, or how they could possibly live in such inhumane conditions. Our hearts weep for the billions of lives snuffed out due to to the necessary actions of the few.
- The Founders
Blackwell's Diamonds by ViolinAndDeerstalker
Edmund Blackwell, world-famous treasure hunter and your uncle, has asked you to house-sit his mansion for the weekend. But on your first day there, you enter your bedroom and are shocked when the door automatically locks behind you! Make it through a series of escape rooms to find Blackwell's most precious treasure, the Diamonds of Karpathos, and free yourself from the mansion.
I would highly recommend playing with paper and pencil on hand. Unless you have a perfect memory, write down EVERYTHING that seems important.
Neon Genesis Evangelion by WouldntItBeNice
This is a what-if fanfiction for Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Kaworu, the final angel, died. All is set to start Instrumentality; however, Gendo realizes Rei's rebellious nature and delays both NERV and SEELE. With both sides manipulating for their own benefits, it leaves the pilots with more time. Their world, bodies, and minds are broken. Could Shinji, Asuka, and Rei heal before it is too late or will they only hurt each other more?
The King's Command by ninjapitka
Not all princes obey the rules.
Entry for Corgi's Unofficial Contest: The Lords of the Land.
The Providence of Kria lies unsteady. Peace between two major nations, Brelia and Rath, is quickly unraveling. In attempt to prevent another war, heir to the throne of Brelia, Prince Urijah, is sent on a diplomatic mission to Rath. In your older brother's absence, the burden of defending the kingdom falls to you.
Arakhan's Vengeance by elfred
You are Arakhan, the Captain of the Guard that watches over Lyestra, a small forest village. You return from patrol one day to see that your entire village has been burned to the ground by an unknown villain. Take up your sword, find the evildoer responsible, and show him the true meaning of...your Vengeance.
Ghosts by Digit
Down the Chimney he will come with a great big smile! You help ghosts with their problems. That's most of the story. Please leave which ghosts you helped in the comments.
The Cliff by Orange
In a small Alaskan fishing town, Val lost everything.
4-Simplex by WouldntItBeNice
The barrier between impossible and possible is thin.
This is an entry for the Summer Slam contest.
You will be individually following Billy Joe, Runt, Virgil, and Slim.
Author's Notes: Each character has their own storyline that is intertwined with the others' own storylines, so your choices will effect the paths of multiple characters simultaneously in little and big ways. A choice can have a large effect even if it does not appear to do so at first, so choose carefully. Sometimes, a character's storyline is blocked (by dying) until another character does something different. Lastly, try to be nice and try not to die, for it is very helpful to do both of those things.
Frameshift by AzBaz
When all that's desired is to do good in a cruel World with so little power, what measures might be taken to create change? Afflicted by something more than just psychosis, one rogue hero seeks a path of getting that power to help people in need. Henle's getting rougher by the day and it's starting to look like Bast isn't the only problem on the streets. In the end, it all comes down to Frameshift.
Roamers, Part 1: The Road to Safety by ultraoverlord
Just as things were starting to feel 'normal' again
The world you once knew is crumbling around you. Streets that used to be full of life are now full of empty cars and empty stares from the dead. Buildings fall, people die, families break, and the world seems to be ending.
And in the middle of it all stands a young man, married a few months ago. For you, life was just starting. You never got a serious job, you couldn't decide whether you were having kids, and right as you were content, you heard a noise in the living room...
The Emperor's Zoo by Ogre11
The emperor sends you to a faraway land to capture exotic beasts for his zoo. But a spreading plague, a witch-doctor, and a brewing feud between local tribes presents . . . difficulties.
This is a contest entry for Bucky's December 2017 contest
This ended up being more of a puzzle game than a story. It still has a good story, I think, so I do hope you enjoy it. It will take a little time, there's not a short way through this one!
The Exploits of Fail-Man by RoyalGhost_007
This is a story about the exploits of Fail-Man.
This game has two real endings. This is also my first story. I hope you like it!
This is a contest entry to BZ's Summer Slam Contest!
Lizzie and the Horrors of Hate by Cking
Foes and friends shall test your trust.
Betray one for the other, if you must.
Each blind to the other's plight.
Only you can set things right.
Inspired by "The Underland Chronicles". (Lizzie has no relation to the character from the books.)
Marooned on Giri Minor by Bill_Ingersoll
You are a young recruit in the Astral Navy, serving aboard a minor transport vessel making routine personnel transport runs to Star Base Ishtria. When a malfunction requires the captain to drop the ship out of hyperspace, you find yourself in orbit above Giri Minor--a deserted world with a dark history and circled by uncharted asteroid clouds.
