Understanding humor is a perplexing challenge—it’s more of an art than a science. Researchers continue to explore the triggers that incite laughter among humans. Nonetheless, it is clear that humor manifests in a plethora of styles, ranging from the sophisticated to the decidedly crude.
Dark humor, inappropriate jokes, and irreverent comedy have coexisted with laughter for centuries. When couched in the right context, even the most taboo subjects can inspire fits of laughter. This tendency extends to video games, where outrageous behavior—including absurd violence and suggestive scenarios—can elicit humor.
In the gaming universe, numerous titles boldly embrace this form of humor, and while many exist, the following games stand out as our top picks for their crass comedy.
10 Conker’s Bad Fur Day
Where Getting Sloshed Takes You
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, platformers featuring cartoon mascots offered wholesome entertainment, a stark contrast to the violence of games like Mortal Kombat. However, Conker’s Bad Fur Day introduces a decidedly naughty twist: the titular squirrel finds himself on a drunken, chaotic adventure. From gunning down wasps to explosive antics involving cheese, every moment is rife with absurdity and irreverence.
Things take a darker turn reminiscent of Saving Private Ryan during a war section, where Conker’s attempts to rescue a soldier lead to gruesome, yet cartoonishly portrayed outcomes. Despite the grim scenarios, the overall tone remains lighthearted and humorously absurd.
9 South Park: The Stick of Truth
A Classic Example of Crass Humor
Since its inception in 1997, South Park has been synonymous with pushing boundaries in humor, notorious for its unfiltered, rude comedy. This transgressive style culminates in the groundbreaking game, South Park: The Stick of Truth.
In this game, you embody the New Kid who finds themselves caught in a ludicrous fantasy battle among the town’s children. While it may sound harmless, prepare for an array of outrageous, M-rated scenarios, including battles against underpants gnomes and confrontations with surreal enemies.
For instance, one of the game’s standout bosses is an aborted fetus turned Nazi zombie, complete with quotes from Adolf Hitler, and upon defeating it, players have the option to fart on its corpse to earn an achievement aptly named “Too Far.”
8 Postal 2
We’ve All Had Days Like That
The phrase “going postal” echoes a dark chapter of incidents involving postal workers from the 1980s and 90s. While the real-life implications are grave, Postal 2 plays off this concept to deliver an over-the-top, politically incorrect experience. What seems like a mundane list of everyday chores spirals into a comedic maelstrom of violence and chaos.
From the ability to unzip and urinate on your foes to encountering volatile characters like Gary Coleman, who lends both his voice and likeness, Postal 2 is infamous for its outrageousness and dark humor.
7 The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
Absurdity in Darkness
The concept of “dead baby jokes” is widely recognized; they tread a provocatively funny line that often sparks laughter precisely because they shouldn’t. This essence resonates within The Binding of Isaac, setting the narrative of a child fleeing from his dangerous mother through grotesque, demon-filled landscapes.
The game is replete with excremental humor, which, when contextualized with Isaac’s squalid living conditions, adds to the ironic comedy of the situation.
6 Borderlands 2
A Planet Full of Misfits
Borderlands 2 amplifies the absurd humor established in its predecessor, showcasing the chaotic and savage environment of Pandora. The introduction of Handsome Jack, a villain with a penchant for mockery and violence, enriches the comedic landscape of the game.
Interactions with Jack often involve sarcastic banter and darkly humorous quests, such as encouraging players to act against their own interests for a laugh. Additionally, comically psychotic quests—including the infamous Face McShooty—bring a wild flair to the gameplay.
5 Dead Rising 2
Duct Tape: For Every Situation
Zombie apocalypses often serve as poignant backdrops for deep narratives, yet they also lend themselves to uninhibited comedic potential. In Dead Rising 2, players are treated to a tongue-in-cheek approach where chaotic antics take precedence over genuine horror.
The introduction of wacky combo weapons turns zombie slaying into a spectacular performance rather than a desperate fight for survival. The humorous nature of the game is further exemplified by Chuck Greene’s participation in a game show emphasizing creative zombie destruction.
4 Destroy All Humans!
Intergalactic Misadventures
Destroy All Humans! cleverly parodies the alien invasion genre, leveraging Cold War-era stereotypes to develop its humor.The protagonist, Cryptosporidium-137, goes on a rampage against humanity with all manner of extraterrestrial weaponry, exposing the absurdity of the alien narrative.
As players execute over-the-top antics, the exaggerated caricatures of humans serve to magnify the satire, making the game a rich source of humorous commentary on the era’s paranoia.
3 Monster Prom
Dare to Be Different
In an environment like high school—where individuals come into their own—Monster Prom escalates the stereotypes of teenage experience to ludicrous extremes. You engage in absurdly dangerous social situations to win prom dates from a diverse cast of monsters.
Choices in the game range from comically reckless to wildly unorthodox, including encouraging absurd acts of violence and outlandish behavior. Even amidst the chaos, players will find fun in the darkly comedic direction the game takes.
2 Cult of the Lamb
Cultivate Relationships in a Dark Setting
Exploring the dynamics of cults, Cult of the Lamb invites players to lead their followers in a quirky, if not absurdly dark manner. Players are confronted with bizarre requests, including outright ludicrous ones like feeding followers a bowl of feces.
With numerous cultists to guide, the game allows for a range of ethically dubious choices, whether establishing brutal punishments or organizing gladiatorial contests among followers. This morbid humor serves as a unique feature of the gameplay.
1 Another Crab’s Treasure
A World Overrun by Plastic
Amidst the escalating crisis of plastic pollution, Another Crab’s Treasure portrays a world submerged in refuse, where sea creatures have learned to cope with and even celebrate their toxic surroundings.Despite the perils of plastic waste, the game presents a surreal interpretation that invokes laughter through cynicism.
A standout moment occurs when Kril, the protagonist, embarks on an adventure to discover a treasure with friends. Upon finding a trove of cash, it is rendered useless as mere paper amidst a sea of trash, cleverly illustrating the irony of wasteful consumption.
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