10 Guilty Pleasure Games We All Secretly Love

10 Guilty Pleasure Games We All Secretly Love

As someone who’s been around the block more times than I care to remember, I can’t help but appreciate the madness that is wrestling games and Fortnite, two of the most captivating yet somewhat shameful gaming experiences out there.


In every walk of life there are guilty pleasures that we secretly love, but we dare not admit it to a single soul. Whether it’s our undying love for The Vengaboys, or the fact that we unironically watch the Twilight films back-to-back to kick off the autumnal season.

Despite being considered embarrassing, out-of-favor, or simply not good by some people, many video games still manage to capture our hidden affections – a fact that rings true for quite a few of these games.

There are numerous video games available, some of which we might not openly express affection towards when talking to acquaintances.

However, there’s no question about it – our leisure time hides a unique narrative. To give you a peek at what goes on behind the scenes, let me share some games that secretly captivate us, though we might not openly acknowledge it.

10 Powerwash Simulator

Our Dirty Little Secret

10 Guilty Pleasure Games We All Secretly Love

In much the same vein as myself, it’s likely that you too have at least five tasks waiting for your attention right now. However, even with these tasks lingering in the back of our minds, we somehow manage to find ways to procrastinate. Gaming can be an efficient method for achieving this delay.

Instead of engaging in a grand battle in a conflict zone or embarking on an extensive journey that transforms our troubled character, we often find ourselves tackling mundane tasks virtually, which seems oddly anticlimactic.

Many games could’ve been suitable for this discussion, such as “House Flipper”, “Unpacking”, and even the upcoming release, “The Sims”. However, among all, it’s “Powerwash Simulator” that has mysteriously captured our attention the most.

A fitting description would be that it’s similar to a colossal, grubby, adult coloring book, where you can immerse yourself and effortlessly disengage your mind.

It offers a sense of calm, peacefulness, and great fulfillment. On the other hand, it might appear monotonous or challenging to describe its appeal when compared to more exciting tasks like doing last night’s dishes. However, we get it – these tasks simply seem more enjoyable to tackle.

9 Monster Prom

Do They Like You, Or Like-Like You?

10 Guilty Pleasure Games We All Secretly Love

High school can present many opportunities for awkward or cringe-worthy experiences due to the fact that most students are still learning and maturing during this stage of life, making them vulnerable. Additionally, teenagers can sometimes be unkind towards one another.

At this imaginary high school, you’ll encounter a variety of ups and downs in an enjoyable fashion, even experiencing the tumultuous rollercoaster of adolescent love stories.

Monster Prom can be described as a unique dating simulation game. By engaging in conversations with your fellow students and experiencing awkward moments galore, you could potentially secure a date for the grand prom event.

Instead of listing other quirky dating sims like Hatoful Boyfriend and Mr Massagey, we’ve chosen to focus on Monster Prom as it appears to offer a more substantial gaming experience, which could justify any potential criticism that may come with playing it.

The game is rich with smart, humorous exchanges, a diverse array of intriguing, well-developed characters, and user-friendly multiple options that make it suitable for almost everyone to enjoy.

While it might initially appear to be a game for kids, I must admit that it can delve into rather adult themes. This could be the reason why you might prefer to keep your enjoyment of this game under wraps.

8 Genshin Impact

Where’s The Mute Paimon Button?

10 Guilty Pleasure Games We All Secretly Love

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that there are numerous Japanese games similar to the ones we’re discussing, but what stands out as an exceptional representative of this genre is Genshin Impact, developed by Hoyoverse. This game shares many thematic elements with Visual Novel games, and it’s one you likely already know about.

Fundamentally, “Genshin Impact” is an exceptional game that shares similarities with “Breath of the Wild,” but it also boasts distinctive gaming mechanics and narrative elements that allow it to thrive as a distinct entity, rather than being merely considered a duplicate of “Zelda.

To put it simply, I find myself often at a loss when trying to describe this game to those unfamiliar with its unique charm and intricate mechanics. With its abundance of characters dressed in minimal attire, voices that sound youthful, and other distinctive elements, this game can appear somewhat enigmatic to the uninitiated.

My own partner labeled me as a “miscreant” for engaging with it, and guess what? I understand their perspective, but the Gacha system somehow managed to capture my interest and refused to relinquish its grip on me.

7 DmC: Devil May Cry

Baby Face Dante Isn’t For Everyone10 Guilty Pleasure Games We All Secretly Love

As a die-hard fan, I’d have to admit that the Devil May Cry series has never shied away from its flamboyant side. Yet, what sets it apart is its ability to blend this campiness with raw arcade action and tales of demonic battles, preventing it from veering too far into the realm of tacky entertainment.

On the other hand, numerous enthusiasts found the soft reboot to be crossing a boundary and appeared to upset those who cherished an unquestionably tough persona of Dante, which they had grown up admiring.

This modern portrayal of the character occasionally resembled a Marvel film’s style, but unfortunately, it wasn’t well executed. The plot, as a whole, falls short and could use significant improvement.

In other words, this game is enjoyed by quite a few people in secret due to its accessibility compared to the original DMC series, as it requires less skill to excel at it.

I’ve got to say, even though it’s not a brand-new sequel, the game still packs a punch in terms of production quality. The classic arcade vibe is definitely there, but they’ve managed to move things forward without relying too heavily on past victories – it’s like they’ve taken the best bits and given them a fresh spin!

Is it sometimes overwhelming? Indeed, but make no mistake, it’s an outstanding entry in the DMC (Devil May Cry) series, especially for those who have long wondered about this captivating franchise.

Just avoid the hardcore DMC fans in the chat, or they might have some choice words for you.

