Games Guaranteed to Make You Cry

As a gaming enthusiast and a sensitive soul, I can attest that these games have left quite an impact on me. They’ve made me laugh, cry, and even question my own mortality. Each one of them tells a unique story, each with its own set of emotions that resonate deeply.

Have you ever found yourself so deeply touched by a video game experience that tears just seemed to flow naturally? With advancements in interactive storytelling within the gaming industry, developers increasingly aim to stir profound emotions among players.

As a devoted gamer, I can’t help but be moved by video games that weave captivating tales of redemption, often achieved through selfless acts or profound storylines that twist the emotions. These masterpieces have a remarkable knack for reaching deep into my heart.

If you’re seeking emotional release or just want to savor a poignant tale, the selections on this list are sure to make you grab tissues as you shed some tears.

As you might expect, this article has a bunch of spoilers for all games included.

10 Red Dead Redemption 2

End of An Era

It’s not too far-fetched to label “Red Dead Redemption 2” as one of the finest open-world games ever created. A significant portion of its greatness stems from the exceptional storyline that Rockstar presents, depicting the transition of the Wild West into civilization and the fading cowboy era.

Mostly, the game offers numerous exciting and dramatic scenes, along with some surprising and touching instances. The Dutch Van Der Linde gang is made up of diverse personalities, many of whom meet tragic fates. However, the fate of one character stands out as crucial above all others: Arthur Morgan.

There’s no need to hold back the emotions as you say farewell to Arthur’s tale, witnessing the sunset while grappling with his injuries. The intricate and awe-inspiring journey of Arthur Morgan will undoubtedly make him one of the most profoundly complex yet inspiring characters in video game lore.

9 Life is Strange

Friendship and Sacrifice

In an episodic format, you’ll navigate through the game “Life is Strange,” where you control Max, a character who possesses time-traveling skills. The story skillfully intertwines the challenges of adolescence with Max’s extraordinary powers, which can have severe repercussions in the town of Arcadia Bay.

Fundamentally, the essence of the narrative revolves around the decisions you take, which significantly influence Max and have a profound impact on her long-lost friend Chloe’s connection. As you witness them draw nearer, and construct an indestructible bond through their mutual sharing of past wounds and hidden truths.

Despite acknowledging this predicament, the title cleverly extracts the heart-wrenching tension. At the peak of emotional intensity in the game, you’re faced with a decisive moment: whether to safeguard the town and all its people, or prioritize your dearest friend.

Regardless of the choice you’re compelled to make, it will bring deep emotional turmoil. After the final scenes, you may find yourself pondering the essence of the sacrifices made in pursuit of a higher cause.

8 Spiritfarer

Guiding Lost Souls

At first sight, Spiritfarer captivates with its adorable visuals and comforting atmosphere, yet it subtly guides you through an emotional voyage in the afterlife. This distinctive management game delicately addresses weighty themes like dealing with loss and grief, offering a compassionate and nurturing approach.

On your vessel, you welcome and care for those who have strayed, fostering connections through shared meals, creative endeavors, and meaningful dialogues. Your role is to locate these souls, assist them in navigating their feelings, and ultimately escort them towards their next journey.

Without a doubt, when every spirit passes through the Everdoor, emotions will run high. This tale serves as a healing balm for those grappling with death and loss, while simultaneously encouraging profound contemplation on the significance of building connections.

Following your experience with the game “Spiritfarer“, you may find yourself cherishing the people in your own life even more. Therefore, don’t shy away from fostering connections with your dear ones and giving them warm embraces, just like Stella does.

7 FireWatch

Isolated in the Wilderness

Speaking of Firewatch, it’s often associated with its stunning graphics and top-notch voice performance. However, beyond the accolades, this indie game offers a poignant, melancholic adventure that leaves players yearning for more – in a positive sense.

In the vast wilderness of Wyoming, you take on the role of Henry, seeking solitude by working at a fire lookout tower following personal hardships. During your isolation, you communicate with a woman named Delilah via a portable radio, as she remains your sole companion.

As the tale unfolds, you find yourself cheering for Henry, who becomes increasingly honest about his past and expresses his hidden feelings. Yet, a questionable theory about a conspiracy starts to take shape in his mind as mysterious hints surface within the forest, leading him down an obsessive path.

Although unraveling the mystery might occur, a sense of tranquility won’t follow. Instead, you may find yourself grappling with a profound sense of disillusionment and compassion for another’s distress. After the game concludes, it becomes clear that happy endings aren’t frequently encountered in reality, and at times, it’s acceptable to feel unfulfilled.

6 The Walking Dead

Surviving in a Bleak World

If you’ve completed Telltale’s The Walking Dead even a single time, you’ll grasp why it earned its place on the list. The Walking Dead offers instances that can shatter your heart and challenge your moral compass.

The heart of this game lies in the profound bond between Lee Everett and Clementine, a connection that pulls you in, making you deeply care for their outcomes. As you strive to safeguard the lives of those within your group from mindless zombies who don’t recognize feelings or connections, you’ll face the harsh reality that not everyone can be rescued.

