In a world where video games have become a powerful medium for storytelling, a growing number of titles explore the depths of human emotion, tugging at our heartstrings with powerful narratives that resonate deeply. Prepare to embark on a journey through ten of the most heart-wrenching video games that will, without a doubt, bring tears to your eyes in 2024.
As you read on, you’ll discover a diverse selection of games, each with its unique charm and ability to evoke intense emotions. From thought-provoking indie gems to groundbreaking AAA titles, these games explore a wide range of poignant themes—loss, grief, resilience, and the human condition itself.
With each title, you’ll find yourself immersed in rich, complex worlds and characters that will leave a lasting impression on your heart. So get ready, dear reader, to experience a rollercoaster of emotions, as we guide you through these 10 unforgettable, tear-jerking video games.
10. To the Moon
- Release Date: November 1, 2011
- Available Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch
- Publisher: Freebird Games
To the Moon is an indie adventure RPG that tells the poignant story of two doctors who travel through a dying man’s memories to fulfill his final wish. The game’s heart-wrenching narrative, charming pixel art, and evocative soundtrack create an unforgettable experience that will leave players in tears.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 | OS: Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit) |
| Processor: Intel Pentium III 800 MHz or equivalent | Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent |
| Memory: 1 GB RAM | Memory: 2 GB RAM |
| Graphics: 1024×768 High Color + (16-bit) | Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compatible video card with 512 MB of VRAM |
| Storage: 100 MB available space | Storage: 100 MB available space |
9. Gris
- Release Date: December 13, 2018
- Available Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, iOS
- Publisher: Devolver Digital
Gris is a visually stunning platformer that tells the story of a young girl named Gris, who is navigating a world of sorrow and loss. The game’s art style, inspired by watercolor paintings, and its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack create a deeply emotional atmosphere. Players will be touched by Gris’s journey of self-discovery and her resilience in the face of adversity.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 (64-bit) | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 or equivalent | Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent |
| Memory: 4 GB RAM | Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics: GeForce GTX 650 or equivalent | Graphics: GeForce GTX 970 or equivalent |
| Storage: 4 GB available space | Storage: 4 GB available space |
8. Always Sometimes Monsters
- Release Date: May 21, 2014
- Available Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
- Publisher: Devolver Digital
Always Sometimes Monsters is a choice-driven RPG that explores the human condition through the lens of an aspiring writer struggling to find success and happiness. The game features a diverse cast of characters, each with its own unique story, and forces players to make difficult decisions that will shape their destiny. The game’s narrative is a powerful commentary on love, loss, and the consequences of our actions.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows XP (32-bit) | OS: Windows 7 or later (64-bit) |
| Processor: Intel Pentium 4 2.0 GHz or equivalent | Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent |
| Memory: 2 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compatible video card with 256 MB of VRAM | Graphics: DirectX 10 compatible video card with 512 MB of VRAM |
| Storage: 500 MB available space | Storage: 500 MB available space |
7. Shadow Of The Colossus
- Release Date: October 18, 2005 (original), February 6, 2018 (remastered)
- Available Platforms: PlayStation 2 (original), PlayStation 3 (remaster), PlayStation 4 (remake)
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Shadow of the Colossus is an action-adventure game that tells the story of Wander, a young man on a quest to revive a girl named Mono by defeating sixteen colossal beings known as Colossi. The game’s stunning visuals, haunting soundtrack, and poignant story make it an unforgettable experience, evoking a deep sense of melancholy and wonder.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: PlayStation 2 | OS: PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 |
| Processor: N/A (console game) | Processor: N/A (console game) |
| Memory: N/A (console game) | Memory: N/A (console game) |
| Graphics: N/A (console game) | Graphics: N/A (console game) |
| Storage: 4 GB available space | Storage: 4 GB available space |
6. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
- Release Date: August 8, 2017
- Available Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Publisher: Ninja Theory
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is an action-adventure game that follows Senua, a Celtic warrior suffering from psychosis, on her quest to save the soul of her dead lover. The game masterfully portrays the challenges faced by those struggling with mental illness and provides a thought-provoking, emotional experience for the player.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 (64-bit) | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent | Processor: Intel Core i7 or equivalent |
| Memory: 8 GB RAM | Memory: 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 or equivalent | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 or equivalent |
| Storage: 30 GB available space | Storage: 30 GB available space |
5. Gone Home
- Release Date: August 15, 2013
- Available Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS
- Publisher: The Fullbright Company
In my opinion, this game should be way higher on this list because of storytelling that is offering an engaging, non-linear narrative that unfolds through exploration and environmental cues, and an immersive atmosphere is achieved through its detailed environment and ambient sound design. But as we take into consideration reviews and critics it ended up in place number 5.
