Taking notes in order to keep track of something doesn’t have to be exclusive to a classroom setting. In fact, people can take notes about practically anything, and gaming is no exception to that.
Some video games end up being so complex in one way or another that taking notes is practically required. If players want a chance at making something easier for themselves, they’re going to need a pen and paper.
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Some notes for games end up being simple bullet points—like coordinates inMinecraftfor example—but other notes are extensions of the games themselves. It’s like the game should come with a small notepad in the case.
In these games, you not only need to take notes, but detailed ones, if you want to be able to get through the game as smoothly as possible.
10Baldur’s Gate 3
Notetaking Is The D&D Experience
Baldur’s Gate 3
Fextralife Wiki
Anybody who has played a single session ofDungeons and Dragonsknows just how crucial note-taking is to figuring out where the story is going–including what plot twists the Dungeon Master has up their sleeve.Baldur’s Gate 3is the pinnacleD&Dexperience in video game form, so taking notes is par for the course.
Every player takes notes differently, but D&D notes typically consist of important characters, events, and details that the DM tries to sneak in. Anything that is worth a note is written down, to put it simply.
This becomes even more prevalent as players progress into Act Two, when the plot really starts to pick up speed and certain quests can easily slip through the cracks. Hints (such as the reveal of The Absolute’s three Chosen), foreshadowing (Shadowheart’s doubt in Shar if you play a Selûnite Cleric), and many other instances end up being more important on paper.
Of course, you might be able to figure out some spoilers early by connecting the dots; the only difference is you can’t make awkward eye contact with the DM that says “I know what you’re planning.”
9Return Of The Obra Dinn
Investigate A Ghost Ship
Return of the Obra Dinn
Sometimes, taking notes is part of the job–and considering that you play as an insurance inspector inReturn of the Obra Dinn, these notes are essential.
You’re tasked with the responsibility to find out what happened on the lost ship of the Obra Dinn, including what happened to the crew and cargo. This investigation is a game of deduction, so it’s even easier to visualise this deduction when it’s all written down.
It’s amonochrome gamewith an incredibly colourful story, and it’s just absolutely impressive how everything is handled. Of course, players can tackle the game without physically writing anything down, but notetaking definitely makes the experience easier and adds to the overall immersion.
And of course, there is nothing more haunting than narrowing down the results of those notes and bridging those connections–you’ll feel your blood run cold.
Notoriously Difficult Puzzles
Sometimes, players need to take notes not to keep track of the story, but to keep track of particularly challenging puzzles that many end up stumped on. This is exactly the case for theMystseries, a collection of puzzle games that are notoriously hard (andvisually lovely).
Using your notebook in this game is like using your notebook at school: it’ll be full of equations, random notes, and whatever else you’re able to jot down in a hurry.
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Players won’t have to think too hard on appreciating these puzzles.
As a matter of fact, the original games came with a small notebook with about 20 blank pages or so inside of it, since developers fully anticipated players writing things down to get through these difficult puzzles.
The thing is, it doesn’t matter which game players choose and take notes with since the entire series works for this exercise. Plus, the games are old, so you won’t be spoiled with a UI that tells you what to do. You’ll have to do it yourself.
Keep Track Of The Girls
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2
Studying people isn’t always the easiest task at hand–and inDead or Alive Xtreme 2, there are nine different girls that you’re supposed to keep track of. Unfortunately, since microtransactions were removed, the process is significantly slower and more tedious.
You have to manage the girls’ inventory and full item collection, so notes slowly become more and more of a no-brainer. In fact, you won’t need notes for this game, you’ll need an excel spreadsheet.
The game is incredibly difficult to 100 percent on theXbox 360, so if players are genuinely trying fully complete the game, they’re in for the long-haul. Originally, there were swimsuit microtransactions to speed up this process, but obviously the online servers have been shut down for a while.
With all the girls and items to constantly juggle, it’s a good idea to print a blank spreadsheet rather than pull out the lined notebook paper.
6Outer Wilds
You Can Only Remember So Much
Outer Wilds
Players are in for a genuinely unique experience withOuter Wilds, a Groundhog Day-esque story detailing the end of the universe. You have22 minutesbefore everything ends,a strict time limitthat requires players to be creative in their approach.
That said, there’s a lot to keep track of in those 22 minutes, especially as you begin to play through each loop and discover something new. You have an in-game log, sure, but there’s not much of an incentive to use it after you visit a planet.