The conclusion, though sad, is unavoidable; it will make you cry and feel deeply saddened by the profound grief you’ll have experienced.

My advice: Grab some tissues because blubbering like a babu is inevitable.

5 Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

Brotherhood Demands Sacrifice

In Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, emotions are conveyed through the characters’ gestures and facial expressions instead of using actual dialogue. This game stands out by combining an intriguing puzzle mechanic with a heartfelt narrative about two brothers who set off on a journey to find a cure for their ailing father.

In this captivating role-playing game, the storyline unfolds within a mystical realm reminiscent of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” offering players an opportunity to manage not one but two heroic siblings concurrently.

As you find yourself feeling sympathetic towards these two youngsters, it becomes clear that they are battling a tremendous hardship, striving solely to ensure their father receives proper medical care.

With every enigma I unravel, I feel a deeper connection with both Naia and Naiee, strengthening the bond between us brothers.

Nevertheless, calamity occurs, forcing a difficult decision in the final analysis. The voyage transforms into a tale of woe, reaching its climax with a heart-wrenching moment that sticks in the memory of those sympathetic towards the siblings, lingering long after the closing credits.

4 The Last of Us Part 1

Protecting your Loved Ones

In a straightforward and engaging manner, Naughty Dog significantly elevated their narrative depth in the game titled “The Last of Us“. Throughout its entire duration, it never slows down or falters.

As a gamer, I must say this game’s title hits me right in the feels every time. It effortlessly stirs up emotions like happiness, sorrow, revulsion, surprise, and more. But what really gets me is how deeply it resonates with my emotions.

The heartrending opening scene that reduces a father to tears as he calls out for his daughter moves you to tears too. It follows the story of Joel and Ellie traversing a post-apocalyptic America overrun by zombies. As you witness Joel’s rekindled bond with Ellie, you find yourself cheering them on in their journey.

In Naughty Dog’s masterpiece, numerous scenes will reduce you to ruins, compelling you to grapple with the terrors of endurance in a world where compassion seems scarce. Upon completing this journey, you’ll find yourself transformed following the moving account of just how far one might go to safeguard their loved ones.

3 Before Your Eyes

Blink, and You’ll Miss

In the game “Before Your Eyes,” the saying “Blink and you’ll miss it” is cleverly employed. In this context, each blink causes time to progress rapidly, compelling you to keep moving forward.

The story unfolds from the perspective of a character, who is a patient, reminiscing about their life experiences as they are guided back by a figure known as The Ferryman.

The game’s use of eye-tracking isn’t just a flimsy gimmick but an ingenious feature that leaves you desperately wanting to cling to the moment. That is right up until you blink, and the scene is gone.

The narrative unfolds based on the paths you choose during critical junctures of your lifespan, from the blissful times of your youth to the challenging dilemmas encountered in maturity. It’s an ongoing struggle to pick the correct course of action.

The title serves as a poignant reminder of our inevitable end, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life. It moved me deeply, stirring strong emotions within me, making my eyes well up with tears – a combination of trying not to miss even a moment and the raw emotion it evoked.

2 What Remains of Edith Finch

A Dark Intimate Look at A Family’s Life

Experiencing ‘What Remains of Edith Finch’ isn’t a light task, despite its compact duration. The game tackles delicate subjects like death and grief, and it doesn’t mince words when portraying life’s most poignant sorrows.

The narrative unfolds around a family who, unfortunately, suffer untimely demises in various ways. It’s widely speculated that this family may be under some sort of curse due to their early and tragic passings.

You observe how their demises get chronicled and transformed into legendary accounts through mementos, symbolizing the way they departed from this world.

Despite the grim tone suggested by the description, the creators brilliantly depicted each character’s tale within captivating visual settings. The narrative hooks you with its innovative storytelling approach and subtle, impactful clues about the characters’ ends, which are both intriguing and powerful.

Every individual tale within the family is emotional and hard to accept, particularly one centered around an infant, yet it’s crucial to experience them all for the cohesion of the story. As you proceed, anticipate shedding many tears, but remember to also appreciate its stunning aspects.

1 That Dragon, Cancer

A Family’s Pain

No parent should have to deal with the thought of losing their child, but life isn’t fair, and cancer is a terrifying disease. That Dragon, Cancer is an autobiographical tale of Ryan and Amy Green that shows you the heart-wrenching story of their young son Joel’s battle with cancer.

As I delve into this captivating game, it weaves together actual moments from harrowing experiences and transforms them into a hauntingly beautiful dreamscape, making for an intensely moving voyage that leaves me emotionally spent.

Witnessing the genuine emotions of this family’s happy and sad moments, presented simply, can be a powerful experience that leaves one overwhelmed.

Video games like “That, Dragon Cancer” offer a powerful testament to their emotional impact. They can make you cry despite your best efforts, leaving you feeling powerless at moments when you share in the family’s despair as they face seemingly impossible odds.

The Green Family offers an immersive gaming experience that elevates the platform to a form expressing elegant and moving artistry. Be aware that it may resonate deeply with individuals familiar with the illness it portrays, so approach with sensitivity.

2024-11-09 17:09