12 Most Interesting Games About Death and Dying
Death always seems puzzling, but different cultures approach it very differently. This selection of games brings you the titles themed around death, that treat it in the most interesting and valuable way.
Table of Contents
- 12 Most Interesting Games About Death and Dying
- Death Stranding
- The Binding of Isaac
- Grim Fandango
- The Cat Lady
- 8Doors: Arum's Afterlife Adventure
- Child of Light
- Spiritfarer
- What Remains of Edith Finch
- That Dragon, Cancer
- Planescape: Torment
- To the Moon
The Binding of Isaac
- Genre: roguelike with elements of horror
- Is the main character dead: probably
- Are they death itself, or do they wield its power: no
With almost thirty endings to the game, this story can really be interpreted in many ways. According to some interpretations, Isaac is alive, and the game doesn't focus on death at all. According to the last, most canonical, finale, the protagonist is dead almost from the very beginning. The game, on the other hand, is about coming to terms with own death and forgiving those who indirectly led to it.
There are many biblical references here – the creators most often refer to the Christian Old Testament vision of the afterlife. There isn't much in the way of joy here, except for the self-mockery and fecal jokes.
Isaac has to deal with everyone – himself, his parents, the demons of the past, his own death, and finally God himself. Nobody is waiting for him with open arms. He has to earn his own peace with a symbolic struggle. The game talks a lot about death, but it's rarely uplifting. In the area dominated by colorful, positive stories, The Binding of Isaac is a gripping and original experience that's definitely worth your time if you need something different.
Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon is, I won't hide, one of my favorite games. Why has it ended up in a frame? After all, it's full of death! Mainly because over time the player learns to approach other heroes as raw materials. The game talks a lot about the nature of evil, but not so much about dealing with death.
