Video games, an escape from reality? Sometimes, yes. But, there are times when they immerse us in stories that tug at our heartstrings. Here’s a list of games that will make you shed a tear, or perhaps many more.
1. Heavy Rain (2010)
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows
- Engine: Quantic Dream’s proprietary engine
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment, Quantic Dream (PC)
- Mode: Single-player
- Awards: BAFTA Games Award for Best Story, BAFTA Games Award for Technical Innovation
A gripping interactive drama, Heavy Rain revolves around four characters’ desperate search for the Origami Killer. The game presents ethical dilemmas, and your decisions impact the narrative. With its emotional depth, the game explores themes of love, loss, and sacrifice. A rollercoaster of emotions, Heavy Rain will leave you breathless and heartbroken.
Its gameplay is based on quick time events (QTEs) and contextual prompts, requiring players to make split-second decisions that directly affect the story. The narrative follows four protagonists: Ethan Mars, Madison Paige, Norman Jayden, and Scott Shelby, who are all connected by the mysterious Origami Killer case.
Each character has their own unique abilities, which players must utilize to progress through the game’s many branching story paths. The emotional impact of their choices and the ultimate resolution of the Origami Killer case will depend on the players’ actions.
I personally loved the game as it made me play it over and over again in tears to get the different endings.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 (64 bit) | OS: Windows 10 (64 bit) |
| Processor: Intel Core i5-2400 @ 3.4 GHz or AMD Phenom II X4 940 @ 3.0 GHz | Processor: Intel Core i7-2700K @ 3.5 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 @ 3.2 GHz |
| Memory: 4 GB RAM | Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7870 (2 GB VRAM) | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 390 (4 GB VRAM) |
| Storage: 35 GB available space | Storage: 35 GB available space |
2. Ib (2012)
- Platforms: Windows
- Engine: RPG Maker XP
- Publisher: Independent
- Mode: Single-player
- Awards: N/A
Stepping into a surreal world of art, you play as a young girl named Ib. Exploring a gallery, you find yourself trapped in a nightmarish realm, accompanied by a mysterious boy, Garry. Together, you must escape. Ib presents a heart-wrenching story of friendship and survival, creating an unforgettable experience.
Ib is a horror adventure game created by Japanese developer Kouri. The gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative choices that shape Ib’s relationship with Garry and determine the game’s multiple endings (there are 7 possible endings on IB).
The game features simple 2D graphics reminiscent of early RPGs but excels in creating a chilling atmosphere and complex, emotion-driven storytelling. Players will navigate a dangerous and surreal world filled with hostile creatures and twisted works of art, uncovering the secrets of the gallery and the characters’ pasts.
In my opinion, the game isn’t special by it’s graphics and scenery but it does grow to the heart by its captivating story and characters relationship. Garry and Ib form a special bond which makes you sob at the end. Be careful about the different decisions you make as they are crucial in the ending.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows XP/Vista/7 | OS: Windows 7/8/10 |
| Processor: Pentium III 800 MHz | Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or higher |
| Memory: 256 MB RAM | Memory: 512 MB RAM |
| Graphics: Integrated Graphics | Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compatible video card |
| Storage: 50 MB available space | Storage: 50 MB available space |
3. Final Fantasy X (2001)
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Engine: Square’s proprietary engine
- Publisher: Square Electronic Arts, Square Enix
- Mode: Single-player
- Awards: IGN’s Best RPG of 2001, GameSpot’s RPG of the Year 2001
Set in the world of Spira, Final Fantasy X features Tidus, a sports star who finds himself in a foreign land. He joins summoner Yuna on her pilgrimage to save Spira. This poignant story, filled with love, sacrifice, and loss, will leave you emotionally drained and in tears.
Final Fantasy X is a role-playing game developed by Square Enix. Its gameplay features turn-based combat, character customization, and an extensive leveling system called the “Sphere Grid.” Players control Tidus and his companions, each with unique abilities and roles in combat.
The story takes players on a journey through the world of Spira, as Tidus and Yuna face powerful enemies, including the monstrous Sin, and uncover the truth about their world. The game’s richly detailed environments, memorable characters, and heartrending story create an unforgettable experience.