Instead of having the game show you how everything is connected, it would be unique for players to make these connections themselves, seeing how their actions are leading to various ripple effects in the galaxy.
There’s only so much that players are able to remember at a time, especially when the timer resets, so it genuinely doesn’t hurt to have some notes at the ready.
5Metroid Prime
Your Notes Are Your Map
Metroid Prime
Metroidvaniaisn’t a subgenre of puzzle games becauseMetroidis notoriously easy. Of course, the same can be said aboutMetroid Prime, where no map is provided. More specifically, areas where you need to go aren’t highlighted, even after being discovered.
Because of this, your pen and paper will work in place of your map, especially as you progress further into the game and get subsequent upgrades.
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Forgetting spots and where you’re supposed to go is an incredibly frustrating endeavour, so the usage of notes helps prevent any unnecessary irritation. Not to mention, you’ll actually be able to update your map as you move forward, a mechanic you’ll wish was implemented here.
It really makes you wonder howSamusis able to save space when she doesn’t even know where to go on the planet.
4Her Story
Immediately Bring Out A Pen And Paper
Using live-action footage in video games has always captivated audiences with its uncanny reality.Her Storyis no exception to that, being a self-described “desktop thriller” detailing a fictional crime of a woman’s missing husband.
In this game, you play as a detective filtering through interview footage to try and piece together what happened. Immediately, you should feel the urge to bring out a pen and paper–and you should follow through with it.
It’s such a unique storytelling experience that I wish more games incorporated. It’s able to fully capture players, keeping them hooked for hours as more and more details become known. Fans of true crime would be obsessed with the outcome of this game and the notes they took, and your table will end up looking like a real detective’s desk by the end.
The game’s successor,Telling Lies, is also an incredibly unique experience–only this time, your notes are keeping track of the stories you fabricated.
3The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
A Classic RPG Experience
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
NewElder Scrollsplayers were genuinely spoiled with the simplicity ofSkyrim–my fiancé likes to affectionately call it Elder Scrolls Baby Mode. With that in mind, if you were to go back and playMorrowind, the third game in the series, you’ll definitely see why that is.
With Morrowind, you’re getting the pure, classic RPG experience. The world is incredibly rich and tactile, and there’s an overwhelming vagueness to the entire game that can be confusing to newcomers.
For example, there are no quest markers, but instead directions on where you’re supposed to go. Combine this with a vague idea of what you’re supposed to do, and the confusion can easily shift into you being just outright lost.
To counter this, it’s a genuinely good idea to keep notes. On top of directions and quest details, players will also keep track of their inventory, abilities, and other essentials.
It’s the main way to combat the game’s rather archaic UI–and a reminder to appreciate how far we’ve come in the series.
2The Painscreek Killings
Be a Journalist, Take Notes Like a Journalist
For those unfamiliar with the journalism field, there’s one important thing to keep in mind: notes are our lifeline. Taking good notes is essential for the job, even more so if you’re an investigative reporter–and that’s exactly who you play inThe Painscreek Killings.
Your editor assigned a case to you, expecting you to do some research on the murder of Vivian Roberts and what happened to the rest of the town. Your notes will end up changing the entire story.
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For players who want to explore, but not be overwhelmed by a world larger than the story.
Originally, you’re going into the town expecting to run a simple investigation and maybe figure out some nice details for your article. However, as you go further down the rabbit hole, you’re going to discover secrets that were desperately trying to remain hidden.
Taking notes during your investigation is perfect for immersion, but also just to keep track of all the information that’s presented to you. As you work through the plethora of mysteries, your notes will be your key and your lifeline.
1Papers, Please
So Many Border Rules
Papers, Please
Have you ever worked a job where the rules are constantly updating, changing, and evolving based on events happening? InPapers, Please, you work asan immigration officerat the border, deciding who is allowed into the country. However, as chaos unfolds, the regulations that decide who is allowed change as well.
With that in mind, players easily end up with a messy desk of all the different papers that they have to inspect, constantly having to flip through different references so they don’t make a mistake.
Instead of trying to flip through papers quickly with a mouse, it might be faster (and easier) to write all the rules down in a notebook, keeping track of all the footnotes that the government continues to add. You can also keep track of particular characters and organisations, especially sinceyou need to manage your moneyto keep your family alive.
There’s so much to manage and keep track of that keeping notes will only add to the authenticity and immersion of the game. It’s genuinely fun, and a new way to experience the hit indie classic.
