Most Verbose Video Games
Are you looking for dialogue-heavy games that are particularly sesquipedalian but undeniably entertaining? Look no further. Some games have an incredible amount to say, and we've gathered some of the best examples for you.
Effective dialogue can weave an engaging story, deliver deeply emotional character moments, or offer choices that lead to different paths. However, poorly-executed dialogue can make parts of a game feel like a tedious chore. Genres like RPGs and visual novels are known for their extensive text, with some game scripts rivaling the length of the world's most famous books. Here are some of the most verbose video games available.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
If you're in the mood for an immersive experience that seamlessly blurs the line between game and movie, Metal Gear Solid 4 is a must-play. Its cutscenes are so well-crafted that they were adapted into a series of anime. Furthermore, the final mission alone is an astonishing 71-minute cutscene that is sure to captivate.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
For those seeking a fantastical adventure with less military mayhem, Dragon Age: Inquisition offers an abundance of dialogue. The series' signature dialogue wheel presents numerous optional conversation paths, and when combined with several hours of cutscenes, the game boasts a staggering 80,000 lines of dialogue. Brace yourself. Additionally, Fallout 4 surpasses both Fallout 3 and Skyrim in terms of dialogue volume.
Together, these two games feature over 100,000 lines of dialogue, showcasing their commitment to creating immersive experiences. If we tally up all the lines from cutscenes and conversation trees, the statistics are as follows:
Grand Theft Auto 5
Los Santos is populated with a diverse cast of characters, and Grand Theft Auto 5 features approximately 160,000 lines of dialogue throughout its main campaign, which takes roughly 40 hours to complete. This figure doesn't even account for the additional hours of cutscenes and numerous side missions. It's impossible to discuss dialogue-heavy games without mentioning visual novels, and Disco Elysium is a prime example. This indie detective game boasts a script with approximately one million words, earning it the prestigious Best Narrative award at the 2019 Game Awards.
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Regarded by many as the 'best Star Wars game ever,' Knights Of The Old Republic is one of the longest and most dialogue-rich games in the franchise. Players spend approximately 29 hours making decisions that shape the fate of the galaxy. However, that's just the beginning. The game also features around 160,000 lines of dialogue spread throughout the main campaign, numerous hours of cutscenes, and a multitude of side missions. In fact, it holds the Guinness World Record for the Largest Entertainment Voice Over Project Ever, a remarkable achievement.
Dragon Age: Origins
The Dragon Age series is renowned for its copious amounts of dialogue, and the first installment, Dragon Age: Origins, is no exception. With its intricate and deep lore, this game boasts a grand total of 111,000 lines of dialogue when accounting for cutscenes and conversation trees. That's a lot of talking.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The final entry in The Witcher series, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, is a true epic, especially when considering the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions. Completing the main campaign alone takes approximately 65 hours, but factoring in the additional content can extend the journey to a whopping 100 hours.