Tidus and Yuna have a powerful love story that makes you cry if you’re into that, and also the game’s overall gameplay is heartwarming and emotional.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10 (32 or 64 bit) | OS: Windows 7/8/8.1/10 (64 bit) |
| Processor: 2.0 GHz Dual Core | Processor: 2.4 GHz Quad Core |
| Memory: 1 GB RAM | Memory: 2 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT or AMD Radeon HD 2600 XT with 512 MB VRAM | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 450 or AMD Radeon HD 5750 with 1 GB VRAM |
| Storage: 37 GB available space | Storage: 40 GB available space |
4. To the Moon (2011)
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch
- Engine: RPG Maker XP
- Publisher: Freebird Games
- Mode: Single-player
- Awards: Gamespot’s Best Story award, Independent Games Festival 2012 Nominee
Two scientists, Dr. Rosalene and Dr. Watts, delve into a dying man’s memories to fulfill his last wish: to visit the moon. Unraveling his past, they reveal a tragic love story. To the Moon will touch your soul and make you weep.
Dr. Eva Rosalene and Dr. Neil Watts need coffee to get To The Moon pic.twitter.com/AtEb9FYyPJ
— Paper Adventurer (@PaperAdventurer) June 14, 2018
To the Moon is an indie adventure game developed by Freebird Games. The gameplay primarily consists of exploration and narrative choices, as players guide the two scientists through Johnny’s memories.
Players will uncover the significance of various items and events, piecing together the story of Johnny’s life and his relationship with his late wife, River. The game’s pixel art graphics and evocative soundtrack complement the touching story, creating a poignant, emotional experience that will stay with players long after they’ve finished the game.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 | OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 |
| Processor: Intel Pentium III 800 MHz+ | Processor: Intel Pentium 4 1.5 GHz+ |
| Memory: 256 MB RAM | Memory: 512 MB RAM |
| Graphics: Integrated Graphics | Graphics: Integrated Graphics |
| Storage: 100 MB available space | Storage: 100 MB available space |
5. The Walking Dead (2012)
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
- Engine: Telltale Tool
- Publisher: Telltale Games
- Mode: Single-player
- Awards: BAFTA Games Award for Best Story, Spike Video Game Award for Game of the Year
In a zombie-infested world, a convict, Lee Everett, finds redemption in protecting an orphaned girl, Clementine. Facing impossible choices, they fight for survival. This episodic game series will leave you with a heavy heart and tears in your eyes.
The Walking Dead is an episodic adventure game developed by Telltale Games. The gameplay is based on branching dialogue choices, exploration, and quick time events, with players controlling Lee Everett as he navigates the zombie-infested world.
The story is heavily influenced by players’ choices, which can result in characters living or dying, and ultimately shape the relationship between Lee and Clementine. The game’s gripping narrative, well-developed characters, and impactful decisions create a powerful emotional journey that resonates with players.
You will be making some tough decisions in this game that will make you sob, just like it made me cry and very emotional, especially the ending. If you’re a person that bonds with the characters, you will cry while playing The Walking Dead!
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows XP Service Pack 3 | OS: Windows 7 |
| Processor: Core 2 Duo 2.3 GHz or equivalent | |
| Memory: 3 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: ATI or NVidia card w/ 512 MB RAM (Not recommended for Intel integrated graphics) | Graphics: ATI or NVidia card w/ 1024 MB RAM (Not recommended for Intel integrated graphics) |
| Storage: 2 GB available space | Storage: 2 GB available space |
6. The Red Dead Redemption Franchise (2010)
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows (Red Dead Redemption 2 only)
- Engine: RAGE (Rockstar Advanced Game Engine)
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
- Awards: Multiple awards, including BAFTA Games Award for Best Game (Red Dead Redemption), The Game Awards 2018 Game of the Year (Red Dead Redemption 2)
Set in the Wild West, Red Dead Redemption is a tale of revenge and redemption. You’ll grow attached to the protagonist, John Marston, and his family, only to witness heartbreak. Its sequel, Red Dead Redemption 2, explores the complex relationships within the Van der Linde gang, providing further emotional depth. The franchise promises a tearful journey.