Gone Home is a first-person exploration game that allows players to uncover the story of a family through the artifacts left behind in their abandoned home. The game delves into themes of identity, relationships, and acceptance, providing an emotionally impactful experience that will stay with players long after they’ve finished playing.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 (32 or 64-bit) | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz | Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent |
| Memory: 2 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compatible video card with 512 MB of VRAM | Graphics: DirectX 11 compatible video card with 1 GB of VRAM |
| Storage: 2 GB available space | Storage: 2 GB available space |
4. What Remains Of Edith Finch
- Release Date: April 25, 2017
- Available Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
What Remains of Edith Finch is a compelling narrative-driven adventure game that follows Edith Finch as she explores her family’s mysterious past. Players discover the tragic stories of the Finch family members through a series of beautifully crafted vignettes. The game explores themes of loss, grief, and the inevitability of death.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 (64-bit) | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor: Intel i3 2125 3.30 GHz or later | Processor: Intel i7 7700 3.60 GHz or later |
| Memory: 2 GB RAM | Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics: GeForce GTX 750 or equivalent | Graphics: GeForce GTX 1060 or equivalent |
| Storage: 5 GB available space | Storage: 5 GB available space |
3. The Last Of Us
- Release Date: June 14, 2013
- Available Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 (remastered)
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game that follows the journey of Joel and Ellie, two survivors in a world devastated by a fungal infection. The game excels in its storytelling, beautifully capturing the bond between the characters and their struggle to survive. Its emotional depth and stunning visuals make it a must-play.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: PlayStation 3 | OS: PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 |
| Processor: N/A (console game) | Processor: N/A (console game) |
| Memory: N/A (console game) | Memory: N/A (console game) |
| Graphics: N/A (console game) | Graphics: N/A (console game) |
| Storage: 27 GB available space | Storage: 27 GB available space |
2. Omori
- Release Date: December 25, 2020
- Available Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, Nintendo Switch
- Publisher: OMOCAT, LLC
Omori is a surreal, psychological horror game that delves into themes of mental health, loneliness, and friendship. The protagonist, Omori, navigates through a dream world filled with disturbing imagery and complex emotions, revealing his deepest fears and struggles. This game offers a unique experience, leaving a lasting impact on the player.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 (32 or 64-bit) | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent | Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent |
| Memory: 2 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compatible video card | Graphics: DirectX 10 compatible video card |
| Storage: 6 GB available space | Storage: 6 GB available space |
1. That Dragon, Cancer
- Release Date: January 12, 2016
- Available Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Ouya
- Publisher: Numinous Games
That Dragon, Cancer is a heart-wrenching journey of a family fighting cancer. It tells the true story of Joel Green, a young boy diagnosed with terminal cancer, and his parents’ struggles to cope with the devastating news. This point-and-click adventure explores themes of hope, love, and grief, ultimately capturing the heart of its audience.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 (32 or 64-bit) | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8GHz | Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent |
| Memory: 2 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 or equivalent |
| Storage: 3 GB available space | Storage: 3 GB available space |
FAQ
1. Why are these games considered sad?
These games are considered sad due to their emotionally impactful narratives, which often involve themes of loss, grief, and personal struggle. The developers have carefully crafted these stories to evoke deep emotions in players, often leaving them in tears.
2. Do I need a powerful computer to play these games?
System requirements for each game vary. Some games, like Gris and To the Moon, have relatively low system requirements, while others, such as Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and Shadow of the Colossus, demand more robust hardware. Please check the “System Requirements” table for each game to determine if your computer can run the game.
3. Are these games suitable for all ages?
Some of these games deal with mature themes and may not be suitable for younger audiences. We recommend checking the ESRB rating or PEGI age rating for each game to determine if it is appropriate for your age group.
4. Can I play these games with a controller or keyboard and mouse?
Most of these games offer support for both controllers and keyboard/mouse input, but it’s always best to check the specific input options for each game before purchasing. Some games, like To the Moon, are designed primarily for keyboard/mouse input, while others may have more comprehensive controller support.
5. How long does it take to complete each game?
The completion time for each game varies. Some titles, like Gone Home and What Remains of Edith Finch, can be completed in just a few hours, while others, such as The Last of Us and Shadow of the Colossus, may take upwards of 10-20 hours to complete. Players looking to fully explore and uncover all secrets in these games may spend even more time in their immersive worlds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these ten masterpieces of storytelling showcase the remarkable potential of video games as a medium for conveying profound, emotionally charged narratives. As you venture through the intricate tapestry of each game’s storyline, be prepared to encounter an array of deeply moving moments that are sure to linger in your thoughts long after you’ve put down the controller.
From the heart-wrenching struggles of beloved characters to the evocative artistry that breathes life into these virtual worlds, these games offer far more than just entertainment—they provide a space for introspection, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
In the end, if you’re a gaming enthusiast who enjoyed this emotional journey through this article, don’t miss out on our other captivating blog post where we delve into the exhilarating world of no-cost web-based automobile gaming!
So, dear reader, brace yourself for an unforgettable journey filled with emotional highs and lows. Uncover the stories that lie hidden within these games, and allow yourself to be touched by the melancholic beauty they so skillfully portray. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer seeking an unparalleled narrative experience, these ten titles promise a voyage that will leave your heart aching and your eyes brimming with tears.
Happy gaming!