6 The Sims

Dance My Little Playthings

10 Guilty Pleasure Games We All Secretly Love

Games offer a chance for temporary escape from reality. They provide an opportunity to experience lives different from our own, even if it’s just for a short while, until real-life obligations once again demand attention.

It might seem peculiar that a game like The Sims, which allows players to mimic the everyday lives of ordinary people, has gained such widespread popularity.

In this game, you’ll construct a house, secure employment, nurture a family, and tackle tasks typically left undone at home. However, it’s hard to resist the charm of living vicariously and acting as a divine figure.

In other words, whether you’re dealing with a familiar example like removing a ladder from a swimming pool, or simply working towards an honest and successful life, there’s no shortage of activities in this open-ended simulation game.

However, should you attempt to discuss it with others, they could potentially find it a tad melancholic. In fact, given the circumstances, one can understand why they might react that way.

5 Deadly Premonition

B-Movie Brilliance

10 Guilty Pleasure Games We All Secretly Love

Certain games can become enjoyable despite their flaws, earning the title of ‘guilty pleasures’. This is often due to their over-the-top cheesiness, or by tapping into the unsettling yet compelling feeling evoked by elements within the Uncanny Valley.

Indeed, I’d contend that the mystery game Deadly Premonition fits each of these criteria quite well, given its resemblance to the enigmatic world of Twin Peaks.

The game skillfully balances being a well-crafted detective game with frightening aspects, while also serving as a bizarre virtual lifestyle experience where you must maintain cleanliness and regularly interact with your coffee mug as if it were alive.

If you appreciate the absurdity of the “Silent Hill” dog ending, then “Deadly Premonition” seems to be an entire game that emanates such a peculiar ambiance. Consequently, it becomes a hard-to-resist guilty pleasure for many who have ventured into Greenvale.

4 Saints Row

3rd Street Saints Represent

10 Guilty Pleasure Games We All Secretly Love

To be fair, one might contend that the inspiration for Saint’s Row was Grand Theft Auto. However, considering its global acclaim, biting satire, and raw moments, it’s possible that Grand Theft Auto manages to steer clear of being compared too closely due to these distinctive elements.

Since moving away from its original gritty gangster themes towards a more absurd and humorous approach in later games, the Saints Row series is now commonly associated with awkward hilarity.

Saints Row is similar to a beloved show that unfortunately took an unexpected turn with a bizarre plot twist. However, instead of trying to hide this change, the franchise embraces it wholeheartedly. This results in over-the-top, comical action sequences, absurd storylines, and even weaponry resembling phallic symbols, among many other things.

As I dive into this game, it feels like an exhilarating fusion of an ’80s action flick, a quirky Japanese variety show, a timeless cartoon adventure, and a gritty crime drama – all mashed up together. It might not be the most sophisticated game out there, but boy, does it serve up a thrilling mix of excitement-packed moments and over-the-top action that keeps me coming back for more!

3 WWE 2K24

It Doesn’t Matter What They Think!

10 Guilty Pleasure Games We All Secretly Love

In both digital and physical wrestling scenarios, a fair share of opportunities for awkward moments or blunders exists.

The spectacle is undeniable, featuring men adorned in tights and heavily applied makeup. The plotlines are often clumsy, reminiscent of daytime dramas. And let’s not forget the theatrics that unfold within the ring. Just like soap operas, it’s hard to resist getting engrossed in the chaos.

It’s accurate to say that wrestling video games offer an immersive experience where you can participate, execute iconic moves, communicate through the microphone, and essentially embody a WWE champion. While it might sound absurd to most non-wrestling enthusiasts, these games provide immense fun for those who are willing to immerse themselves in the action.

Frankly speaking, the wrestling games under the 2K brand haven’t always been consistent in their success. However, when they succeed, they truly excel. They might seem a bit cheesy, but one cannot ignore the fact that they offer top-notch entertainment.

And that’s the bottom line, because Stone Cold said so!

2 Fortnite

Where We Dropping?

10 Guilty Pleasure Games We All Secretly Love

Considering the fact that many of today’s top-performing, enjoyable, and financially prosperous video games are numerous, it might seem audacious to include one on this list. However, upon closer examination, when we remove the striking graphics, the diverse game modes, and the genuinely entertaining gameplay, it still warrants a spot.

Admit it, except for young students boasting about their latest ‘Victory Royale’ to their peers, there’s often a hint of embarrassment in confessing that you spend time playing Fortnite.

One possible explanation might be that the game (Fortnite) targets a younger audience, or maybe it’s due to the popular Fornite dances which frequently show up unexpectedly on platforms like TikTok.

However, there’s no denying that Fortnite is an enjoyable, well-crafted, and continually improving game. Yet, it might not be something you feel compelled to declare your deep affection for in public.

1 Kingdom Hearts

I Guess You Could Say it’s A Little Goofy

10 Guilty Pleasure Games We All Secretly Love

There is a time and a place for cheesiness in media. It works brilliantly in Rom-Coms and can make reality TV dating shows infinitely watchable. But it’s not something you would expect to be pumped into an action-packed and dynamic video game.

However, it’s worth noting that JRPGs typically buck the trend. Instead of relying on raw combat power, these games often focus on utilizing the bond of friendship to battle against evil or common tropes like darkness.

If you blend a rather cheesy narrative style with sprinkles of well-known Disney figures, you might just create the long-lasting, incredibly popular Role Playing Game (RPG), known as Kingdom Hearts.

It’s astonishing that this franchise resonates across a wide range of age groups, even though it originated from movies typically enjoyed by kids. Remarkably, its narrative emphasizes the importance of inner light and heartfelt power.

Whenever I discuss the adventures of Sora, Donald, and Goofy from one of my favorite long-standing series, it doesn’t shock me when others appear puzzled. This is a familiar response for me.

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2024-10-18 17:09