The Red Dead Redemption games are open-world action-adventure games developed by Rockstar Games. The gameplay features horseback riding, gunfights, hunting, and exploration in vast, detailed environments. The story in the first game follows John Marston, a former outlaw seeking redemption and retribution for his past deeds.
The second game, a prequel, follows Arthur Morgan as he struggles with his loyalties within the Van der Linde gang. Both games feature complex characters and intertwining storylines that explore themes of loyalty, family, and the harsh reality of the Wild West. The immersive open-world experience and emotionally charged narratives ensure that players become deeply invested in the characters’ fates.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 – Service Pack 1 (6.1.7601) | OS: Windows 10 – April 2018 Update (v1803) |
| Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K / AMD FX-6300 | Processor: Intel Core i7-4770K / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X |
| Memory: 8 GB RAM | Memory: 12 GB RAM |
| Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 770 2GB / AMD Radeon R9 280 3GB | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB / AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB |
| Storage: 150 GB available space | Storage: 150 GB available space |
7. The Last of Us (2013)
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows
- Engine: Naughty Dog’s proprietary engine
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
- Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
- Awards: BAFTA Games Award for Best Game, Spike Video Game Award for Game of the Year
A post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection sets the stage for The Last of Us. Joel and Ellie’s journey is one of pain, loss, and hope. The bond they form will both warm and break your heart
The Last of Us is an action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog. Its gameplay combines stealth, exploration, crafting, and visceral combat as players guide Joel and Ellie through a post-apocalyptic world.
The story takes place 20 years after a fungal outbreak decimates humanity, leaving behind a world filled with infected creatures and ruthless human factions. The dynamic between Joel and Ellie evolves as they face the dangers of their journey, creating a deeply emotional bond between the characters and the player.
I didn’t play the game, but i watched a gameplay of it on youtube and it was like watching a sad movie. You can bond with the main characters quickly and the story keeps your attention.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 10 (Version 1909 or Newer) | OS: Windows 10 (Version 1909 or Newer) |
| Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, Intel Core i7-4770K | Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, Intel Core i7-8700 |
| Memory: 16 GB | Memory: 16 GB |
| Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 470 (4 GB), AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT (4 GB), NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 (4 GB), NVIDIA GeForce 1050 Ti (4 GB) | Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8 GB), AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT (8 GB), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER (8 GB), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (8 GB) |
| Storage: 100 GB | Storage: 100 GB |
8. That Dragon, Cancer (2016)
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Ouya
- Engine: Unity
- Publisher: Numinous Games
- Mode: Single-player
- Awards: Games for Impact Award at The Game Awards 2016
Developed by Ryan and Amy Green, That Dragon, Cancer is an autobiographical game about their son, Joel, who battled cancer. The game poignantly captures the emotional turmoil and challenges faced by the family. A deeply personal and heartrending experience, it will undoubtedly move you to tears.
That Dragon, Cancer features simple gameplay with a heavy focus on narrative and atmosphere. Players will experience a series of interactive vignettes that portray the Greens’ life during their son Joel’s battle with cancer.
The game blends abstract imagery with realistic scenarios, encouraging players to empathize with the family’s struggles and emotions. The heartrending story and unique gameplay make for a deeply moving experience.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 | OS: Windows 7 |
| Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.8 GHz or equivalent | Processor: Intel Core i7 or equivalent |
| Memory: 2 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: DirectX 10 compatible video card with shader model 3.0 support | Graphics: DirectX 11 compatible video card with shader model 5.0 support |
| Storage: 3 GB available space | Storage: 3 GB available space |
9. Mass Effect 3 (2012)
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U
- Engine: UnrealEngine 3
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
- Awards: VGX Award for Best RPG, DICE Award for Role-Playing/Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year
The conclusion of Commander Shepard’s trilogy, Mass Effect 3, is a high-stakes battle for the galaxy. Alongside your crew, you’ll face impossible choices, and heartache is inevitable. The emotional weight of your decisions will leave you sobbing by the end.
