Summary
Somefantastic PvP multiplayermodes in narrative-driven titles have been seriously underrated over the years. It used to be common practice for developers to implement a unique multiplayer mode alongside their main campaign offering, but it’s becoming increasingly rare, especially since live-service multiplayer games have become so popular.
While many just stuck with the campaign mode, some players adored the multiplayer offerings fortheir favorite story games, creating small, but dedicated player bases. Some of these modes are considered iconic, with some even influencing the popular multiplayer games of today. Others were simply a fun twist on the game’s story mode that just so happened to work in a multiplayer setting.
As well as giving fans one of thebest story gamesof all time,Uncharted 4also featured a beloved multiplayer that saw players battling it out in a variety of game modes. It wasn’t the first time Naughty Dog created a multiplayer mode, asUncharted 2and3featured a similar PvP experience. But,Uncharted 4definitely felt like the most complete and polished version of their multiplayer offering.
The gameplay was fast and engaging, favoring those who mastered the same mechanics used in the story mode, dodging bullets by rolling and using cover to surprise the enemy. There was a lot of depth in the mode that created a dedicated community, but since it was exclusive to PlayStation when it first released, it wasn’t as popular as it maybe should have been.
Assassin’s Creedis one of themost iconic franchisesin all of gaming, mainly for its staple stealthy gameplay that sees players blending into environments and scaling historical monuments to pounce on a target. Ubisoft managed to translate that into a unique PvP experience that was first introduced inAssassin’s Creed: Brotherhoodand was perfected forAssassin’s Creed 3.
AC3’smultiplayer was distinctive, as it wasn’t just a bloody brawl in which players could aimlessly run around and try to assassinate one another. Instead, players had to do their best to stay undetected, while also watching for enemies blending into crowds and hiding in wagons of hay. Mechanics such as acquired targets and pursuers created a high skill gap, which may have unfortunately been the reason for being less popular. Ubisoft stopped producing the multiplayer offering forACafterBlack Flag,showing just how unappreciated it was.
Doom (2016)brought the classic FPS franchise into the modern shooter market, with top-tier graphics, exhilarating combat, and an addictive gameplay loop. The iconic FPS franchise retained its gruesome charm, and the PvP that came alongside the story mode was an absolute blast.
Themultiplayer was basic, with familiar game modes, satisfying weapons, and power-ups that gave it a classic feel. While ‘basic’ may not be the most flattering term, its simplistic nature was endearing, as it made it incredibly easy to jump in and have fun. It reminded players of the original Halo multiplayer experiences, floaty movement, memorable weapons, visceral melee mechanics, and a badass announcer who keeps track of a player’s kill streak.
WhileThe Last of Usis widely known for being one of the greatest story games ever created, there are still some out there who don’t know about its PvP multiplayer mode —Factions. This mode was intense, as it strongly emphasized making the most out of limited resources. Players had small ammo reserves and equipment, so they needed to be accurate and make smart plays to survive.
This created a unique multiplayer experience that was closely connected to the core gameplay loop in the story mode. Many lovedFactionsfor that reason, but its servers were sadly taken down in 2019.
WB Games introduced a quirky yet fitting multiplayer mode to theBatman Arkhamfranchise inBatman: Arkham Origins.There were two modes, Invisible Predator Online and Hunter, Hunted. Players could take on the role of Joker, Bane, one of their henchmen, or even Batman and Robin with the aim of taking each other out.
It may have seemed a bit gimmicky, but it actually complemented theBatman Arkhamgameplay style very well, with elements of stealth combined with intelligent gadget plays and teamwork. It never really kicked off, and it wasn’t seen in the next game,Batman: Arkham Knight, but it was appreciated by players who couldn’t get enough of the gameplay once they finished the main story.
Dead Space 2was ahead of its time, introducing players to anasymmetrical multiplayer horrorexperience called Outbreak. The mode had similarities to games likeDead By Daylight, as one team played the humans while the other played the Necromorphs, whose goal was to prevent the humans from completing tasks by killing them.
The mode also had a leveling system with rewards, a variety of maps, and different Necromorphs to play as, making it addictive and fulfilling.
Back in 2006,Saints Rowtook the gaming world by storm. Although on the surface it was just a GTA clone, its cartoon style and hilariously over-the-top gangster action connected with players, especially its PvP multiplayer. Ridiculous modes like ‘Protect Tha Pimp’ come to mind, where players had to kill the Pimp and stop him from escaping.
It was pure fun, everything about it was light-hearted and players loved it. Thinking back, it had a similar feel to the PvP modes available in GTA 5 Online, so it could also be considered ahead of its time.
Standing as the most recent release on the list,Space Marine 2’sEternal War PvP modeis great fun, and while it certainly has a dedicated player base, it hasn’t quite gained the attention that its story or PvE mode has earned.
That may be because there are only three maps and modes available, but more content is set to come in the future, and the rewards fans can unlock just by playing the game make it a compelling experience. The gameplay loop is that of a classic multiplayer shooter too, and the depth comes in the different classes, which can be tough yet rewarding to master.
Skate 3had some incredibly fun PvP online modes that saw players going head-to-head to copy each other’s tricks, bail the hardest, and own set spots.
Success relied on the player’s ability to perform tricks on demand, or if fans preferred playing the beloved Hall of Meat mode, it required players to know the best way to bail out. Practice made perfect, and it was that gameplay loop that created a special experience. A new Skate game is in the works, so it will be exciting to see some of the PvP modes make a comeback, especially the iconic S.K.A.T.E.
Super Mariogamesare widely known for their story experiences, but they’re also famous for multiplayer modes too. WhileMario Kartleads the fray,Super Mario Odysseybrings an extremely unique PvP experience that makes players feel young again. Luigi’s Balloon World is one big hide-and-seek that tasks players with hiding or finding balloons in the game world.
These balloons were hidden by other players, and so finding them fueled a competitive sense of victory. Not many talk about this mode, but it’s a creative way to engage players in an online PvP experience that suits theSuper Mariouniverse.
