Which Games Turn Controllers Into Paperweights?
Some games tell incredible stories, but they also sometimes forget that we came to actually play. If you’ve ever set your controller down, checked your phone, and realized the “interactive” part still hasn’t shown up, you know the feeling. On the other hand, some experiences throw you right into the action and barely give you a chance to catch your breath. That’s why we’re here to round up the best (and worst) cutscene offerers!
1. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Solid 4 is famous for cinematic ambition, and it leans into that reputation with enthusiasm. You’ll get big, dramatic scenes, alright, but they also tend to stretch long enough to warrant a snack break. Don’t get it twisted, when the game finally hands control back, the experience is still fun, but it can also feel like an intermission between plot dumps.
Antonio Fucito from Terni, Italia on Wikimedia
2. Kingdom Hearts III
What can we say about Kingdom Hearts III? It delivers spectacle. It delivers fan service. The story beats arrive in dense waves, and you can end up watching more than swinging the Keyblade. However, despite the satisfying combat, it sometimes feels like the game is just racing you to the next cutscene.
3. Death Stranding
Death Stranding loves its worldbuilding, and it’s determined to make sure you don’t miss any of it. You’ll sit through lengthy sequences that spell out motivations, mysteries, and terminology in careful detail. And you really have to want it. The delivery gameplay is compelling in its own way, but the narrative interruptions can make progress very stop-and-start.
4. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
This franchise has never been shy about making you sit through devastating cutscenes. XIV is no exception. The main storyline is packed with dialogue, travel, and extended scenes that are essential to its long-term payoff. Early on, you may feel like you’re juggling more conversations than monsters, but once the plot hits its stride, it’s more than rewarding.
5. Yakuza 0
Who thought a brawling game would warrant this much watch time? Yakuza 0 has incredible writing and memorable characters, but the pacing can swing hard toward watching rather than doing. Many scenes linger to sell emotion, humor, and tension, even when you’re itching to roam the streets again.
KniBaron from Bangkok, Thailand on Wikimedia
6. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 often stacks story sequences back-to-back, especially around major chapters. Sure, it feels rewarding, but it also sometimes feels like you have to earn your next adventure by sitting through another cutscene.
7. The Order: 1886
This behemoth not only looks stunning, but it also sells its setting with film-like confidence. Unfortunately, that’s exactly why you’re stuck behind constant cinematic interruptions and tightly controlled sequences. It’s hard to ignore how often you’re nudged back into watching instead of playing.
8. Alan Wake
Far be it from us to slander Alan Wake, but let’s call a spade a spade. Wake leans heavily into episodic storytelling, and it commits to that structure with lots of narrative framing. You’ll regularly hit story scenes that recap, tease, or emphasize mood before letting you move on. Depending on how you play, that constant narrative will only slow momentum.
9. Persona 5
Persona 5 is stylish and smart—and extremely chatty by design. Days can pass through conversations, explanations, and story events that pile up before you even get to a dungeon crawl. You’ll need a lot of patience for how often the game insists on talking you through everything.
10. Heavy Rain
Let’s be clear: we won’t take any Heavy Rain slander! However, when something’s built like an interactive drama, the balance naturally tips toward scenes and dialogue. Even when you are “playing,” it often feels like you’re navigating scripted moments rather than controlling your character.
On the other hand, plenty of games can tell a strong story without constantly pulling you out of the action. If you like a flavorful narrative and a busy controller, these 10 get that rhythm right.
1. Hades
Hades delivers story in quick, punchy bursts that usually happen when you’re already deep in missions. Dialogue feels like a reward for pushing forward rather than a roadblock that slows you down. Even when characters have a lot to say, the game rarely keeps you from jumping back into a run.
2. Portal 2
Oh, no. There’s no resting for you under GLaDOS’s watchful eye. Portal 2 keeps momentum high by letting the story unfold while you’re actively solving puzzles. Sure, characters react and joke without forcing you into long pauses, but you’re also always doing something.
Digital Game Museum on Wikimedia
3. Dark Souls
Dark Souls is famously restrained with cutscenes, only using them to underline key moments—and we couldn’t thank it enough. Most of the storytelling happens through exploration, item descriptions, and environmental details you discover at your own pace. You stay in control so much that the rare cinematic beats land harder when they finally do appear.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
If you want to wander for hours without interruption, Breath of the Wild is completely fine with that. The whole experience gives you the world first and the story second, which keeps the gameplay front and center. Memories and major scenes are optional or short, so you’re always in control of when to dig deeper.
5. DOOM (2016)
Don’t you worry, there’s still plenty of plot. However, it clearly understands you showed up to move fast and hit hard. The story avoids long exposition and often lets you ignore narrative beats without penalty. In the end, you’re knee-deep in a campaign that feels constantly playable, with just enough story to fuel you.
6. Super Mario Odyssey
Wahoo! Super Mario Odyssey doesn’t waste your time with lengthy scenes—it knows you’re a plumber on the move. Story moments are light, clear, and usually over before you’ve had a chance to get impatient.
7. Celeste
It’s always great when video games use cutscenes sparingly, especially when they’re emotionally charged. Celeste does exactly that. The narrative hits its points without dragging, then quickly hands you back a tough platforming section. You get a clear sense of character and stakes without feeling like the game stalled.
Maddy Makes Games on Wikimedia
8. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight keeps dialogue minimal and lets atmosphere do the heavy lifting. When you do talk to characters, it’s concise and usually tied to something you can immediately act on, which keeps you nice and invested.
9. Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime’s pacing is surprisingly smooth. Why? Because the narrative is integrated into the exploration! It tells most of its story through discovery and environmental clues rather than frequent cinematic sequences. You can engage deeply with lore if you want, but you’re never forced to stop playing for extended stretches.
10. Titanfall 2
Titanfall 2 delivers its story during missions with smart pacing that respects your time and attention. It uses cutscenes when they matter, but it leans on in-game moments and strong level design to do most of the talking. By the end, you’ll remember the characters and the story in a good way, not in a way that makes you groan.