Mass Effect 3 is an action role-playing game developed by BioWare. Its gameplay combines third-person shooting, character customization, and branching dialogue choices that shape the story. Players control Commander Shepard as they rally the galaxy’s forces to fight against the Reapers, a powerful ancient race bent on wiping out all advanced life.
The game’s narrative builds on the choices made throughout the trilogy, resulting in a deeply personal and emotional conclusion for players who have become invested in the characters and their struggles.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows XP SP3, Vista, or Windows 7 | OS: Windows XP SP3, Vista, or Windows 7 |
| Processor: 1.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent AMD CPU | Processor: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent AMD CPU |
| Memory: 1 GB RAM for Windows XP / 2 GB RAM for Windows Vista and Windows 7 | Memory: 2 GB RAM for Windows XP / 4 GB RAM for Windows Vista and Windows 7 |
| Graphics: 256 MB (with Pixel Shader 3.0 support) – NVIDIA GeForce 7900 or ATI Radeon X1800 | Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 6950 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 |
| Storage: 15 GB available space | Storage: 15 GB available space |
10. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013)
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
- Engine: Unreal Engine 3
- Publisher: 505 Games
- Mode: Single-player
- Awards: BAFTA Games Award for Best Innovation, Spike VGX Award for Best Xbox 360 Game
Embarking on a quest to save their ailing father, two brothers face harrowing challenges in Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. Their bond, tested throughout their journey, is heartwarming and tragic. The story’s gut-wrenching conclusion will leave you in tears.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is an adventure game developed by Starbreeze Studios. Its unique gameplay mechanic involves controlling both brothers simultaneously using the controller’s analog sticks, with each brother having unique abilities that must be combined to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
The story follows the brothers as they embark on a journey to find the Water of Life to save their dying father. The game’s rich world, imaginative design, and emotional narrative create a powerful experience that will resonate with players.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows XP SP3 | OS: Windows 7 |
| Processor: 2.4 GHz Dual Core | Processor: 2.6 GHz Quad Core |
| Memory: 2 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8600 / ATI Radeon HD 2600 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 / ATI Radeon HD 6850 |
| Storage: 2 GB available space | Storage: 2 GB available space |
11. Ori and the Blind Forest (2015)
- Platforms: Windows, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch
- Engine: Unity
- Publisher: Microsoft Studios
- Mode: Single-player
- Awards: Game Developers Choice Awards – Best Debut, BAFTA Games Award for Artistic Achievement
A breathtakingly beautiful game, Ori and the Blind Forest follows Ori, a spirit guardian, on a quest to save his forest home. The game’s touching narrative, coupled with its enchanting art and music, creates an emotionally charged experience that will move you to tears.
Ori and the Blind Forest is a platform adventure game developed by Moon Studios. The gameplay features exploration, platforming, and ability-based combat in a beautifully crafted world.
Players control Ori, a spirit guardian, as they traverse the forest to restore its balance and save it from the encroaching darkness. The game’s vibrant visuals, enchanting soundtrack, and touching story make for a memorable and emotional experience.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 | OS: Windows 7 |
| Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 @ 2.2GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ @ 2.8 GHz | Processor: Intel Core i5 2300 or AMD FX-6120 |
| Memory: 4 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: GeForce 240 GT or Radeon HD 6570 – 1024 MB (1 gig) | Graphics: GeForce GTX 550 Ti or Radeon HD 6770 |
| Storage: 8 GB available space | Storage: 8 GB available space |
12. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (2017)
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Engine: Unreal Engine 4
- Publisher: Ninja Theory
- Mode: Single-player
- Awards: BAFTA Games Award for Best Performer, The Game Awards 2017 for Best Audio Design
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a haunting journey into the mind of a warrior, Senua, who battles psychosis. The game explores themes of love, loss, and mental illness. Its harrowing portrayal of Senua’s struggles will leave you emotionally shattered.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is an action-adventure game developed by Ninja Theory. The gameplay features a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and intense melee combat. Players take on the role of Senua, a Pict warrior who embarks on a journey into the Norse underworld to rescue the soul of her dead lover.
