5. The Last Of Us
Across the last console generation, Naughty Dog established themselves as one of the finest purveyors of adventure-based storytelling, but with The Last Of Us they managed to take this reputation to an entirely new plain. It's stark view of a post-apocalyptic world holds inside it one of the most compelling video game narratives you'll ever play. Following the trials of Joel and Ellie, players attempt to guide the unlikely pairing through a world ravaged by an unknown affliction and worsened by the growth of civil unrest and desperate attempts at survival. The story jaunts back and forth between touching emotion and staggering violence, as the grieving Joel tries to secure Ellie's passage through the now terrifying city. The Last Of Us scarcely puts a foot wrong, its blockbuster-worthy narrative being so rich and detailed, it could only ever be done justice in game form.
Any lack of acclaim it currently has is likely due to bitterness from those gamers on the wrong side of the 'version exclusive' divide, but having played the game and knowing what some players are missing, then I can hardly say that's much of a surprise.