The game is notable for its depiction of Senua’s psychosis, using binaural audio and visual effects to immerse players in her mental struggles. The powerful story and innovative gameplay mechanics create a haunting and emotional experience.
The raw, human performance of its main character makes you feel like you’re in Senuas place. She goes through sadness, fear, and loss, and you go together with her. I recommend you play the game with headphones for a fuller experience.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7, 8, 10 (64-bit) | OS: Windows 7, 8, 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor: Intel i5 3570K / AMD FX-8350 | Processor: Intel i7 4770K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 |
| Memory: 8 GB RAM | Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 770 / AMD Radeon R9 280X | Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 / AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 |
| Storage: 30 GB available space | Storage: 30 GB available space |
13. Cyberpunk 2077
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia
- Engine: REDengine 4
- Publisher: CD Projekt
- Mode: Single-player
- Awards: The Game Awards 2020 for Best Role Playing
Set in Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 is a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and human connection. Amidst its futuristic dystopia, you’ll forge relationships with complex characters, and ultimately, face devastating losses. The emotional depth of this game will catch you off guard and leave you misty-eyed.
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action RPG developed by CD Projekt Red. The gameplay features a deep character customization system, branching narrative choices, and a vast, detailed world to explore.
Players take on the role of V, a mercenary seeking a way to immortality in the dystopian metropolis of Night City. The game’s complex characters and emotionally charged storylines provide players with a deeply engaging experience, with relationships and choices that can lead to heartbreak and sorrow.
You have multiple ending outcomes and even before you start the game you are given with three choices: street kids, corpo or nomad. I just started playing the game and i’ve already had a tearful moment.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 or 10 (64-bit) | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor: Intel Core i5-3570K or AMD FX-8310 | Processor: Intel Core i7-4790 or AMD Ryzen 3 3200G |
| Memory: 8 GB RAM | Memory: 12 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 or AMD Radeon RX 470 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon R9 Fury |
| Storage: 70 GB available space | Storage: 70 GB available space |
14. This War of Mine
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
- Engine: Unity
- Publisher: 11 bit studios
- Mode: Single-player
- Awards: Games for Change Awards – Most Significant Impact, Digital Dragons 2015 – Best Polish Game
This War of Mine portrays the harsh reality of war from a civilian’s perspective. As you struggle for survival in a besieged city, you’ll be confronted with gut-wrenching choices. The game’s bleak atmosphere and heartrending narrative will leave you emotionally drained.
This War of Mine is a survival strategy game developed by 11 bit studios. The gameplay focuses on resource management, crafting, and decision-making as players control a group of civilians trying to survive in a war-torn city.
The game presents players with morally challenging choices, forcing them to weigh the lives of their characters against the need for resources and safety. The game’s somber atmosphere and emotionally charged narrative paint a vivid and haunting picture of the realities faced by civilians in times of war.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows XP SP3 (32 bit) / Vista | OS: Windows 7, 8, 10 |
| Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4, AMD Athlon X2 2.8 GHz | Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad 2.7 GHz, AMD Phenom II X4 3 GHz |
| Memory: 2 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: Geforce 9600 GS, Radeon HD4000, Shader Model 3.0, 512 MB | Graphics: GeForce GTX 260, Radeon HD 5770, 1024 MB, Shader Model 3.0 |
| Storage: 5 GB available space | Storage: 5 GB available space |
15. Omori
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch
- Engine: RPG Maker MV
- Publisher: Omocat, PLAYISM
- Mode: Single-player
- Awards: N/A
Omori is a story-driven RPG, following Omori, a boy trapped in a dream world. The game delves into themes of depression, anxiety, and self-acceptance, , making for an emotional and deeply relatable experience. Its bittersweet story and relatable characters will touch your heart and bring you to tears.
Omori is a story-driven RPG developed by Omocat. The gameplay features turn-based combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration in a dreamlike world filled with colorful characters and surreal environments.
Players control Omori, a boy trapped in his own dream world, as he tries to come to terms with his past and confront his inner demons. The game delves into themes of depression, anxiety, and self-acceptance, making for an emotional and deeply relatable experience.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32bit/64bit) | OS: Microsoft Windows 10 (64bit) |
| Processor: Intel N4100 (or similar) or better | Processor: Intel Core i3 or better |
| Memory: 4 GB RAM | Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics: DirectX 9/OpenGL 4.1 capable GPU | Graphics: DirectX 9/OpenGL 4.1 capable GPU |
| Storage: 2 GB available space | Storage: 2 GB available space |
16. Dark Souls (2011)
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch
- Engine: Havok
- Publisher: FromSoftware, Namco Bandai Games
- Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
- Awards: Golden Joystick Award for Best RPG, GameSpot’s Game of the Year 2011
This game doesn’t really go into the theme of the other listed games, but personally, this game made me cry.
Known for its unforgiving difficulty, Dark Souls also offers a somber, cryptic narrative that underscores the futility of the characters’ struggles. You’ll face relentless challenges and witness the tragic fates of those you encounter. The game’s oppressive atmosphere and sense of despair will weigh heavily on your heart, and the constant dying and trying not to give up will test your emotional resilience. If you pass this test, then you can maybe survive this game.
The gameplay features punishing difficulty, deep character customization, and a vast interconnected world to explore. Players control an undead warrior tasked with ringing the Bells of Awakening to fulfill an ancient prophecy.
The game’s cryptic lore and challenging combat create an oppressive atmosphere, while the tragic fates of various characters underscore the somber and futile nature of their struggles. The constant dying and trying not to give up adds to the emotional weight of the game, making for a uniquely challenging and affecting experience.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or newer | OS: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 |
| Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 GHz+ or AMD Phenom II X2 545 3.0 GHz+ | Processor: Intel Core i3 2100 3.10 GHz/AMD A8 3870 3.0 GHz or better |
| Memory: 2 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT, ATI Radeon HD 5870 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750, ATI Radeon HD 6870 or better |
| Storage: 4 GB available space | Storage: 4 GB available space |
FAQs
1. What is the saddest game ever made?
It’s subjective, as different games resonate with different people. However, the games mentioned in this blog post are some of the most emotionally impactful and have left many players in tears, such as “The Last of Us,” “To the Moon,” and “That Dragon, Cancer.”
2. What video game has the saddest death?
There are many games with heart-wrenching character deaths. Some examples from the games mentioned in this blog post include Lee Everett’s death in “The Walking Dead,” the death of John Marston in “Red Dead Redemption,” and the death of Aerith in “Final Fantasy X.”
3. Is it normal and okay to cry over a game?
Absolutely. Games, like any other form of art, are designed to evoke emotions, and crying is a natural response to a moving story or character arc. It’s perfectly normal and healthy to experience strong emotions while playing a game.
4. Are video games good for mental stability?
Video games can have both positive and negative effects on mental health. They can provide relaxation, entertainment, and a way to connect with others. However, excessive gaming or playing games with disturbing content can have negative effects on mental well-being. It’s important to strike a balance and choose games that are suitable for your individual needs.
5. How do game developers create such emotional stories?
Game developers use various tools and techniques to create emotional experiences, including compelling narratives, relatable characters, impactful choices, and evocative music. Many of the games mentioned in this blog post, such as “Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons” and “Ori and the Blind Forest,” are prime examples of emotionally engaging storytelling.
6. Are there any specific moments in these games that are known for making players cry?
Yes, there are several iconic moments in the games listed that have a reputation for making players cry. For example, the final scene in “To the Moon,” the ending of “The Last of Us,” and the farewell between the brothers in “Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons” are all known for their emotional impact.
7. How can I prepare myself emotionally for playing these games?
Going into these games, it’s important to understand that they may evoke strong emotions. Give yourself permission to feel and process these emotions, and don’t be afraid to take breaks if needed. It’s also helpful to discuss your thoughts and feelings with others, either in-person or in online gaming communities, as sharing can help process the emotional experience.
Conclusion
From heart-wrenching tales of love and loss to poignant narratives exploring themes of friendship, sacrifice, and human connection, these games will leave you emotionally drained and teary-eyed.
Experience the power of storytelling through these unforgettable games and let yourself be moved by their poignant, thought-provoking narratives.